Women's News of the Monterey Bay Area

VOLUME 3 NO. 2 MAY, 1980 Demeter Sponsors Team Softball Season Starts June 7 Flushed with the success -of -our basketball team (which was undefeated in Monterey Parks and Rec league play), Demeter will sponsor a women's slow-pitch softball team this summer starting June 7. Play will continue through August 16. Women 16 and older qualify to play in this Monterey Parks and Rec league. Due to an $80 per team registration fee , we will ask for $5 per team member to help us with expenses. In the event we should go over the 18 player per team limit, Demeter will sponsor a second team, Persephone (Demeter's daughter). · Women interested in orgamzmg their own teams can contact Hannah Rothlin at Monterey Parks and Rec, 646-3866, for details. To sign-up for our team, please stop by the Demeter office, 591 Lighthouse, No. 7, PG, or call Maureen or Jill at 625-2830. Our first organizational Deb Ford, pitcher for a team called the Blazers, releases the ball while meeting/practice will be Sunday, May Cheryl Smith, first base, and Leslie Johnson, shortstop, get ready to field 18. Deadline to contact us is Tuesday, a grounder in Monterey Parks and Rec women's softball league action May 13. last summer. -Maureen McEvoy r Gay/LesbianRights """ Women's Theater Group Forms Here Rape Crisis at MPC May 7 A gay and lesbian alliance group for Auction On Wednesday, May 7, the the Monterey Peninsula is in the pro­ Rape Crisis will hold its annual Monterey Peninsula College English cess of being formed and will hold its Wine and Cheese Tasting Auc­ and Women's Studies departments will first meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 tion Friday, May 23 at tl~e San join Demeter Productions in present p.m. in the San Diego Savings and Carlos Hotel, Monterey. Items ing an evening of women's theater at Loan Community Room, Alvarado donated by local merchants will 7:30 p.m. in Lecture Forum 103. Street, Monterey. be auctioned off to raise funds. Actress/director Amy Burk Wright The purpose of the meeting is to Ticket donation is $3.50 in ad­ will lead a troupe of eight women in the decide on goals and activities for the vance; $4 at the door. For more performance of Revelations - Diaries organization. Two main directions in information. · call 373-3955. · of Women, a series of dramatic which interest has been expressed thus monologues based on the book edited far, according to spokesperson Pat by Mary Jane Moffit and Charolet ~.; '•s Painter, which traces the internal and Murphy, are action on civil rights ~ · issues involving gay and lesbian in­ ...·.. historical development of eight women dividuals, and participation in voter as expressed in their journals and t- • registration and political organizing. !~. diaries. The women represented range Continued on page 11 Continued on page 11 Demeter- May, 1980- 2 An Editorial The Draft As A Feminist Issue

The recent proposal to register women for the draft has tims of decisions they have no role in making, commit been interpreted by many as a tactical ploy designed to divert violence on the people of other, often Third World coun­ the nation's attention from the question of the legitimacy of tries, is hardly what the women's movement has been the draft itself, create division in the women's movement, fighting for. The years of work and struggle spent dealing and cloud the issue of the ERA. Feminist groups across the with the dynamics of classism and racism and the understan­ nation, however, appear not to be falling for the game, and ding of the commonality of women's struggle worldwide do instead may be causing Carter's proposal to backfire by not lend themselves to the required militaristic belief that the organizing around the issue and focusing attention on its women and people of other countries in similar powerless many implications. positions are the "enemy." As the Phyllis Schlafly types are looking red in the face Demeter supports the anti-draft stands taken by - their anti-ERA "ace in the hole" revealed instead to be a NOW AR (National Organization of Women Against joker as Congress has long had full authority to draft women Registration, a San Francisco Bay Area coalition of feminist without the ERA - it is heartening to see women's groups groups); NOW; the Women's International League for nationwide react in collective outrage at the peacetime draft Peace and Freedom, and hundreds of others across the coun­ call. try. The hypocrisy of politicians calling for the draft of There is a lot of work to be done. Seeing the draft as a women and yet refusing to ratify the Equal Rights Amend­ feminist issue also means examining and integrating our ment is not going unnoticed. Involuntary