Most Dartmouth women are feminists by the time they reach senior year, whether or not they identify that way. Yes, feminists. Does that word make you cringe? If it does, I'm not surprised.
There's a different kind of feminism here, even if we don't usually call it that. It's the feminism that every woman develops simply by being a student at Dartmouth. Being a woman at Dartmouth forces you to become aware of your gender in a way you probably weren't before you first came. Although that awareness could be empowering, unfortunately the message of those feminists is often lost amongst the messages sent by those who claim to be the "true" feminists of Dartmouth. These feminists have preached an alarmist, extremist and ultimately ineffective form of activism on this campus. Rather than fostering a community of men and women working together to create an environment of respect, feminism at Dartmouth seems to split not only women from men, but "feminist" women from other women.
To be clear, I am not a proponent of apathy, especially in regards to issues of gender. Quite the opposite, in fact. I am outraged that various male athletic teams still sing the version of the alma mater that excludes women, and I am continuously upset by the widespread denial of sexual assault on this campus it really does happen here, and it happens to people you know. However, the anonymous posting of incendiary signs outside various Greek and administrative establishments early Wednesday morning, condemning them for their insensitive or disrespectful actions ("Signs contend Greek orgs. are racist, sexist," Feb. 25), is precisely the wrong way to tackle these kinds of issues.
Rather than alienating those we are trying to reform, and provoking them to defend their actions when they might ordinarily have been open to a dialogue, we should be opening up channels for discussion and candid conversation. Of course, it is important that we highlight issues that may otherwise slip from campus consciousness. Programs such as "Speak Out" and the VDay Campaign are making great strides in the awareness of sexual assault and women's issues, and are much more effective ways of doing this.
I take issue with the obsession with anonymity on this campus, especially in the context of discussing accountability. Part of the reason I came to Dartmouth was because I wanted to surround myself with intelligent and interesting people, with whom I could share ideas and opinions. Both the recent explosion of Bored@Baker and the use of "secret" groups to make statements, are cheap shots at self-expression. I find it very cowardly and it saddens me that some feel this is the only way to express themselves. A "feminist cause" at Dartmouth is a good and much-needed cause. However, anonymously laying blame and generalizing all members of individual organizations under the same banner of "sexism" or "racism" only perpetuates the problem. It allows organizations to brush off accusations, chalk it up to another extremist cause, and get off scot-free. Instead of allowing this dismissive behavior to continue, we should be inspiring them to be the individuals in their group, ready to question traditional behaviors.
I understand that it is hard to speak up. But the reason I felt compelled to write this column is because actions such as the sign posting I've periodically seen at Dartmouth make me feel silenced. To the authors of the signs: lucky for you, you have given yourselves a voice, but in the process, you've silenced all women not involved. I do not understand why you had to make gender equality an extremist's perspective, or why you had to use isolated incidents to generalize all members of any organization. Next time I want to call out my male or female friend for perpetuating unacceptable norms, I wonder if I'm going to be associated with you, or labeled a "crazy feminist." I'd like to define what it means to be a Daughter of Dartmouth in my own way, and I hope to see you engaging the campus in more balanced and effective discussions in the future.
Joanne Schneider '10 is a guest columnist and president of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
