General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: It is not about the swimsuit issue it is about basic respect for women [View all]cinnabonbon
(860 posts)Topless women, in barely existing thongs, standing very intimately together doesn't strike me as particularly straight, but your milage may vary. What makes it sexually suggestive is that they're looking at the viewer, as if they want the viewer to join in. The Botticelli doesn't stare straight at you, she stares towards the horizon, as if she can't even see you. It's an artistic trick to show that she's above you, since she's a goddess and all.
I am a big art lover and I don't think artistic nudes are offensive. However, I wouldn't want them in GD either. We have art groups for that. And even if they were posted in GD, art is known for being open to criticism. As far as I saw, the post where people tried to look at the SI photo through a political/critical lens turned into a real trollfest.
I suppose it comes down to how much you value the community. Ignoring people who are offended means they will be alienated from the community. Ignoring people who aren't offended won't alienate them from the community. That is why the SI post was creating a hostile environment, because it was encouraging this alienation. The fact that you can't see it only means you're not the target audience of this alienation.