draft registration is politics around the ERA, nuclear power and warfare, U.S. not seen as "equality" in a political system where women are intervention in Third World countries, racism within the critically under-represented at every level of governmental draft system, and discrimination and sexual harassment of and military policy making, and there is understandable women already in the military. reluctance on the part of women to go to war as ''protectors The call for registration of women for the draft has of the patriarchy.'' brought us rather abruptly to a critical crossroad and we War has traditionally been a man's game and public opi­ have the choice and responsibility for the direction taken. nion polls have shown American women to be measurably Organizing around the draft as a feminist issue is proving to less likely to support military solutions, from World War I be a positive and unifying action - maybe the "issue" the through Vietnam. Feminist principles have centered around movement needs to sustain both focus and viability. life, growth, intellect and cooperation - war demands the very opposite. Supporting a system wherein draftees, as vie- -Debi Busman

New Subscribers Moving? Thanks and welcome to our new subscribers. Moved recently? If you have a change of address, please notify us David Hollands at P.O. Box 1661, Monterey, 93940. Aly Kim The post office will not forward Elenore Souza Demeter, so if you want to continue Paula J . Harrill receiving the peninsula's only Monterey Public Library feminist newsmagazine, please keep Donna Ziel us informed of your correct address. Suzanne Judith Deborah Dinkins Lola S. Steinbaum Jeanne K. Adams ./ } :}:?tttttJ:,:':':;;::::::::,:,:::::,,::: 11:::::::::::::l: f=t=):('' ::::r:::::::::tt:::::::::::::::::::: ):t :t:?ft ='/:\::::::::::::::::::.·:.-.·...... rt::?:ftt):t:::: )t)ttt =)ftt:: Amadea Morningstar ii®11tWLtVW@i im"lffli . ·······:1m ···:a :: ; ;~ :::: 111.1.1111111111111,J Lenette B. Gaskill Felicia Brings

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.[JWIIL)D ~\\ -·. . WM.11 5 Cat Clock Fever~ 1o More to Story of Cover to Cover Editor: Margaret Fuller Editor: I've been struck by this urge to get · Sign me up for a year. Demeter is the up and dance. My feet are tapping Editor: only publication I've ever come across right this moment, ready to jump and I appreciated Polly Parker's in­ that is readable from cover to cover. jive and I can tell you exactly why. The sightful review of Still Beat Noble Hats off to all whose dedication and aliens have landed! Hearts, the dramatic portrait of love went into the making of the Talent· Saturday night at the Second Margaret Fuller presented by New Show (and, of course, the performers Women's Variety Talent Show, the au­ York actress Laurie James at Monterey and audience). dience was taken over by the film, In­ Peninsula College in January. Tanya Patterson vasion of the Cat Clocks. Then, as if However, as one of the members of Monterey the crowd weren't entertained enough, Women In Transition, the sponsoring the extraterrestrial feline time pieces organization, I would both commend Women;s Events: left behind four women who played Parker and take issue with her. some great rock 'n' roll. I imagine The production, billed as Part I: The A New Awakening those people who didn't get up to American Years, does end too abrupt­ dance missed a great chance. ly. Part II of Margaret Fuller's story, Editor: I would like to make one request to The European Years, which is another It was great to be able to feel the those women who played in the band: evening's program, was told briefly in positive energy while being at the River Iris, Raindance, Angie and Sister the printed program. It is hoped that concert. It was my first! And it felt Ringo Maria. When does the women's Ms. James will return to California good to be there. community get a chance to dance until next year with a presentation of The I have a lot I want to learn about dawn to your music? I'm ready! European Years. There is ,literally too women and Demeter is filling me with Sandra McKee much important material on Margaret information about everything from Monterey Fuller to present in one evening. legal to social to political and pesonal happenings. Without you, I would be Grateful For Parker did not see slides of Fuller's. so uninformed. Thanks for being here! female contemporaries along with Aly Kim Concert ·Signing those of Emerson, Thoreau, Alcott, Marina etc., because the search is still on for Editor: portraits of women who were involved Thank you for your fine article on with Fuller. They are not easy to come Changes Needed the Holly Near concert. However, I'd by. Editor: