Freedom ““ to believe, to speak, to do ““ is
inarguably the greatest virtue of American society.
The fact that we live in a country where people can openly
support unpopular views or debate controversial topics is a
blessing I hold dear. Accordingly, I fully support the free speech
rights of those who table on Bruin Walk and around campus for
political, social and religious causes.
I would, however, caution these folks to wield their power
wisely and conscientiously. Just because you have a right does not
mean you should abuse that right in an exploitative and crass
manner, even for a worthy cause.
As I walked by the Public Policy building last Wednesday
afternoon, I saw a table with posters endorsing a little-known
Democratic political candidate. One poster prominently displayed in
front said, “The Economy is Going Down Faster than a UCLA
Sorority Girl.” To say that I was offended is an
understatement. I was disturbed by the content of the message, and
even more so by the fact that these campaigners would choose to
blithely denigrate an entire group of people (most of whom they
likely do not know) for a publicity ploy. Did they understand that
this type of message would make at least some people unnecessarily
self-conscious or uncomfortable while going about their daily
routine?
Upon expressing my displeasure to the men at the table (who
appeared to be students), I was told that the poster had been made
by a woman, a feminist nonetheless, who thought “everyone
would find it funny.” I am a Democrat, a woman, a feminist
and a former “UCLA Sorority Girl,” and I did not find
it funny at all. I was disturbed and disappointed the campaigners
would resort to a trite stereotype that perpetuates detrimental and
outdated notions. Such cheap shock value not only undermines the
intellectual integrity of our campus but is counterproductive to
the cause. I will always have a negative connotation associated
with that candidate, as will many other students, I am sure.
I do not take offense easily, and can toss around crude jokes
with the best of them. What I resent, however, is the pigeonholing
of an entire segment of the school population without regard to the
truth.
Having spent almost four years in a UCLA sorority, I will admit
that there were some people who could be described as promiscuous.
I can also tell you that I knew at least as many non-sorority
members who deserved that label as well. In retrospect, the women
in my sorority were the most intelligent, hard-working, motivated
individuals that I have ever had the pleasure to know. They
constituted a remarkable presence within UCLA: a richly diverse yet
cohesive collection of people all working toward the same goals of
friendship, understanding, respect and support.
I did not find such an organization anywhere else within this
university, and I am proud to have been a member of such a rarified
group.
It is because of my deep and abiding respect for my sorority
sisters, and for all of the women in the Greek system, that I could
not just walk by the offending poster. I would entreat the
campaigners to also have some respect ““ if not for students
and UCLA, then at least for the candidate. I am certain he would
expect his supporters to use discretion, judgment and good taste in
exercising their free speech rights.