While checking Twitter this morning I got a message form none other than director Adam Rifkin alerting me to something rather absurd. As reported by the New York Post, the United States Postal Service is refusing to mail promo postcards that promote the upcoming DVD release of Rifkin’s film LOOK. The postcard features a man in his boxers entwined by a woman’s legs and, as such, has been labeled too obscene to be delivered by the mail carrier. Below is the postcard in question. Sound off on whether or not you’re more offended by the postcard or the USPS’s arbitrary labeling of it. Should you wish to make your thoughts known to the USPS you can contact them directly right here. Keep checking back with us for more on this as well as a review of the DVD (out on May 5th).
[UPDATED 4/08]: Below the postcard we’ve added a video that shows Adam Rifkin’s reaction upon finding out the news about the censored postcard. Check it out.
On April 7, 2009, Jeremy said:
It is an outrage!! Not only are independent filmmakers supposed to fight to get movies made and compete with the “big boys” in Hollywood… NOW we have to worry about what we can use to promote these films?! since when is it alright for the USPS to tell US what may or may not be obscene?? I can not believe this. What happens next in America?!
On April 7, 2009, Marvin said:
We are being controlled by the republican communist!!!!
On April 8, 2009, Randy said:
First, I am a Postal Worker. Second, I am not personally offended by the postcard. Third, there is an alternative.
Put the card inside an envelope and send as Standard Mail. The sender can contract with a Mailing Service and possibly have postage costs that would be less than the current rate of 27¢ for a First Class mail Postcard. The highest rate for Standard Letters is currently 26¢.
It is very possible that the sender could garner more than enough savings in postage cost, depending on the number of letters sent, to cover any fee that the Mailing Service would charge for services rendered.
The service can also “sanitize” the address list to ensure that the addresses used are celiverable to current addresses.
Just a thought.
On April 8, 2009, leverne buck said:
should not be allowed into the public mail
On April 8, 2009, Leanne said:
It shouldn’t be mailed on a postcard. I don’t like it, but I like the point it makes. Put it in an envelope like the other poster from the PO recommended. I work for the PO also.
On April 9, 2009, ida said:
its a nasty postcard. no i dont want my daughter getting this out of the mail when she goes to the mailbox. put it in an envelope.
i will pray that you learn how to tell you story in a more decent manner.