THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
OPINION
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2005
WWW.KANSAN.COM
PAGE 5A
CULTURE SHOCK
Embrace the F-word
Many men I have encountered are confused, uneasy or misinformed on the significance of the "f-word." This is unsurprising because of the many conflicting connotations of feminism spread throughout society.
The televangelist Pat Robertson erroneously and hilariously defines feminism as "a socialist, anti-family, political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians."
I tragically went on a first—and last—date with a chauvinist who had an equally flawed definition. After I used feminist as an adjective to describe myself he replied, "You can't be one of those "femi-nazis." Feminists are bra-burning-men-hating women who are too ugly to get laid, so they stop shaving and become lesbians."
It means women are liberated from male dominance. It means women are treated as political and intellectual equals. It means they are as free as men to express themselves socially. They are not confined to stereotypical roles. It means women have control over their bodies. It means women unite in sisterhood, abandoning pettiness. It means both genders have equal economic opportunities.
Check please! Feminism encompasses a wide range of philosophies, movements and theories, but this is what it signifies to me.
Feminism in the context of relationships implies that males should not have authority over
SARAH STACY
opinion@kansan.com
females and vice versa.Men should not exploit the labor of their partners, but instead they should have equal responsibility with the children and household duties.
Feminism is mutually beneficial to us all. As a woman, I am not trapped by being economically reliant on a male. Thus when seeking a relationship, I can take my time, choose characteristics I want and base it on love without the complication of materialistic motivators. The male is rewarded by a having a more fulfilling reciprocal relationship in which he is mentally stimulated.
These attitudes stem from Mary Wollstonecraft's A Vindication of the Rights of Women, published in 1792. She argues that because women instruct the children and are companions of the husband, they should be informed. Now fellas, I suspect you don't want a helpless dim-witted wife raising your kids. Feminism remains a work in progress.
Primarily, women have yet to break through the infamous glass ceiling. In 2005, 46.5 percent of America's workers are women, and 92 percent of senior managers are men, as reported by The Economist on July 23. In addition, female managers earn only 72 percent of their male counterparts' earnings. Women
with children often suffer further because careers add responsibilities without relief from their motherly duties and household burdens.
Another obstacle for the future of feminism is the division among feminists themselves. Some view Britney Spears' exploitation of the male sex drive as empowering. I lean more toward the side that thinks such actions set feminism back, as it is perceived as a shallow manipulation of men. The same as what many men have historically done to women. This proliferating type of media figure glamorizes a life of endless frivolity, and it insinuates to young women that it is essential to use sexuality and beauty to succeed instead of one's brainpower, talent and that forgotten ingredient: integrity.
Few viewpoints parallel the democratic nature of the feminist perspective. Both genders need to continue to move feminism forward. One way is to be involved in organizations such as NOW (National Organization for Women) or the KU chapter of FU (Feminists United).
And males, if you feel uncomfortable with the label "feminist," proudly call yourself a "gender egalitarian."
(The columnist would like to dedicate her column to her best friend Laura. She wishes her happy birthday.)
Stacy is a Germantown, Md., senior in political science, Spanish and international studies.
▼ KILLS VAMPIRES DEAD
Gas can be small price to pay
So far with the rising gasoline prices, I've heard many people comment that it's President George Bush's fault because he opted to fight with Iraq, instead of making it the next political bed buddy. First off, gas prices rise because the natural rhythm of the concept "supply and demand." People, besides the Iraqi and Saudi pipelines, there are other factors that have caused the price of gasoline and crude oil to rise. First, inflation. Has anyone been paying attention to the impact on trade with our South American oil buddies? Second, military conflict. Sure, the war isn't helping things. Third, weather. These hurricanes have been destroying wells, refineries and pipelines making it nearly impossible to transport this liquid gold to us consumers.
The higher gas prices have not stopped KU students from continuing to do what they do best: consume. Every time you shop, eat, go to hang out with friends or come to school, you are using your supply of gasoline. During this week, the gas prices throughout town have jumped up from the range of 2.55 to 2.59 per gallon for regular gas to about $3. Now many of you studs out there might be saying, "Well, I paid more than 2.59 for my gas!" But think, does your car really need supreme gas or can your Honda take the regular?
SARA GARLICK
opinion@kansan.com
If your car isn't a sports car, or has an engine that requires you to tank up on high-priced, high-quality gasoline, then chalk up the high bills to your own stupidity. Maybe most of you haven't had parents who harp about the rationing of gas back in the '70s and '80s. They used to spend hours in line just to fill their cars up. But that's only if they had a license plate that ended in an odd or even number, depending on the day. You're lucky! I've read all of the gas-price stories and how everyone thought that we were going to go into another crisis because people couldn't afford to pay for the gas to commute to work. This is where programs such as car pooling and public transportation kick in.
To quote Donna Huline, the director of parking, "The parking
For students complaining about the rise, people are still driving more, which spends more money than taking alternative means of transportation such as the bus, car pool, bike, or walking. Hell, everyone can benefit from walking to class at least once.
hss ceramity seem just as full as a typical beginning of a fall semester." Needless to say, making a big deal about the rise in gas prices is a waste of time. You don't have to panic and stock up your gas supply in your basement like it's the end of the world. Prices will go down eventually. They have in the past, and they will rise again in the future. Simple laws of economics have just come into play. Finite supply combined with a rise in demand will yield higher prices. If Americans want gas prices to go down, while satisfying the same demand, then let's go and tap that great Alaskan pipeline!
Garlick is a Sanford, Maine, senior in history and international studies.
