[6514] in APO-L
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daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (cpb2s@uva.pcmail.virginia.edu)
Fri Aug 6 13:14:30 1993
Date: Fri, 6 Aug 1993 10:29:47 EDT
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From: cpb2s@uva.pcmail.virginia.edu
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>From wattswa Mon Apr 12 11:13:38 1993
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id AA06995; Mon, 12 Apr 93 11:13:34 CDT
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 93 11:13:34 CDT
>From: William A. Watts <wattswa>
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To: hartlau@mail.auburn.edu
Status: RO
------forwarded from a bunch of people who i do not know with strange names,
at different schools, in distant lands, in a galaxy far, far away.
------------------
Ending Matriarchal Subjugation of Men
Before winter break I wandered into the communications studies
office and noticed two degrading pictures of men posted on the wall in
the form of sexually provocative postcards. I remarked to one of the
women working there that the pictures were offensive to me and
inappropriate for the walls of a public, university work place.
While laughing one of the women remarked, "If you don't like it,
don't come in here." Although said in jest, I found the remark
interesting considering that I am a student of the university and my
taxes, as well as tuition, pay their salaries. Well, it's two months
later and the pictures still blemish the walls of the office. This is
just another example of the objectification of men by women and general
degradation of men by this matriarchal society we live in.
If similar pictures of scantily clad women had been posted
in the communications office, Cheadle Hall or other public, university
workplace, there would be public outrage, teach-ins at noon and charges
of sexual harassment levied against the university. The pictures would
be removed with lightening speed. Instead, the pictures have remained on
the walls for at least two months, and no action has been taken. To
counteract this abuse, I have decided to take action into my own hands.
I demand that the pictures be removed, and that all those employees
responsible for posting them be suspended and sent to sensitivity
training for "men's issues." I also demand a formal apology from the
chairman and an admission from the university of its institionalized
sexism against men. After all, I notice a Women's Studies Department,
but where is the men's studies?
If you think this sexism, degradation and belittlement is a
university phenomenon, think agian. The indoctrination begins at a young
age, when we are told that "girls are made of sugar and spice and
everything nice" while boys are made of less desirable material. Are
not the very pillars of society liberty, justice and freedom all
personified in the form of women? This sexism is subtle, but ever
present and lurking--woven into the fabric of our lives like a monogram
on a cashmere sweater.
The sexims of our society is probably most evident in the work
place. Women are credited with having the oldest occupation in the
world, but how could they have been paid unless men had jobs first?
Indeed, when a man does make it to a prominent position such as a judge
or a surgeon (after jumping affirmative action hurdles) he is forced to
wear a gown in order to practice his craft. No suble symbolism
here--either succumb to the ways of the woman and wear a dress, or you
cannot succeed.
Here is some food for thought: Why must there be a "strong women
behind every great man," cannot a man succeed by himself? How come women
get to be called "women?" Not only does that word completely engulf the
word "men," but it contains two extra letters! How unfair!
We men have taken enough abuse, and the pictures on the wall of
the cummunication studies office are the last straw. Let this be a call
to arms. Men unite! Boycott your communication classes! Boycott the
university! Boycott the word boycott! Burn your graduation gowns!