like to mention that Sandra Faulkner While I commend Janie Forrest's in­ and Carolyn Hansen were overlooked. Laurie James has been many years spection of rape in Egypt, the aspects It is my pleasure to know both of these researching the life of Margaret Fuller she covers seem sadly familiar and women and I am aware of how much and shaping it into an artistic perfor­ mance. Of recent time, Buckminster native to the United States as well: talent, dedication and hard work goes harassment of the victim, low percen­ into the preparations for signing a con­ Fuller has shared new material from the family archives with Laurie and has tage of women reporting rape, a cert. medical exam ·which in many cities is So thanks again. Better late than shared the stage with her in presenting still far from humane, domestic never. this portrait · of his grand aunt brutality often sanctioned by silence. Tera Mota Margaret. All these are certainly not alien to our Pacific Grove Parker complains "the program country. While changes in the legal Editor's Note: We're sorry for the contains no bibliographical informa­ code are commendable, worldwide omission. It is indeed hard work. Each tion on the availability of her works or changes in values must occur if we song takes approximately eight hours of material about her." If she had women throughout the world are to be to interpret. stopped at the display table at the door safe from such deep-rooted violence. after the performance, Parker could Morningstar have picked up two articles on Carmel Demeter Productions would like Margaret Fuller's life, a list of books to apologize to the people who tried by and about Fuller, and have purchas­ to purchase Talent Show tickets at ed copies of two recent biographies of A Special Thank You Do Re Mi Music only to find none Fuller as well as Fuller's own work, to Aly Kim there. We had last minute distribu­ Woman · in the Nineteenth Century, For Her Generous tion problems and we are very sorry which is mentioned in the drama. for the inconvenience. Rosemary Matson Contribution Carmel Vall~y April Issue Rates Bravos from Reader Very Angry Editor: on controversial topics, i.e., Women in Editor: The April issue was truly outstan­ the Trenches. While I may not have Last month four kidnapping at­ ding. Have so many bravos I don't agreed with all its ideas, it for sure tempts were made in a single afternoon know where to begin. Demented was stimulated thoughts about women and on four young girls - three in Pacific mavelous - I roared. It seems headed power and how we deal (or don't deal) Grove and one in Monterey. From all for an annual ( chaotic?) fame. with it. Feel it's important for Demeter descriptions given to the police, the at­ Sandra McKee's Personal Perspec­ to continue to present controversial tempts were made by the same man. tive contained some of the clearest and ideas. The school that my daughter attends most sensitive writing I have read in a So much talent so well delivered - - where one kidnapping attempt was long while, written from the heart. I bravos Demeter staff! Much thanks for made - sent out notices to the parents look forward to seeing more of her being you. Anpao concerning the incident, with a plea to work in your pages. Carmel warn the children of the danger, to Iris Dean's shot of the basketball P .S. It is interesting to note (re: The make them aware. I read and reread team seemed more art than journalism; Wonder Drug People Should Wonder the note in a state of shock. one feels the players rather than just About) that two California women Could something such as this sees them. And the comic snap of recently won a class action suit on the heinous criminal act really happen in faithful fans was delightful. DES issue. Since in this suit the Monterey? It is hard to deal with the Marjorie Van Peski's flowers are original drug company was not known, fact that, yes, it could and almost did rare - feel we are so lucky to have her the decision held all manufacturers of happen - four times in one afternoon. in this community. DES financially responsible for As I pass by in the mornings, school Was also glad to see several articles damages incurred. Major victory. bus stops have three or four parents clustered around the children. Parents are watching out for other people's Women's Programming on KPFA children, too, asking them about the grownups who talk to them. "Here We Are, Ready Or Not" My daughter and her friends run in­ and Creativity" and "Male to the house occasionally with the idea Editor: that they've seen "the kidnapper." Hostility ..." I want to thank you for your fine Even adults are getting more than a bit newsletter with its diversity of Thursday: 12 noon - Shouting It Out with Mama O'Shea - definitely cautious when a car drives slowly by a "focuses." While listening to a school playground. not the usual male hosted call-in stirring interview with Bella Abzug Children play in large groups more show; a strong gutsy Third World on the radio, I thought your readers often now. Every scream makes me run woman who loves lively talk and would be interested in knowing to the scene, not knowing if children jazz, jazz, jazz. It is a live one! about such radio programming, if · are just playing, or if some child is be­ To pick up KPF A, I bought a they don't already know. Many ing victimized. locals are a ware of the KAZU $1.25 wire antenna T from Zackett's My daughter's life - and my own - women's shows - Women's Music Electronics and put it up outside the have been changed by this deplorable for Everybody on Sunday afternoon window. The reception in New man who still may be seeking his vic­ and Our Sister's House on Thur- Monterey is good most of the time, tims. · sday. except for occasional KF AT power Now I am angry, very angry. I do Well, KPFA FM 94.1, a listener­ blasts. not know how to deal with this anger supported station from Berkeley, I do feel all radio programming constructively, because I am not sure has a good women's department and relates to women, whether it be on where to direct energy in affecting regular women's programs, weekly health, news, jazz, etc. There isn't a change for a safe and humane place to featured with an occasional program set range of experience that is live. Every small corner of children's change due to a documentary "women's concerns" - however, it and women's lives stands violated by special preempting the time slot. does make a difference when there this repressive atmosphere of patriar­ are shows planned and carried out chal violence. I do not accept this Saturday morning: 10:30 a.m. - by and for women. The interview violence, even though my life has Focus on Women in Music; 12 noon with Bella A bzug does on one level always been surrounded by this - Women's Magazine. what the music of Joan violence. Monday: 12 noon Great Armatrading or Holly Near does on I stand in anger, too, for the Women: subjects of interest another - speaks to me with clear, children, the future. Their lives cannot relating to women with a historical strong voices and says, "Here we remain untouched by this systematic slant, informative; 10 p.m. - are, ready or not, ready to reach out inhumanity and they will see its Women's News; 10:30 p.m. -There and shake you down to the bones, perpetuation for a long time to come, is a Woman in This Town - the roots, the real nitty-gritty ..." unless they are taught to protect anything from poetry to labor Judy Karas themselves. Sandra McKee New Monterey organizing to programs on "Women Monterey Demeter-May, 1980-5

Antioch Workshops for Women Monterey Law Center UFM Antioch University, 690 Pine, Will sponsor two workshops of in­ Monterey's Free University will of­ Pacific Grove, continues its series of terest to women: fer "Women's Class: Yoga and the workshops for women. May The ABC's of StartinK a New Man-Woman Relationship,'' Wednes­ workshops include: May 3, ''Women Business, an accountant, attorneys and day, May 14, 7:30 p.m. Fee, $2. For and Addiction," which will deal with · a loan administrator will discuss star­ more information or to register, call psychological addictions such as food, ting a new business, Saturday, May IO, 373-2641. work, marijuana, etc., sliding scale noon-5 p.m. Fee: $30. fee; May 23, "Feminist Political Kramer vs. Kramer: Myth or Reali­ Salinas Theory," led by Bettina . Aptheker, ty? Child Custody in the Courts, topics The Community Women's Center of 7:30 p.m., no fee; May 31, Day Retreat include what really happens in a Salinas will celebrate with an open for Women, a self-acceptance custody proceeding, joint custody, and house 3-6 p.m. Friday, May 2. There workshop facilitated · by Claudia resolving visitation conflicts. Instruc­ will be refreshments, entertainment Cranston, sliding scale fee. For more tor: Katherine Stoner, attorney in and good people. The center is located information, call 649-4949. private practice and instructor at at 6 West Gabilan. Monterey Peninsula College of Law. Monterey County Commission Thursday, May 29, 7-10 p.m. Fee: $15 . Salinas NOW on the Status of Women Both workshops will be held at the Meets Tuesday, May 6, 7:30 p.m. in Will meet Wednesday, May 7 at the Monterey College of Law, 498 Pearl the Community Room, Monterey Sav­ Salinas Court House, 7:30 p.m. St., Monterey. To register or for more ings & Loan, Main and Alisal, Salinas. Alliance on Aging will present a pro­ information, call Ellen Fondiler at gram on its services for older women. 