Somewhere, Eve Ensler is smiling. Years ago she compiled a series of interviews with women who were, for the most part, victims of violence. She then took those interviews and distilled them into a relatively brief performance piece, the purposes of which were to raise awareness of violence against women and to inspire debate.
I submit that she has succeeded beyond her wildest expectations, at least with regard to serving as a muse. I have enjoyed reading the disparate responses to this play, to University President Father John Jenkins' statements and to the ongoing debate in general. While there are those who have approached the issues at hand through diatribe and narrow-mindedness, there have also been those who have shown civility in giving voice to honest debate. Regardless of position, I would like to thank all those who have contributed. They have shown the heights to which thoughtful contemplation can rise, as well as the depths to which rigidity can cause us to sink. In all, it has been illuminating.
As for myself, I thank Father Jenkins for his reasoned response. While I do not agree in full with the positions he has taken on several issues to date, I am glad to see that the voices of dissent will not be silenced, at least not today.
Joe SinnottalumnusClass of 1976
