Women's News and Views... (Press, 22 May 1972)

Miss Patricia Bartlett, often perceived as a "killjoy," is portrayed in a different light in an article by Rosaleen MacBrayne published on 22 May 1972. Contrary to the stereotype of a frustrated spinster intent on ruining others' enjoyment, Miss Bartlett is depicted as a sincere individual deeply concerned about the welfare of young people in New Zealand and the perceived erosion of respect for sex, women, and motherhood amid a permissive society. Despite being seen by some as absurd for her continuous objections to what she views as the mass media's preoccupation with sex, violence, and blasphemy, Miss Bartlett enjoys silent support from many New Zealand families who share her concerns but do not publicly voice their agreement. Her persistence in voicing her opinions has led even some critics to take her views seriously. Miss Bartlett's image may have suffered from media portrayals, which highlight her most scandalous comments while neglecting the research and statistics she cites to support her arguments. During a recent address at the New Zealand Motion Picture Exhibitors’ conference in Wairakei, she managed to engage her audience—many of whom may have been sceptical—with her calm, respectful demeanour and well-researched points. Known for her charm and confidence, Miss Bartlett is neither a prude nor a zealot; she speaks forthrightly on sensitive topics that might cause discomfort for others. She has faced criticism for her methods—if she critiques media without firsthand experience, she is deemed unqualified, yet attending events opens her to accusations of hypocrisy. Her challenge to those who demand scientific evidence of pornography's potential harm underscores her frustration; she questions the morality of exposing youth to potentially damaging material for the sake of research. Bartlett's controversial proposals, such as issuing identity cards for children at age 16 to better enforce age restrictions in various venues, are met with mixed reactions, though many may empathise with her concerns regarding the emotional burdens faced by children in unstable home environments. She emphasises society's obligation to protect vulnerable individuals, resonating with existing legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding citizens. Despite being the subject of mockery and mischaracterisation, Miss Bartlett's commitment to her campaign against pornography is unwavering. Her relentless efforts may frustrate government officials and those in the arts, yet they also raise important questions about the lengths individuals will go to defend their principles publicly. The article ultimately calls for a more nuanced understanding and appreciation of her dedication, challenging readers to consider their own willingness to stand up for their beliefs.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand