Clarifying the meaning and spirit of V-Day
Lindsey Horvath
junior
I would like to thank both Melanie Becker and Terry McMannus for accomplishing the goal of "The Vagina Monologues" — continuing a dialogue that increases awareness in order to stop the violence. As director and campus organizer for "The Vagina Monologues" and V-Day, I am honored to work with so many vagina-loving students who are the true embodiment of Christ's message. Love your neighbor as yourself. These students could not carry out more Christian a mission.
Eve Ensler, author of "The Vagina Monologues" and founder of the V-Day movement, said, "Create the world you wanted for yourself." V-Day functions worldwide, from both "top-down" and grassroots levels, to stop the violence against women and girls. It builds shelters for women escaping female genital mutilation. It provides funding for women in Afghanistan to go to school. It educates college campuses about the issues surrounding date rape. Its efforts and successes are endless.
The production itself must be taken in conjunction with the movement. V-Day uses the production as a tool to carry out its mission. The women's lives that these stories portray reflect a worldwide cross-section to which most people can relate. These stories do not promote particular lifestyles other than one free of violence against women and girls. To condemn the stories is to condemn the individuals behind them, and no person has the authority to judge another person.
Some of the women portrayed in these stories do not lead traditional Catholic lifestyles. However, neither do many of the students on this campus. When condemning the content of this show in conjunction with its purpose, I would simply ask that people reflect upon their own lives and how closely they live up to the standard to which they compare the production. Additionally, look at some of the most beloved of traditions, annually glorified on this campus, and examine to what degree these do, or do not, degrade the Catholic ideals that so many individuals claim to protect.
Last year, our production donated around $5,000 to local charities that protect and provide for women surviving rape and domestic violence. The V-Day national organization itself does not benefit from our show; local charities, of our own choosing, do. Contrary to some rumors, Notre Dame's production has not benefited abortion clinics. The organizations that have received funding have used it according to the specific guidelines outlined by Notre Dame's V-Day institution.
I encourage the dialogue that is sure to ensue. See the show — March 4 and 5 — or at least read the lives of these women. It is crucial that we educate ourselves about the issues of violence in our communities and around the world. More importantly, challenge yourselves, and each other, to meet Eve Ensler's request. If we did, this production would not be necessary.
Lindsey Horvath
junior
off campus
Feb. 17
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, February 18, 2003
