BAND NAME STARTS CONTROVERSY
What's Happening, Thursday, April 13, 1989

Last week's Music Beat generated a number of comments and calls that are accurately represented by this week's letter to the editor. Steve Perry and his bandmates are seriously considering changing their name; they haven't yet come up with one that they agree on. But Perry also defends his right to artistic freedom. He made a point about the recent pro-choice rally (which he attended) and how there are parallels to be drawn with his current situation. As to the name Cherrypoppin' Daddies, he comments, "We in no way condone acts of violence or pedophilia. We chose the name in order to satirize false male bravado. It has a ridiculous cartoon quality to it that is reminiscent of the risqueness of the early Dixieland bands who influenced our music heavily." He admits that the use of the "erotic dance" video was a mistake (that won't be repeated) saying it was intended to add to the "campy and cheesy" nature of the performance.

Margo Schafer, assistant hall coordinator of the CCPA and an articulate, impassioned defender of women's rights, spoke with Steve at length Monday afternoon. When asked for a reaction to their conversation, she first made it clear that she was speaking as an individual, not as a spokeswoman for either the WOW Hall of the women's community. Among her comments:

"I appreciate the fact that the band is sensitive to the issue, that they have a responsibility to respect the people that consume their art, especially the ones who've been victimized, the walking wounded. I feel the same about the band's name [she's totally against it], but I feel good about handling our differences this way."

A few pages later...

Letters to the Editor
"Band's Name Offensive"

Dear Editor:
I am outraged that you could review the band Cherrypoppin' Daddies as "Eugene's best"!!! In case you need a translation, the name clearly refers to fathers who sexually assault their virginal daughters...a more apt name might be Babyrapists. Too often violence against women and children is disguised in humor and the guise of entertainment. I certainly think that most Eugeneans are sensitive enough to these issues and will not be amused that What's Happening is not.

Sexual humor has its place but not when it lends even a hint of support for exploitation of children. Sexual abuse of children and sexual assault of women has its roots in cultural attitudes and beliefs that minimize the impact and rationalize the behavior. Your review dismisses the exploitation and abuse inherent in this performance by acknowledging its controversial nature and proceeding to praise the group. I encourage everyone concerned about sexual violence to contact the WOW Hall and express disapproval of another appearance.

--Janice Elliot


Webmistress' Note: This last paragraph was SUCH a pain to type.

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