Community response of new ubuntu artwork

[John]

Karsten Fischer wrote:

>>- especially the login-screen shows people clothed like I see them on the street around here (in summer, that is. if I am
>> at all angry about this it is because the screen reminds me of the
>> nearing winter around here. I envy this guy...) 

I have not seen the images; it's a while since I updated or read email,, 
having more important fish to fry.

People here have stated that they would be embarrassed to show the 
images under some circumnstances - that seems to me a pretty fair 
warning that they should be avoided in a product that seeks to be 
universally popular.

Don't forget that pig decorations are likely to offend a great number of 
people who regard pigs as unclean.


Some may recall a pair of ducks Flying United, maybe have enjoured the 
poster, but hesitate to put the image on the corporate desktop.

I am presenting these ideas, not for comparison with artwork that I've 
not seen, but to try to make the point that what seems innocent or 
humourous to some will offend others.



> 
> :) You could put me on THAT list as well...
> 
> Now, seriously, after reading every mail still available in this thread
> I'd like to point out two observations:
> 
> 
>         1.    I can hardly see somebody who actually is offended by the
>         artwork. Most seem to state that there might be others who might
>         be offended. There is even a term in my language which describes
>         this kind of behaviour: 'vorauseilender Gehorsam', which is best
>         translated as: 'premature obedience', no offence meant. Alas, I
>         might not be able to understand those who state that they are
>         indeed offended by the pictures, I am really sorry. But in some
>         of the posts i read '...if they had some clothes on...': What
>         are you think they are wearing? Toothpaste (sorry if that may
>         sound offensive, but did you ever happen to be at your local
>         beach during summer time? )? It still is a sad thing if a

Attire enjoyed at the beach would be frowned on in church, mosque or 
temple, the corporate boardroom or (most) weddings. Indeed, many women 
happy to wear skimpy swimware at the beach would be embarrassed to be 
seen in public in (less revealing) panties and bra.


>         picture like this is perceived as sexual offending - maybe a
>         statement of the photographer might be helpful. Nevertheless, I

The viewer need not, often will not, agree with the photographer. I used 
to belong to a camera club, and invited my wife along to one of the nights.

I was vastly relieved she hadn't come when I discovered the 
photographer's favourite nude subject: himself masturbating. Most of the 
CC members found it revolting.

>         truly believed that the kind of social oppressive societies
>         which in turn do produce a perception like this in its members
>         wouldn't exist anymore, in our secularised societies at the very
>         beginning of the 21st century. Sadly, it seems this belief was
>         pretty naive. But there is one thing I'd like to remind

Why do you think everyone has to agree with your view of the world? Many 
people, most people, hold to other views which seem to them every bit as 
soundly-based as yours do to you?

>         everybody on this list of: If we always strive for the least
>         common denominator, we will always gain just that, nothing more.

Commercial success doesn't depend on product excellence. Just ask Bill. 
ASK IBM: OS/2 was far more advanced than any Windows of its era.

Here, we have an excellent product, but still it has to appeal to people 
with their present views. Let's keep it divorced from a missionary 
program intended to persuade people to change their opinions. Largely, 
such programs fail.

>         "If you want to go to the moon, reach for the stars". The
>         picture is a reminder of what is Linux all about: people, not a
>         single person but humans doing something together. Because they
>         like it. Because doing something for other people is
>         satisfying. 

It is fairly evident that some disagree with you.

>         
>         2.    I wonder why nobody did argue about one of the messages
>         the pictures are telling. Cooperation instead of competition.
>         Surely this could be perceived as an attack on the very 'holy
>         grail' of current economics. Somebody up for the challenge?
>         
> 
> I look forward to the discussion today.
> 
> 
>>kind regards,
>>Carsten Hintz
>>
> 
> 
> 
> Regards, 
> 
> Karsten
> 
>