Saint Mary's fosters understanding, not judgment
Jacqueline Cuisinier
sophomore
Eric Glass's Jan. 31 letter targeted four girls who attended a pro-choice rally in Washington, D.C. Although I believe that it is immoral to abort a fetus after the moment of conception, I think it is important for me to be accepting of everyone else's views. God gave us all free will, and I support that freedom.
Furthermore, one cannot assume that those who are pro-choice encourage or accept the act of abortion. Being pro-choice can also mean being pro-freedom. It is sort of like America's drinking age. Underage college students are going to drink despite the fact that there is a law against it.
I believe that abortions are going to happen no matter if there is a law or not. I believe that educating others is the answer, not writing letters showing little sensitivity to others and their views. Also, Glass later explained that because four girls at Saint Mary's College are pro-choice, one can see why Saint Mary's girls are thus viewed as "immoral and ignorant."
Not only did he use a generalization and a stereotype that was completely unnecessary, but he also used a judgment. Is that not an immoral act in itself? And is it not immoral to target the person, rather than the action? I agree that the act of abortion should be frowned upon, but let that be up to God Himself.
Maybe Saint Mary's did go a little bit overboard in supporting this anti-Catholic issue. Meanwhile, is it not a healthy thing to have a little bit of controversy and conflicting views over the political aspect of this serious moral issue? I give our girls credit for standing up for something they believe in. I would rather see four girls voice their say in something they feel strongly about than witness a whole dorm full of men without backbones put loads of effort and money into a show that fosters the humor in making fun of minorities and saints.
Despite the school's support on this issue, I support Saint Mary's College wholeheartedly. Never once in my days here have I questioned the mission and values of this institution. Our school is, indeed, founded on Catholicism and I believe that Saint Mary's students carry out Catholicism's greatest mission: to love. Looking around me, I see each girl accepted and treated as special and unique. Everyone smiles and says "Hi" on the way to class. There exists a wonderful camaraderie of girls here, excited to make a difference in the world. There is a true sincerity and beauty that I see everyday. Beauty, that is, on the inside.
However, although our school has its roots in Catholicism, we are also a school of higher education that fosters learning and the stimulation of the mind. As a liberal arts college, we are bound to get "liberal" opinions that do not coincide with the Pope's. I think that it is a good thing that Saint Mary's isn't all wrapped up in trying to make everyone think like a Catholic.
We need differing views to strengthen us, to enrich us, and to help us understand and accept one another. Saint Mary's College is anything but narrow-minded. By fostering open-minded thinking, and supporting the acceptance of different views, we as a body are able to learn and grow in unity and love with all of our brothers and sisters.
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, February 4, 2003
