Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Childers, James" <>]

I have been a part of this list server for some time now and seldom comment.  I have learned a great deal through the interaction of us like minded individuals and appreciate being a part of this group.  With that said, I need some opinions on an issue at my university that I find very disturbing.  Perhaps I am over reacting and not being open minded in our field of academia and the fine arts, but I think not.

 

As a feminist and PhD candidate doing research on partner violence on campus, I am always aware of environmental disturbances being present, but this pushed me over the edge.  Last Friday night, my wife and I attended a play at my university.

 

reasons to be pretty
By Neil LaBute

 

There are some clips on youtube if you are interested (not from the performances here)

This play was nothing more than 2 hours of domestic humiliations and dating violence (both with male and female victims)!  Of course there were probably 50 undergrads in attendance just absorbing this type behavior.

 

I understand this was presented on Broadway, but on campuses where the problems are so prevalent and minds are so impressionable, what’s up with that?  I have considered writing the chair of the department, but I am sure I would be directed to the meaning of theatre and fine arts and to no avail!

 

If you have read this far, thanks for listening and I am open for suggestions.

 

 

James M. Childers, M.S.