Ros, you wrote: "It can be found on the (Facebook) pages of parents, business folk, people who work with youth, those in the public sector and well-known identities."
Never has a truer word been spoken.
I will relate a personal experience I had in Napier.
Early last year, because of an article in Hawke's Bay Today, I became aware that a black T-Shirt with the words F*** Art Deco in large, full white letters blazoned across it was blatantly exhibited in the Hawke's Bay Museum.
I contacted the director/manager of the museum (Lloyd Jenkins), Napier mayor Barbara Arnott and the Napier Commissioner of Police, expressing my concern that such a disgusting display could be exhibited in a museum where people of all ages could view it - particularly young, impressionable people who would consider it to be the norm because it was displayed in a public gallery by adults.
All three of these supposedly responsible people, while sympathetic to my opinion, did not show any concern about this bad example to others, so nothing was done and my complaint was ignored - not a good example by people of authority and responsibility, and it gives them no credit as individuals.
Their reaction was an example of the modern tendency and acceptance of lowering of standards.
If the same words that were printed on the T-shirt were printed on the walls of the museum in graffiti which, according to Mr Lloyd-Jenkins would be a "freedom of art" as he tried to explain it to me, the offenders (if apprehended) would be prosecuted and the wording removed from the building.
Why the double standard by allowing the same to be displayed openly within the building?
The temptations put in front of young people by some adults today are enormous and they have not been educated to cope with it.
In man's rush for money and material gain, he has forgotten to consider what effect his actions can have on others. But the horse has bolted and he is not going to be caught - it is too late.
Have respect and consideration for others. It costs nothing.
Allan Ainsworth, Napier
Putting foot in it
As a resident of Gascoigne St, in Hastings, and someone who regularly walks down it, I'm feeling that doing so these days has now become an extremely hazardous exercise.
Dodging cyclists riding on the foothpath was bad enough, but after my walk this morning I found myself having to dodge dog droppings as well.
Not one or two of them but many.
Come one, cyclists, you now have your lanes, stop riding on the footpath and the wrong side of the road.
Dog owners, pick up your dogs' droppings as required by law, please.V SmithHastingsDog do's and don'tsMay I appeal to all dog walkers on Duart Rd, Havelock North, to take the mess home.
It would appear to be only five animals - one large, four small - causing the problem.
It's not difficult. It's not the dogs' fault.
I have also noticed litter on the bank, too.
This is not desirable - take it home.
We are privileged to walk in a wonderful area.
Please keep it that way.
Ann Childs, Havelock North
