Harvard student group cancels 'Satanic Black Mass' after outcry

Link to Article

In the above article, a group of students from the Harvard Extension Cultural Studies Club were planning on re-enacting a 'Satanic Black Mass'.  This mass is a parody of the traditional Catholic mass.  According to the Extensions School's dean,  Robert Neugeboren, the event was going to be held in a series of others that explored rituals of different cultures.  However, due to many student, staff, and community members opposition to the event, the club decided to cancel it.  Harvard did not step in and deny the students their right.  They believed that the right to freedom of expression not only includes those actions you agree with but also those you may not agree with.  One of the opposers to the event, the Archdioses of Boston said,"If this had been a re-enactment of a Nazi rally or a lynching, the university would have stepped in quickly and stopped it".  This relates to AP GoPo because it deals with the Bill of Rights and our first amendment right to freedom of religion, assembly, pettition, press, and speech.

Personally, I think this is lame.  I understand that a satanic ritual may come off as a bit taboo.  But why does taboo have to be a bad thing?  Furthermore, it was just a re-enactment to explore and learn about other cultures.  And even if it wasn't, its their right to practice those events.  Personally, if I don't like something I just try not to involve myself with it rather than trying to stop it from happening.  I wish more people could be tolerant of others.  This also bums me out just because it shows the power of influence masses of people can have on others.  Which is why we should all strive to not succumb to peer presure.  I am proud though, of the Harvard Extension school for not stepping in and banning the event from happenning.