PJ steering away from racism

[Kronos]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> But again, how is the art itself responsible for its own interpretations? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I never actually said that it was, just that it contained the core materials for it to be interpreted in that way.<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> And if it's true that it's all about what individuals get out of it, then why shouldn't the viewpoints of those refuting a racist interpretation have just as much validity as those who promote a racist interpretation? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I'm probably misreading, but it seems almost as if you're saying that because it's *possible* to interpret Tolkien in a racist way, we should somehow not be allowed to forget that or to deny that this is a possibly-legitimate interpretation. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>These latter two quotes don't really tie up. In the first you are saying that both viewpoints should be able to be put equally and then in the second you are saying that you should be able to deny other intepretations.<P>Let me make clear again, I do not actually believe that LOTR is a racist work. What I do have a problem with is people expressing incredulity that it is possible to view it in that way. And some people here do seem to be just that, incredulous.