373-3301. Demeter Productions Demeter Productions will have a Demeter Office Hours We encourage readers to send us meeting open to all interested com­ Demeter's office is located at 591 information about community munity members May 27 at 7 p.m. in Lighthouse, No. 7, Pacific Grove. events, especially those of interest to the Demeter office, 591 Lighthouse Please come by with ideas, suggestions, women. We will print as many as Ave., No. 7, Pacific Grove. offers of help, to have a cup of coffee, space permits. YWCA or just to meet the anonymous women While we attempt to answer all The Women's Center will offer of the staff box in person. Our hours our mail, we don't normally res­ "Getting What You Want Out of are 12-3 Monday through Saturday. pond to information about com­ Life," a group for women to look at munity events. If you would like a the various aspects of their lives, Childbirth Education League reply, please indicate so. establish goals, develop assertiveness Mothering Skills workshops spon­ skills and learn to use personal abilities sored by CEL will be held Thursdays, to get what they want from life. The May 8 and 15, IO a.m., at the Family NWPC eight-week class begins May 8, 6-8 . Resource Center, 500 Hilby, Seaside. Iris Mitgang, National Women's p.m. at the YWCA. Fee is $40 plus $10 Parents Talk, a support and enrich­ Political Caucus chair, will be the guest Y membership. ment group for parents, meets every speaker at the May 15 meeting, 7:30 Information and Referral Orienta­ Tuesday at the Family Resource p.m., Marina City Building. tion - Will be held May 28 for those Center, IO a.m. Everyone is invited. who volunteer to work a three-hour CEL will sponsor a seven-week Women for Women WFW meets Thursday, May 15, 7:30 shift per week for the Women's prepared childbirth course beginning 7 Center. p.m., May 21 at Lighthouse School, p.m. at the Salinas Women's Center, 6 West Gabilan, Salinas. Women's Center General 1025 Lighthouse, Pacific Grove. To meetings are held the third Wednesday enroll, call 375-5737. WADV of each month at the Y, 5:15 p.m. for Women Against Domestic Violence anyone interested in development of Planned Parenthood general meeting will be held W ednes­ the Women's Center. Scheduled The main office has moved from day, May 14, 6:30 p.m. at the YWCA, meeting, May 21. Pacific Grove to new facilities at 5 Via 276 Eldorado. The Women's Center will sponsor a Joaquin, Monterey. The phone W ADV will hold an Organizational Women's Run July 19. Volunteers are number for appointments remains the . Retreat for all current and former needed to organize this event. If you'd same: 373-1691. The new ad­ members Saturday, May 17, IO a.m.-4 like to help, call 649-6065. ministrative number is 373-1709. p.m. at 861 Marino Pines, Pacific Women's Health Task Force - A The community is invited to the Grove. fact finding group to explore the health opening and tour of the new Salinas Advocate training for the crisis line resources and needs of women. Call clinic on .Thursday, May l, 3:30-6:30 at wilJ begin Tuesday, May 20, 9:30-12:30 for next meeting date. 51 E. Romie Lane, one block off Main at the YWCA and wilJ run for five con­ Call the YWCA, 649-0834, for St. in Salinas. For more information, secutive Tuesdays. Call Maria Gitin, registration and/or information on any call 758-8261. 649-0834, for more information. . of the above. Demeter-May, 1980-6 Local and National News Briefs Rural Women Join Fight More Women in TV Jobs Govt. to Revise Job Guidelines for Women An Oregon State University Possibly reacting to overwhelming sociologist says that feminism is evidence of sexism in the media in­ The federal government is in the pro­ spreading from the cities to rural dustries, the Federal Communications cess of revising the guidelines about America. Commission has taken steps to require what kind of jobs pregnant women can Sally Hacker says that rural women the three major networks (NBC, ABC, legally hold. are now experiencing the same things CBS) to abide by equal employment According to the government, there that made urban women start to fight standards and to put more women and are about 20 million jobs that could for equality in the sixties. minorities into program policy posi­ possibly expose workers to hazards like Hacker says that women's attitudes tions. lead, vinyl chloride, or other things change as they move into the labor The Commission will send staff which may endanger pregnancies or force. She adds that the percentage of members to corporate headquarters of future pregnancies. working women in rural areas is rising, the Big Three to assess employment In revising the