Recent protests against the cancellation of the “Vagina Monologues” stem from the belief that the one-woman show written by Eve Ensler “teaches women to revalue the female body and sexuality”.

I am not writing to refute this fact. Not having read the entire monologues I can neither characterize them as negative or positive. I believe a deeper look into the reasons behind both actions, the adoption of the “Vagina Monologues” and its cancellation, and a greater effort towards cooperation is called for on campus.

I realize this sounds like the typical “let’s just all get along” answer, but what needs to be realized in this situation is that both sides have the best intentions for women at the heart.

Fr. Bryon has not dismissed the fact that women should be educated about their bodies, he simply states that at a Catholic school efforts should be made to find a different approach. It is not logical to label him a “woman hater” because of this action.

I also believe the Women’s Studies Org. has respect for women at the core of its being. A call for women to be educated about their bodies, and a stronger call for the end of sexual violence is definitely something needed in our world today.

So, why the conflict? Both sides have a common concern, but a different understanding of what it means to be woman divides. This being said one might be tempted to then side with the Women’s Org. because they are women and Fr. Bryon is not. I ask you to wait.

I am a women and I stand behind Fr. Byron’s decision. I agree that no matter how women dress they always deserve respect. However, I identify dressing modestly as a gift to my brothers, and a way of respecting the sacredness of my body. Does a covering up of certain body parts mean that I am less proud of them or less educated about them?

I also accept deem respect for women and education about their bodies a worthy cause. Does my not wanting to see “The Vagina Monologues” prove otherwise? I hope not. I feel that there are other, less controversial ways of bringing this to Loyola. Creativity in our search and cooperation can surely lead us to some.

I am happy that Fr. Byron discouraged the “Vagina Monologues”. My stand does not make me less of a woman, or less proud of my femininity, rather it strengthens the respect I have for myself as a woman. Similarly Fr. Byron cannot be called a “woman-hater” because of his disapproval of the play. Instead of writing each other off as enemies, cooperation in ending violence against women should become our focus.

Rebecca SheptockSociology/Catholic Studies JuniorPresident Loyola [email protected]