Recently a series of events and debates at Dartmouth -- the Sex Fest, The Vagina Monologues, The Dartmouth's three-part series on sexual abuse in February and Frat Free Friday -- have brought questions of women's sexuality, sexual assault and rape to the forefront of campus discussion.
The recent debate on campus, Every Woman Counts, gave the Democratic candidates an opportunity to address "women's issues." Although it was a worthwhile endeavor, the debate failed to acknowledge the end goal we should all have in mind when discussing women and politics in the United States today: the gender equity that would render debates like this wholly unnecessary.
Oh, God. Are you one of those types? One of those ... feminist Nazis?" This statement, postulated by a dismayed-looking friend of mine upon hearing the subject of this column, probably captures many students' reaction to the word "feminism." It's true; feminism is now thought of as "passe." After some women's overzealous actions in the name of feminism, it's understandable that doubt -- even a reticent eye-rolling -- should meet the enthusiastic preacher of women's rights.
Here I am, Dartmouth. I am your future; an '06, a 'shmen. I don't know where I'm going half the time -- unless I follow the ever-present 'shmob.