hiring guidelines, the contributing to a heightened awareness patterns in the ranks of the decision­ government hopes not only to protect of the fact that women are receiving makers, whose judgments determine the safety of the mother, but also her unequal pay for equal work and less · about 90 percent of what is seen on civil rights so she won't be dismissed or than equal participation in the educa­ local stations. fired unfairly from her job. tional and political processes. All three networks have opposed Under the proposed rules, employers The sociologist says with increased FCC interference, stating it will intrude will have to review all scientific participation in the labor market, rural illegally on their "corporate in­ evidence to determine if a substance is women are beginning to say, "Look, dependence." hazardous to the reproductive system this isn't fair. We're not receiving -National NOW Times of women as well as men. If the hazard equal salaries and we don't have the is shown to affect only the fetus, then same access for advancement.'' ohly pregnant women (and not all -Her Say Female Soldiers Share Risks women of child bearing age) may be Kathleen Carpenter, Deputy excluded from the job. Also, the rules Secretary of Defense for Equal Oppor­ forbid a loss of pay or other employ­ Gay Activists Protest tunity, claims that if the U.S. goes to ment benefits for women who are American Policies war, women soldiers will share many transferred to other jobs. of the same risks as their male counter­ -Equal Times Dutch lesbians and gay men dressed parts. in police uniforms quizzed arriving Carpenter says that althou,gh women . tourists about their sexuality at won't be in hand-to-hand combat, Schilpol Airport in Amsterdam. Wear­ they'll be in just as vulnerable positions All the Ads Aren't ing badges identifying them as as men who are on the front lines. members of the "Homo Squad," the Carpenter says Americans are kid­ Fit To Print four questioned incoming American ding themselves if they think women Helen Copley, owner of two Califor­ visitors about their possible homosex­ soldiers, even in support positions, nia newspapers and a national news uality. The action was a protest against might not be in dangerous situations. service, has announced her newspapers a renewed U.S. policy of barring The Deputy Secretary added, "The will ban advertisements for birth con­ · foreign visitors suspected of homosex­ whole idea of warfare .. .is to cut off trol and abortion clinics. uality from the U.S. the supplies first, then the front line Copley made the announcement in a The action came as the National Gay troops. It's not a question of whether statement printed in her newspapers, Task Force announced in February our women will be shot at. There's no the San Diego Union and the Evening that it will use "every available means" question they will be. The question is Tribune. Copley claimed birth control, to halt a Justice Department proposal whether they will be able to shoot sterilization, and abortion are "con­ that would continue to stop suspected back." troversial" and therefore "counter to homosexuals, and question them about -Plexus the concepts of a family-oriented · their private sexual behavior. The newspaper." Both papers, she said, policy has been the center of con­ PR For Susan B. Dollars would no longer accept such ads. trovery and changing government posi­ The Susan B. Anthony dollar has a Both newspapers, however, continue tions in recent months, following friend at the Bureau of the Mint: to publish advertisements for strip harassment of lesbians and gay men Director Stella Hackel, who is prepar­ shows and pornographic films. entering the U.S. ing to embark on a long-term PR cam­ A spokesperson for the local chapter The new Justice Department pro­ paign to urge acceptance of the coin, of the National Organization for posal upholds a directive by Secretary despite a decision temporarily to halt Women, Pat Hrycyszyn, says she is of State Vance. The NGTF urges peo­ its minting. Hackel says she did not ex­ "appalled" by the Copley decision, ad­ ple to send protests to President Jimmy pect the coin to win instant favor. "We ding, "It appears the newspapers are Carter, The White House, had expected it would take three or setting themselves up as some sort of Washington, D.C. 20500. four years." censors.'' -National NOW Times -National NOW Times -Her Say Demeter-May, 1980-7

The 1980 Women's Talent Show. • •

The 1980 Women's Variety Talent Show was as big a success as was hoped for. With 15 show-stopping acts, it was an entertaining evening for all. The fallowing are just a few highlights that made the show an inspiration for us all. }tf)j'I•· ...

