I understand the motivation for “Mission Accomplished”, but I feel as if you are confused about the purpose of Take Back the Night and the Women’s Interest Network.
I do agree with your analysis of the SigEp pledge of which I was previously unaware. It is not enough to have male students sign a piece of paper and don a wristband; the numbers of reported sexual assaults committed by fraternity members at SMU is proof of this. Awareness through public education, collaborative efforts from all concerned parties and accountability are vital ingredients to solving almost any social malaise. I know this first hand because I am heavily involved with legislative campaigns here in Texas. A petition drive may be seen as an empty attempt, but it can also be a handy tool in showing strength in numbers when it comes to grabbing the attention of politicians. The petition is a symbol and a motivation for subsequent action to be taken. The petition itself is not the final answer to whatever problem it addresses, just as holding Take Back the Night is not the final solution. I feel that you lack a fundamental understanding of the mechanics of grassroots organizing.
As the co-president of WIN, let me say your article sought to invalidate all our well thought out hard work this semester. Take Back the Night isn’t just about raising awareness and making people feel good about giving a damn for one day. We aren’t just throwing money at a problem and then hoping it will improve itself; it is much more than that. Primarily, the event is intended to create a safe space and a sense of community where people (who traditionally have been shamed or silenced) can have their voices heard. It is about discussing the problem AND taking steps towards a solution. We don’t just walk and talk and then forget about sexual assault and campus safety the next day. This year, we will be asking Giddy Up and the campus police to take a stronger stance on making the campus safer for women INCLUDING putting up more lights. Giddy Up has been known not to arrive after being called by students in need of a safe ride. We are also seeking help from other student groups as a way to build bridges. Finally, we will be asking men to take a more active role in making sure they are not preying on drunk women at parties or facilitating a date rape culture. You should probably have spoken with a member of WIN before jumping to the conclusion that we had no “real” concrete plans to serve our “well intentioned and honorable cause” as you put it.
Did it ever occur to you that a victim of sexual assault may attend Take Back the Night and feel as if, for once in her life, someone is talking about something very important and real to her? She may even feel confident enough to press charges against her assailant. It is never better to “do nothing” as you have suggested. Until enough people are aware of and care about sexual assault, NOTHING will be done. If we continue to take this apathetic stance that nothing ever changes, as your article demands of its readers, things will only get worse. It’s a self-fulfilling mindset and this type of hard cynicism is unbecoming of a young person such as yourself.
I always back up my concerns of the world by spreading awareness and taking serious action. All of the WIN members practice what they preach, as the saying goes.
In short, you underestimate your peers and this does a disservice to our efforts.
Meg Bell is a junior cultural anthropology major. She can be reached for comment at [email protected].
