I am writing in response to Terry McMannus's request (in Friday's Viewpoint) that the Notre Dame community join him in protesting "The Vagina Monologues."

I feel that it is completely reasonable for those who have watched, read or adequately researched this play and disagreed with it on a moral basis to choose not to attend. However, I find it interesting that as Americans we watch countless hours of television and movies that reduce women to objects and devalue their contributions to society, yet become so easily offended by a production that honestly confronts a culture which both exploits and denies the sexuality of women.

Perhaps we need to honestly consider why we find this production so threatening. Is it really because the message is "immoral" or is it because it compromises our ability to maintain the status quo by defining a prescribed cultural role for women?

I have read "The Vagina Monologues" and found it moving and thought-provoking. I hope to get the opportunity to watch the play live when it comes to Notre Dame.

So I simply ask that opponents of this play respect my opinion and trust my judgment enough to not interfere with its production. For my part, I will do my best to understand and accept the opinions of those who choose not to support it.

Ann Feilmeyer

senior

South Bend

Feb. 15

• Examining the military's role in a post-war Iraq
  
• Defending V-Day
  
• Defending V-Day
  
• Students betrayed
  
• More like Junior Raisins Weekend