UConn Activist Think Tank: A Forum About Recent Rape Culture Flare-up
Community Members,
So many people have showed their support for the author of the “Open Letter to the President” since the completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated backlash posed by the Barstool Sports posts. The most popular question by far that I have been asked is, “I am really angry! What can I do to support/help the cause??” Please listen on for some more information.
I have been in communication with the author of the Open Letter this week, and she has humbly made it clear that she does not just want this movement to solely be about her, or her article, or her views. She pointed out that unfortunately no matter who wrote that (very brave, very poignant) letter, that individual could have been similarly made the scapegoat of brutal misogynistic comments.
The article that was published on The Feminist Wire raises structural concerns about the way in which the academic institution is accountable to capitalist violence, which is always gendered, sexualized and racialized, and we need to consider how these histories inform our daily practice and institutional initiatives. The blatant misogyny, which transcends sex at this point, that is now circulating on Barstool and beyond is evidence that we need a broader and deeper commitment to, vision for, and engagement with community accountability here at UCONN and within the community at large.
That said, timing is everything. This article has incited an extraordinary amount of attention, and we must utilize this media coverage to transform the opportunity into something positive from which we can affect the change we want to see in the world. As community members it is our responsibility to regulate our environment, and this is the perfect example of how we can act to show what huskies REALLY believe.
Community accountability requires us to consider these connections and work together to create conditions in which all forms of oppression and violence can be eradicated. If you believe that Rape Culture should not be tolerated...that harassment or victimization of individuals based on their gender, race, or political view points...that each student has the inherent right to feel safe on this campus...that community members should be able to turn to law enforcement officials or administration without feeling judged and dehumanized...Please make your best effort to attend this open forum.
There will be a memo read before the forum which details ground rules, an agenda, and the format of the event. PLEASE NOTE: It is absolutely necessary that you come to this forum with the intent of listening to others, learning new perspectives, speaking freely, and readying yourself to engage in an evening of Think Tank. It is understandable to have a large degree of anger related to the recent comments and actions of others – I am sure that many of us have felt a slew of emotions including disempowerment or sadness or anger over the past few days – but for the security of those present at this event, we ask that you bring only civility, thoughts of progress, and level-headedness.
That said, come ready for some political discourse. Wednesday, 1 May, promptly at 7pm, Women's Center, 4th floor of the UConn Student Union.
You can also come on WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 at 6pm to paint "The Rock" which is located at the corner of the Foundation building and North parking garage.
If you need to reach out to someone, please do so. Take care of yourself. Please see the UConn Women's Center website for support resources. http://womenscenter.uconn.edu/support.php
