Interestingly enough, there is a difference between gender discrimination and reinforcing stereotypes in an optional party setting. The fact that Erin Pannell would like to point out the use of party rhetoric as some sort of example of discrimination is absurd. Pannell writes that, “the residential fraternities on this campus are most certainly discriminating against women,” yet fails to take into account the general nature of these parties, which are the only example she gives of how Wesleyan fraternities discriminate. These are parties. They are for entertainment purposes only. They are intended for the amusement of males and females alike. There is no reason to believe that the men residing in these fraternities buy into the stereotypes they are thematically demonstrating, much in the same way that say, a child dressing up for Halloween as a princess does not actually believe she is a princess. It’s a costume party with a theme and nothing more than that. The women that go to these parties and the men that host them are going to have fun and dress in costume. No woman is forced to dress up; in fact many women on this campus look forward to dressing up for the costume parties as a fun female-bonding event.
As to the comment “I am no way accusing individual people of being sexist,” this is probably true but in the same way, the brothers of these fraternities hosting these parties are “in no way accusing individual people” of being whores. Pannell writes that the problem is “easily remedied” yet does not allow for the fact that there is a portion of this campus that goes to these parties and enjoys them. There are many things that groups on this campus do that are offensive. If we eliminated all these “offensive” events and groups then Wesleyan would be just as diverse as, say, Trinity. This is about accepting differing viewpoints and not pigeonholing people in a way that is uncomfortable to them. Women, on their own accord, dressing in short skirts and going out to meet guys is their prerogative, much in the same way that calling a group, the Cunt Club is someone’s prerogative. So it offends some people. It’s really just a Saturday night party without political intentions.
Finally, Pannell writes, “as a woman, I am not asking for an end to this blatant sexual discrimination, I am demanding it.” That’s fine, but as women, we are calling for the end of Halloween, themed parties, and dressing up all together… oh wait, no, that’s silly.
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