As always in the spotlight, Lambert Van Buuren is shown during one of her many entertaining between· show acts. ·

CJ McArthur is pictured here singing her interpretation of Jade & Sassparllla's Day Time, accompanied by Photos by Pauline Thomas on piano. Maureen McEvoy

Aside from presenting the Talent Show's audience with the award-winning film, Invasion of the Cat Clocks, Iris Dean and friends wound up the evening Adding a bit of color to the show (even if it was off col· with a wild rock and roll medley not to be forgotten or), Laurie Meagher sang and played some of her soon. From left to right are Angie Antang, Iris Dean, original music. Sister Ringo Maria and Raindance. Salinas Community Women's Center open My Sister's House, KAZU house, 3-6 p.m. Antioch workshop "Women 90.3 FM , 12:30-3 Women's Rap Group, 7:30. and Addiction" May Day Call Signe, 624-2133. National Sun Day 4 5 6 8 9

Women's Center workshop, YWCA, 6 p.m. Commission on the Status Mothering Skills workshop, Last day to register to vote Salinas NOW meeting, 7:30 of Women meeting, 7:30 10 a.m. Starting a new business Women's music, KAZU 90.3 in June elections Gay/lesbian group meeting, An Evening of Women's My Sister's House, KAZU , workshop, Monterey Law FM , 12-3 Cinco de Mayo 7 p.m. Theater, M PC , 7:30 12:30-3 Women's Rap Group, 7:30 Center, 12-5 11 12 13 14 15 16

Women For Women meeting, 7:30 We need calendar news. NWPC meeting, 7:30 Women's Rap Group, 7:30 Mother's Day Send info to Demeter, P.O. My Sister's House, KAZU, Junko Tabei reaches sum­ Women's music, KAZU, 12-3 Write an article for Demeter Box 1661 , Monterey WADV meeting, YWCA, 6:30 12:30-3 mit of Mt. Everest WADV retreat, 10-4 18 19 20 21 22 23

Demeter deadlline for copy Rape Crisis Center auction, WADV advocate training San Carlos Hotel starts, 9:30 a.m. As far as we know, nothing Send us your new adaress Antioch workshop , is happening today. Could Amelia Earhart flies solo Women's Center general My Sister's House, KAZU, " Feminist Political Theory," Women's music, KAZU , 12-3 when you move across the Atlantic, 1932 that be? Send info to meeting, YWCA, 5:15 12:30-3 7:30 Demeter. 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Child custody workshop, Demeter Productions open Monterey College of Law, meeting, 7 p.m. 7-10 p.m. My Sister's House, KAZU, MPC Spring Dance Concert, 12:30-3 Janet Guthrie competes in Day Retreat Women's music, KAZU , 12-3 Memorial Day the Indy 500, 1977 'Jemeter-May, 1980- 10 Dreams Can Tell Us About Ourselves Within us lies a treasure trove of in­ Dreams can let you know when you group of interested dreamers meeting formation and insight rarely tapped by are already in rocky terrain and may weekly to share dreams can be a those of us tearing through life in twen­ not realize it. At one time I had a job tremendous support in gaining access tieth century America. The unexpected that I was absolutely miserable in, but to, and understanding of, your inner gift is our dreams. Our minds create reluctant to give up, not knowing how self. them every night - whether we I'd pay the bills if I quit. One night I Not surprisingly, most dream groups remember them or not. A series of had an awful dream that I was at a I've been in have been comprised "weird" dreams pushed me into first cocktail party with my supervisor who almost entirely of womrn: our well­ attending a dream workshop five years was trying to ply me with poison mar­ developed intuitive skills\rnake us ex­ ago and my life hasn't been the same tinis! cellent explorers within the land of since. I was soon hooked on the The message was clear: the job was dreams. Because we are open to ideas, language of dreams. sheer poison for me. I quit soon after we look in directions most men ignore. Dreams can be seen as a visual report and got another job I was a lot happier It is a realm of great power. of what is going on inside us. The jn. There are many books on dream in­ message is conveyed almost entirely in From this perspective you begin to terpretation - some good, some very pictures, though dreams can also make see that nightmares are not just bad. Dream Power and The Dream use of funny verbal puns to get their nightmares but desperate cries for help Game, both by Ann Faraday, are often message across. The value of dreams is or warnings from our subconscious. recommended. Creative Dreaming by that they offer us perspective on They are trying to let us know that a Patricia Garfield is a little repetitive ourselves and our motives for doing situation has gone too far, that we're but is a good introduction to working things that our conscious (waking) on the wrong track - that we really with your dreams. Jung wrote some