Regarding the mural in the kitchenette in fifth-floor Willow, men such as the residents in Schaefer House and those writing letters, such as Michael Fuller, must realize that this is not just a women’s issue, but a men’s issue as well. This mural is not only a degradation of women, but also a stereotypical portrayal of men that reinforces violence.

Even after the date-rape graffiti has been removed, this mural still depicts three soldiers carrying a woman as if she is an object.

The fact that these men are soldiers can only lead to the assumption that this woman is a “prize of war,” and that she has been kidnapped and will later be raped. This mural condones and reinforces the violent actions of soldiers, who have throughout history kidnapped and raped women.

If we are to truly progress towards a better society, then we must rid ourselves of these violent notions. Fuller writes in his Dec. 9 letter, “Mural humor funny, not offensive,” that he wishes we would take a humanist perspective towards this issue. What he doesn’t realize is that the removal of this mural is humanist, in that it can help change the values of our society by ending the reinforcement of a violent culture.

As men, we should prove Heather Reynolds’ argument in her Dec. 6 letter that “boys will be boys,” to be false (“Thin-skinned girls looking to whine”). Men do not need to be the perpetrators of violence.

Men everywhere should be offended that this mural depicts them in such a violent, dominating manner. Removing the mural in Schaefer House is but a small step towards changing society into one where we can live peacefully, stop violence towards women and towards other men.

Michael Faris

Senior

English