Posted on November 5, 2007
Sexism is a roadblock to progress
It is true that the top chefs in the world are of the “superior sex.” (I must thank Tim Chapman in advance for handing this one to me.) According to society, cooking is a women’s job. However, it is important for our patriarchal structure to make certain that the “inferior” sex understand that men, in all their infinite glory, can undoubtedly be more successful at something women were apparently born to do.
This complex has been incessantly ingrained in the minds of men for centuries. So long as women have been “holding down the stove for centuries,” men have been creating ways to continuously de-legitimize the ability of women.
We only work full time, cook every meal, take the children to their various activities, give birth to sons who think we should remain in the house, do the laundry, clean the house, please you in the bedroom and do it all with a smile. Why? Because few men can do a woman’s job.
If we are defined by these ideas of what we were born to do, it becomes difficult to live in a world where these aforementioned natural skills and abilities are essentially secondary to survival this day in age. Unfortunately, I think Chapman represents a marginal group of chauvinists. I wish him the best of luck finding a subservient, pious and presumably obtuse wife.
I can guarantee after reading Chapman’s commentary that any self-respecting woman would gladly watch you eat your own words. Bon Appétit!
Stephanie Ruggles
class of 2008
An invitation for open-mindedness
About 10 days ago, I was walking by D-Hall and saw a Christian lay person speaking to a group of about 25 students. Some obviously were there to hear the message, but several were there to heckle and curse at the man. I heard the F-bomb at least 10 times, and one male student told the very mild and sincere Christian that he should “get the f--- off campus, ’cause we just kicked your a--.”
All of this venom was at a high volume. Is this the debate style and social comport that is being taught here at JMU? We are here to learn from others, and if we have a different opinion to express it in a civil and moderate manner. I was embarrassed and ashamed to witness a student curse and spew at a modest and civil person just trying to get a message out.
I’ve never seen any secular speakers being cursed like this on campus before, and perhaps if you print an edited account of this episode those who acted so rudely will reconsider their style of discussion and debate in the future.
Robert Wilkerson III
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