Spring Break
Letters to the Editor
Issue date: 5/14/08 Section: Forum
For more details, the Oregon State University Valley Library Archives has a xerographic copy of my speech "History of OSU Gay Student Groups 1976-2006." An Internet accessible digital copy is available on the library's web page "Collections Pertaining to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People in Oregon." http://osulibrary.oregonstate.edu/archives/oma/glbt.html
THOMAS KRAEMER
Alumni, class of 1977
Response to Gwin
In regards to the WNBA
Each week I carefully read with interest the weekly forum "The way I see it." Often times I find some of the allegations made completely ludicrous, driven mostly from the mindset of extreme feminism, and don't even waste my time on a second thought. Today, reading Ms. Gwin's column, I was appalled at how much disdain she had for heroes of the feminist movement. "Maria Sharapova, Amanda Beard, ... DANICA PATRICK." These women are the best of the best in their respective sports. Danica Patrick became the first woman ever to win an Indy Car race. Let me assure you, she did not flaunt her sexuality to win a race where she started out in 17th or 18th position. Just because a woman is physically attractive does not give Ms. Gwin the right to subtract any accomplishment these women have worked so hard to gain. Women are becoming pioneers in various fields - be it athletics or astrophysics. I am just curious why the eternal feminist, Ms. Gwin, is so pessimistic about the successes of such women.
In regards to the WNBA, viewership is low because it is slow paced, and only two or three women can dunk; very little excitement is found in watching breakaway layup after breakaway layup. The WNBA has not developed a following because it is as horizontal as soccer, not because the women are attractive or unattractive.
It is Ms. Gwin and other radical feminists, not men, who try and pinpoint womanhood as "their sexual availability to men" or the "c" word as an attempt to reduce a woman to her genitals. It is Ms. Gwin - not men - who hate the success of an attractive female. It is Ms. Gwin - not men - who perpetuates societal norms that have long since been abandoned.
Or at least, that's the way I see it.
Kevin Schock
Freshman, political science
THOMAS KRAEMER
Alumni, class of 1977
Response to Gwin
In regards to the WNBA
Each week I carefully read with interest the weekly forum "The way I see it." Often times I find some of the allegations made completely ludicrous, driven mostly from the mindset of extreme feminism, and don't even waste my time on a second thought. Today, reading Ms. Gwin's column, I was appalled at how much disdain she had for heroes of the feminist movement. "Maria Sharapova, Amanda Beard, ... DANICA PATRICK." These women are the best of the best in their respective sports. Danica Patrick became the first woman ever to win an Indy Car race. Let me assure you, she did not flaunt her sexuality to win a race where she started out in 17th or 18th position. Just because a woman is physically attractive does not give Ms. Gwin the right to subtract any accomplishment these women have worked so hard to gain. Women are becoming pioneers in various fields - be it athletics or astrophysics. I am just curious why the eternal feminist, Ms. Gwin, is so pessimistic about the successes of such women.
In regards to the WNBA, viewership is low because it is slow paced, and only two or three women can dunk; very little excitement is found in watching breakaway layup after breakaway layup. The WNBA has not developed a following because it is as horizontal as soccer, not because the women are attractive or unattractive.
It is Ms. Gwin and other radical feminists, not men, who try and pinpoint womanhood as "their sexual availability to men" or the "c" word as an attempt to reduce a woman to her genitals. It is Ms. Gwin - not men - who hate the success of an attractive female. It is Ms. Gwin - not men - who perpetuates societal norms that have long since been abandoned.
Or at least, that's the way I see it.
Kevin Schock
Freshman, political science
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Mr. Nunley
posted 5/14/08 @ 12:16 PM PST
Paul Ortiz? Unless that's his middle name that he goes by, we should at least try and get our best hitter's name right.
Very true, Kevin. Danica Patrick is in a very "manly" sport (I'll leave the whole "is it a sport?" debate for another time). (Continued…)
Nunley
posted 5/15/08 @ 10:58 PM PST
Notice that I put the word "radical" before feminism. I could have used the word "Feminazi" instead. Your favorite source, Webster, defines it as a "radical feminist. (Continued…)
Nunley
posted 5/16/08 @ 2:25 PM PST
I don't know if my last response registered or not, so if this is repetition, I'm sorry. I'll address your points, Tara.
1. It wasn't an accident that I put the word "radical" before the word "feminist. (Continued…)
Heidi
posted 5/19/08 @ 1:49 PM PST
Mr. Nunley, since you have decided to enumerate your arguments, I'll do the same (for sake of easy comparison). It interests me that you chose to post twice - am I incorrect in thinking you are trying to goad Tara into another response??
1. (Continued…)
Post a Comment
Comments by registered users are approved by default.