When in Rome is clearly not a phrase that means much to Rome these days because when Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was there last week, he was given a tour of the famous Musei Capitolini. I am no expert but art is art, like it or love it. When Hassan turned up to view the exhibits, his hosts had covered up the nude statues.
Personally, I don’t buy the old ‘When in Rome’ argument in the first place, especially when its used by a country that oppresses its people and restricts freedom on the grounds of religious superstition. That’s what happens in many places in the Arab world. “Don’t drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia,” you are warned, “because you’ll probably get a lashing in front of a sizeable local audience. And you will deserve it because they don’t allow alcohol because an old book says so. And we must respect that.” Hmm. I always thought you earned respect, but that doesn’t seem to apply with religion.
Rome’s toadying attitude was pathetic. If the statues were of nude people, well, they’re only statues. They’re not real. If you find yourself offended by a statue with it’s concrete todger exposed, then don’t worry: it’s not going to stand up and say hello. Could the authorities not have had a quiet word with the Prez and prepare him for shock. “Look Hassan. You don’t mind if I call you Hassan, do you? Just say if you do. Now we’ve got this museum over here which includes some of the finest artwork on the planet. It just so happens that there are a few concrete tits and todgers on view. If you think your sensitivities might be offended, then I’ve got these blinkers for you to wear. I’ll let you know when it’s safe to turn to your left or right.”
Perhaps Rome could have gone further still by tipping their beer and wine down the drains and force all their women to wear the Burqa, just in case the Prez might be offended by the sight of so many beautiful Italian women. I mean: who would not be offended by beer, wine and beautiful Italian women?
If we are going to have this ‘When in Rome’ nonsense, then let’s make it a two way street. Italy is supposed to be a free country and should not be in the business of censoring art on its own soil. We need to persuade other countries that freedom is good and it cannot be compromised to accommodate any religion in pretty well any circumstances. We have the right to offend and the right to be offended. That’s the cost of freedom.
