Artists deprived of a means of support must turn to other ways to earn a living. But the burden of these restrictions does not fall on the artists alone. When individuals or institutions who have exhibited or would exhibit controversial work are persecuted, prosecuted, and denied future federal support, we as a nation stray far from the path of democracy and freedom into the shadow of totalitarian traditions. When we allow ourselves to become engaged with art and challenged by it, we do not blindly agree to like all art. Art disliked is not necessarily bad, immoral, or even difficult.
Art is broader than individual taste.
One can also dislike individual works. This demeans neither the artist nor the critic, for art is art whether or not it is liked, and the critic who makes no distinctions is no critic at all. Disliking art is an important part of art appreciation and should not be confused with ignorance, rejections, or condemnation. It certainly should not be considered a reason for censorship. Once we determine that we dislike a work, we should ask ourselves why we respond as we do.