Atop Morton Hill, once home to the Oasis dining hall, 35 people sat listening to a lecture by political theory professor Judith Grant on the basis of the Occupy OhioU protests and the prevalence of gender and social movements in today's society.
“It’s not like a normal protest,” Grant said. “Since they aren’t asking for anything, the only way the Wall Street protests will end will be by forcibly removing the people.”
Thousands of people across the nation, including Ohio University students and faculty and Athens residents, are camping outside protesting a wide variety of problems, including gas prices and budget cuts. However, most people are objecting the wealth and power of the upper class.
Grant dished on gender stereotypes and social movements in society, claiming that the “women- and children-first mentality” is “tactically sexist,” with reference to the Brooklyn Bridge protest and the women who were sprayed with mace in New York City.
Known for her 19th-century American, European and feminist theories, Grant elaborated on the role of women and men throughout history and how sexism and stereotypes have not been uncommon.
Grant questioned why women should have to change their last names after marriage, and why suits are typical workplace attire for men while there is nothing typical for women.
She mentioned that women look either “too feminine or too masculine.”
“It’s important for the people to physically take back the space of the country and democracy,” she said.
az346610@ohiou.edu