PERMIT SALES
◆ There has been an increase in parking permits sold (2004 stats): Daisy Hill = 1,254 and at GSP/Corbin = 392, compared to the 2005 stats: Daisy Hill = 1,330 and GSP/Corbin = 423
The number of bus passes has decreased from 5,212 in the first week of school compared to this year's first week of school sales of 4,991.
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▼ THE MAX FACTOR
Elis Ford, Yanting Wang, Julia Melim Coelho,
Den Hoyt, Anwet Wmeltter, Jule Parisi, Nathan
McCinnis, Joah Goeting, Sara Garlick,
Chase Edgerton, Ray Wittlinger, David Archer
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(785) 684-8190 opinion@kansen.com
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Improvise between the thighs
PILLOW TALK
Not everyone is as willing to spend as much time in Lawrence sex stores as myself. While I now only make it into stores like Priscilla's and Naughty But Nice every few months, there was a time that as soon as I walked in, whoever was behind the counter came over to chat (mind you this is because I had already been there at least once that week).
For those of you who are too uncomfortable in sex stores and do not enjoy spending extra money for that "unmarked" package to arrive in the mail, I have another option - buying products from mainstream product retailers. With a little imagination, these improvised "toys" can be just as enjoyable.
I spent some time this weekend wandering through some stores with a close friend. Normally, we would spend little, if any time in a home improvement retailer, but for you, my readers, we spent about an hour. We walked up and down the aisles examining merchandise, only guessing at its intended use. There were some things that looked like fun, but upon careful inspection, did not seem safe, so I warn you to never risk injury. What we did find could indeed provide pleasurable.
Carabineers are manufactured to secure rope allowing only certain types of movement, perfect for a little bondage fun. Along with that comes chain and rope, just make sure that no chafing will result. For those who want something
i
JAMIE EPSTEIN
opinion@kansan.com
a little rough, there were some gorgeous wooden vent covers that can easily be used as a paddle. For readers wanting a softer touch, I recommend the wide selection of gloves, allowing for many different sensations. Those slightly more vanilla may be interested in the shower heads that can be set to different water pressures to massage deep inside and the knee pads to protect against those cold hard dorm-room floors.
even restraints. While pharmaceuticals normally have little to provide, there are options for personal hygiene. While not for all, enema kits can be both arousing and useful for anal encounters to follow. For obvious reasons there is often a humiliation factor if fecal material is left on one's penis, finger or toy. Not only will an emema remove this embarrassing factor, but will help allow the body to relax and open for more enjoyable anal sex.
The pet store was stalked with a different sort of fun. There were collars and leashes for a domatrix session (remember to leave enough room for a comfortable fit), along with bowls intended to be left on the floor. Again the vanilla pleasure is not forgotten, for I could not believe the number of teaser toys. While these are sold for cat and ferret play, many have feathers or soft plush dangling from the end.
There is but one last item for me to mention today, the massager. While many forms exist, some are quite similar if not identical to vibrators sold in erotic shops. The example I will use mention is the finer massager.
This product slips over one's finger and is marketed to help release tension in the face and eye region. The fact is, there is no difference between this and what you would pay as much as three times for if marketed as a vibrator. It is small, easy to store and use and most importantly will make one's clitoris feel all tingly inside.
The last store to mention is the discount department retailer. While this all-purpose store allows for all sorts of imagination, I will suggest but a few items. The fabric in the crafts section can make a cheap blindfold, gag and
This information, while new to some, and yet a review to others, will hopefully provide hours of enjoyment for those who choose to utilize it. May all your sexual encounters be "safe, sane and consensual." Enjoy, and have fun.
*Epstein is a Lenaeus sophomore in political science.
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Free for All
Free for all callers have 20 seconds to speak about any topic they wish.
Kansan editors reserve the right to comment. Standerous and obscene statements will not be printed. Phone numbers of all incoming calls are recorded.
A note to Eric Jorgensen: Even if the freshmen dumped their boyfriends, they still wouldn't date you
I was offended by the Free for All article that compared military recruiters to Mormon missionaries. The difference here is: Mormons don't ask you to get shot, they just ask you to be a good person.
+
How about some hotter guys in engineering.
Yesterday, I was laughing at some guy who locked his keys in his car. Three hours later, I locked my keys in my car.
The athletes at Abe and Jake didn't start the fight, it was people from out of town. If anything, they tried to stop it.
Hey, Dan, Dance Dance Revolution does have a workout model. You can come over to my room sometime and try it.
Venezuela offered America aid for the hurricane.
Hey, Dan Hoyt. Wake at 5 o'clock and workout instead of complaining about the televisions.
Why do the war protestors think that targeting the on-campus recruiters will make a difference? Pey attention to who really decides when and where we start a war.
Comparing 9/11 to losing to Bucknell is super ridiculous.
Just 'cause Jorgensen can't keep it in his pants doesn't mean some freshman girl is going to give it up.
My friend said I should join "Free for All anonymous," but it's all anonymous!
We should all take a moment of silence to remember those affected by the hurricane.
The only reason Eric Jorgensen doesn't want girls to get crabs from their boyfriend is because he wants them to get crabs from him.
I'm really sorry I shot you with a nail gun.
What is a shambooze? And why are you
printing stuff about it?
Support your troops. Support America.
Support military recruiting at KU.
Zachary Sims, I found your wallet in 120 Bud, check your KU email to contact me.
How did Eric Jorgensen end with his own column? It's writers like him that make the Kansan a really crunchy read.
I believe Eric Jorgensen should be nominated for sainthood.
Oh, you aren't liberals, progressives or radicals. We got it now. You're just ignorant.
Go back to the old crossword puzzle.
Last week, I didn't know what bereft meant, and now it gets printed way too cheap in the free for All.
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