OPINION:
Hugh Hefner, despised and reviled by feminists, arch conservatives, law enforcement and religious leaders (but beloved by liberals, libertines, men in general and the oppressed) passed away Wednesday. “The Father of the Sexual Revolution” and the seemingly endless and ultimate playboy, Hefner was far more than just the creator and owner of a sex magazine which he called Playboy and which featured scantily clad women in suggestive poses.
He was also a social activist who in addition to strongly supporting sexual emancipation for both men and women was at the forefront in the battle for civil rights for minorities and racial equality, was a proponent of gay and women’s rights and was a leader in other causes. He fervently opposed the Vietnam War strongly championed freedom of speech.
Playboy, far from just featuring sexy women, had first-class writing by top-notch writers and included the discussion of controversial ideas and theories, as well as clever and entertaining cartoons and jokes. It also promoted culture with articles on art, jazz, classical music and philosophy.
Hefner was a leading social thinker whose ideas significantly transformed our culture, particularly when it came to antiquated ideas about sex. Hefner helped lead America out of a very repressed social wilderness. He was also a successful entrepreneur who expanded into movies, television, clubs, resorts, casinos, clothing and jewelry.
It is only fitting that the man who catapulted to fame by featuring Marilyn Monroe as his first centerfold will now be buried next to her in Los Angeles.
KENNETH L. ZIMMERMAN
Huntington Beach, Calif.
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