This Valentine’s Day, the Stiletto staff are extremely embarrassed to be attached to a hyper-masculinized university culture that seems to silently endorse non-consenting sex. We waited silently after the printing of last week’s issue, hoping to see some kind of slap of a wrist by ASMSU, some rise of the student body as ashamed as we were that would be documented in the Exponent’s letters section. We waited to see if the Exponent realized the err of its ways, and officially retracted the offending column.[1]
Call us naïve, but we were shocked that the Exponent only kinda-sorta apologized, didn’t make any admission of error, or public dismissal of the offending writer. In fact, you really had to hunt to find a finer-than-fine print “apology” in the February 7, 2008 issue of the Exponent. [2] That and the only letters published were those of MSU employees.[3] None by students, which probably accounted for the Exponent hitting its mailbox capacity.[4]
So, rather than whining about this stain on student press’ capabilities, we’re going to put our naïve, but wholehearted trust in you, the Stiletto reader.[5]
This V-Day, show your support for the woman’s right to choose and consent. Show your upstandingness. Stand above the elite, but irresponsible, shoulders of ASMSU and its personal newsletter, and call for change.
Call for change in attitudes. Call for change in policy. Call for a change in student administration of your funds. Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your Bobcat brethren, and Take Back the Night.
Join with the VOICE Center, Women’s Center, Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA), and Men Stopping Rape. Sign a petition, and voice your concern for the status quo.[6] Incite, not rebellion, not violence, but Change.
This Valentine’s Day, stand for consent and responsibility.
_____________________
[1] – stiletto feet: Sexponent Jan. 31, 2008
[2] – stiletto feet: The Exponent’s Non-Retraction
[3] – stiletto feet: Published MSU Staff Responses
[4] – Conjecture, of course
[5] – The total reader population exceeds 150
[6] – Pending your creation.
the stiletto 