I'm writing this letter in response to The Post's Feb. 14 editorial, which mentioned the forum on The Vagina Monologues. It seems the Post reporter who joined us was either not listening or the editors purposely chose to misrepresent what was said.
First, the editorial claims we discussed how the play is an assault on motherhood ' which I assume is a wildly inaccurate spin on a single comment made by Rebecca (Becky) Banks in reference to the play's final monologue, in which Eve Ensler describes the birth of her granddaughter. Becky's actual statement, rather than the one reported, was that some aspects of radical feminism are an assault on motherhood ' but that this particular monologue celebrated it. The Post also conveniently failed to mention that Becky, a conservative woman and member of the College Republicans, is a fan of The Vagina Monologues and made this statement in defense of the play.
Second, The Post made a reference to Emily Mullin's point that the ends do not justify the means
then went on to imply that Emily has a problem with revenue from ticket sales being donated to battered women's shelters. In fact, we all agreed that donating to a battered women's shelter like My Sister's Place is very admirable. However, some (but certainly not all) participants felt the play positively portrays prostitution and child rape and therefore promotes violence against women. Emily was attempting to say that the funds raised by the play do not excuse its content.
Lastly, The Post made it seem as if all the participants are of one mind and fanatically oppose The Vagina Monologues, which is untrue. In fact, several of us (including me) praised certain aspects of the play and the V-Day movement while criticizing others. We also stressed several times that we admire Eve Ensler's humanitarian work.
In light of The Post's fawning coverage of this year's production of the play, the editors could have made an attempt at balance by providing fair coverage of the forum. But then again, accurate reporting would have ruined The Post's opportunity to get morally indignant about our ignorance. Ashley Herzog is a junior journalism major and former columnist for The Post. 17
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