In writing this letter, I am not trying to tell anyone what to do. I am not speaking for anyone but myself. I am simply trying to help plan the best event for my constituents that I possibly can.
That being said - let me voice my opinion on Take Back the Night.
TBTN is devoted to raising awareness about women's assault and battery. It is a weeklong series of events open to everyone in hopes of moving steadily toward ending violence against women. That being said, the only event men are excluded from is the march after the rally (to which everyone is welcome). This is the one event we ask men to step back from, allowing women to band together in an outcry against violence. It is a chance for the girl who walks home after dark, afraid, clutching pepper spray or keys to say, enough is enough. It is a chance for victims to scream their lungs out and be heard in a group of others who do, or potentially could, share their story. It is an opportunity for women to get angry and assertive about these devastating issues in a safe place dedicated to their struggles.
In today's competitive environment, it must be remembered that we as women are stronger when we stand together than when we are pitted against each other. The Take Back the Night march creates a strong sense of solidarity and sisterhood among those participating, the importance of which cannot be stressed enough.
While we ask men not to march, they organize separately in the form of sideline support. Maybe in the past it has not been made clear how essential and appreciated this support is. We are a group of women charging around campus raising hell about sexual assault. People who see the march stop, stare, and occasionally heckle us. It is a difficult situation to be standing up for something you believe in while others just gawk at you like you've gone mad. Then, just as you're starting to feel insecure, you round the corner and there are people gathered in groups who are cheering you on.
During my first year, participating in Take Back the Night, a banner was unfurled over the top of a building with We hear you! painted on it. That was one of the most inspiring moments of my life and one of the reasons I return every year. Male sideline support disperses the tense environment we face and gives us a sense of assurance that we are right to be angry, we are right to take charge and we are right to march.
All things aside, this is simply my opinion. After talking to those who disagree, we are planning on holding a forum to hear what everyone has to say. So let's take this debate out of the papers and somewhere we can have a personal discussion. Watch for announcements about time and location.
Emily Dunlap is a senior studying women and gender studies and sociology. She is also Student Senate's vice commissioner for women's affairs.
4 Opinion
