To the Editor:
I would like to write about the planned showing of Fahrenheit 9/11. It has come to my attention that the RPI College Republicans are unhappy with this film being shown by UPAC Cinema. I understand their reasons for not wanting this film to be shown, as this film will fund a political organization. I am not an intensely liberal Democrat, however I do believe in the freedom of speech and media.
I am also a freshmen at RPI, and one of the things I look forward to more than anything else is trying something new. I have met many other freshmen on campus that do not care about politics or anything to do with the United States government. I want them to get involved with the nation that they live in, so I have encouraged them to go to both the RPI College Republicans and the RPI College Democrats meetings.
This movie is just another way to explore one’s own opinions. It is a movie, not a secret advertising scheme. It is not going to brainwash anyone into thinking a certain way or to vote for a specific candidate in the presidential election. In fact, if anyone does change their opinons and morale because of one film, they’re lost beyond help.
Fahrenheit 9/11 is an expression of what the filmmaker thought. It’s another biased film made for young intellectuals like college students to watch, sit back, think about, and discuss. I have not seen this film, but it certainly has caused quite an uproar in the general media. RPI students aren’t forced to go watch it, and I have to pay $2.50 to go see it. Being a very poor college student, this shows that only people who want to be exposed to these ideas will be.
It’s bizarre to think such a controversial film would be barred from a college campus. What’s next? A film advocating gay marriage will be barred because it sways toward one party more than the other? UPAC is a means for entertainment—something to do on a Saturday night.
Bo Li
BIOL ’07
