Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 00:39:13 -0800 From: Jeff Chan To: San Jose Mercury News Subject: Glorifying mass murderers Dear Editor, Does anyone else wonder if celebrating mass murderers in film and on television has any effect on attitudes toward real world crimes like the murder of Xiana Fairchild? Am I the only one who is chilled that the Mercury News' front page covers that despicable crime while the same issue's "Entertainment" section headlines a movie sequel about America's favorite mass murderer Hannibal Lecter? Those who study such issues say that such entertainment has no effect on ordinary people, but what about those who are on the fringes of mental stability? Other recent headlines make it clear that such people are among us. I am a strong proponent of free speech, but I also believe that freedoms come with responsibilities. While I support the right of the entertainment industry to produce whatever they wish, I would urge them to display some common sense and common decency in what they create. Glorifying murder and cheapening the value of human life for fun and profit may have serious consequences. -- Jeff Chan http://www.jeffchan.com/