Bring `Monologues' into the open
Observer Editorial
Saint Mary's took an enlightened step forward with President Marilou Eldred's decision not to fight an unofficial reading of "The Vagina Monologues" that will take place on campus this Tuesday. Last year, when a similar event was organized after the play was officially banned, Eldred reprimanded the student officers of CARE for their involvement.
This year, the College will respect the right of students engage in a reading of the play. That is certainly a praiseworthy development. Thanks to a dedicated group of students, the relevant and controversial issues of the Monologues will be addressed at Saint Mary's.
Unfortunately, the production still must hide in the shadows – unseen, unheard and unwanted. Organizers refuse to go on the record; advertisements are conspicuously absent from hallways and the performance will not be officially recognized by the College. "The Vagina Monologues" are not part of the official image Saint Mary's projects to itself and the world. A feeling of disapproval hangs in the air.
This attitude may seem natural given the unique nature of the College. It is a Catholic institution with a mission to promote and develop Catholic values in a modernizing, globalizing world. Its students typically come from middle-class families with convictions similar to those endorsed by the Church. And its largely self-sufficient campus without much interaction with the surrounding community creates a parental role for the administration. Thus, the administration must monitor the ideas to which students are exposed, ensuring that opposing perspectives do not unduly challenge students' inherited beliefs. If students take it on themselves bring one of these heresies to campus, they must be forced into the shadows.
This attitude would seem natural except for the example of a very similar university that has chosen a better path. Notre Dame will host an official production of "The Vagina Monologues" this Monday and Tuesday. Organizers are vocal; advertisements are prominent and LaFortune Student Center even has advanced ticket sales. Despite sharing the Catholic background of Saint Mary's and many, if not all, of its values, Notre Dame has shown that the free expression of ideas is important to the University and that the option of censorship is not viable.
Saint Mary's should follow Notre Dame's example by shining a light of tolerance on "The Vagina Monologues." Bring it out of the shadows.
All Viewpoint Stories for Friday, February 22, 2002