minds either do not see, or would like need to look at our lives and make fascinating material on dreams. to ignore. some changes: And they can be a real Probably my favorite book is Dreams come from our sub­ guide toward creative positive change. Journey of a Dream Animal by :;onscious selves, the intuitive emo­ It's frequently hard to understand Kathleen Jenks - one woman's jonal side of our personality which is your own dreams, especially at first - chronicle of her life and dreams, her Jften hidden or undervalued in our it's a case of not being able to see the quest for self understanding. "rational" male-oriented culture. forest for the trees. Sometimes just re­ So, next time you have a "strange" Dreams let us know how we are really counting your dreams to someone else dream, don't just chalk it up to that feeling, and often suggest new direc­ can help you gain perspective. late night pizza you ate. Remember the tions for living pertaining to our work, Remember that they are your dreams dream, look at it, an9 see if you can :mr creativity, indeed all facets of liv­ and the "right" interpretation is the discover what it is trying to tell ing. And they can be surprisingly prac­ one that feels most "right" to you. A you about yourself. tical. One woman, an artist in an early dream class I was a part of, received a wonderful image in her dreams of a kaleidoscopic butterfly flying high • 1bove the world - a new positive im­ . . age of herself in the process of change. • This led her to do a remarkable paint­ .... ing, one of the best she had ever done. Another, dreaming of herself working • in a clinic, was spurred to consider ..•. • working with others after a lifetime of • working primarily alone in her home. I personally have gotten in the habit of turning to my dreams whenever I'm in a tough spot or am having a hard time gaining perspective on a problem. And they have rarely failed me. For example, I'd moved to a new ci­ ty and tried for six weeks to get a job, Jut had no luck. Finally in desperation { asked my dreams for help. Two im­ ages kept appearing that night: one of :hildren, the other of sailing boats. I'd never done either as work. Since I was far inland at the time, I figured I'd • • focus on the first image and so started to look for work in child care. Within a Graphic by Barbara Bastian week I had a job I really loved. Demeter-May, 1980-11 Feminist Attorney Opens Office in PG Local feminist attorney Katherine E. Stoner has opened a law office in Pacific Grove. Before going out on her own, Kathy practiced law as an associate in the firm of Horan, Lloyd and Karachale in Monterey. She also teaches the course in Community Pro­ perty at Monterey College of Law. In addition to her private practice, Kathy volunteers as a consulting at­ torney for Demeter. She was in­ strumental in forming Demeter Resources as a non-profit corporation, and is now assistng Demeter in obtain­ ing tax-exempt status. Kathy graduated from UCSC in 1969, and from Monterey College of Law in 1978. She has one child, Joseph, who is in first grade at Robert Down School. IT'S ABOUT TIME! Kathy is practicing from her home in Alice Paul (seated second from left) stitching 36th star on a banner Pacific Grove. Her address is P .0. Box signifying the passing of the 19th Amendment - women's right to 128, Pacific Grove, phone 373-1993. vote. This amendment had been introduced in the mid eighteen hun­ What is a feminist attorney? "Ac­ dreds but not passed for seventy years, until 1920. Three years later tually," says Kathy, "every lawyer br­ Alice Paul proposed the Equal Rights Amendment which is currently ings a certain point of view to the prac­ awaiting ratification by the required number of states. Fifty-seven tice of law. I am a feminist and an at­ years later ... is history repeating itself? -Cyndi Sumner torney. I don't limit my practice to 'feminist' cases, but I bring my perspective as a feminist to each case Gay Rights~ - Women's Theater- whether it involves a dissolution of Continued from page 1 continued from page 1 marriage, a breach of contract or a per­ sonal injury." Jay Cohorn, a gay lawyer who is co­ from George Sand to Canadian im­ Does Kathy represent men as well as director of the Litigation Committee pressionistic painter Emily Karr and women? "Yes, I do," she says, "but I for the National Commission for Sex­ Lauren Hernscott, a spiritual seeker would not represent either a woman or ual Civil Liberties, will fly up from Los and former student of Gurdjeiff. a man in an action which I believe to be Angeles to be with the group. He will The drama troupe comes from unethical, and I would not make an outline the current legislative situation Whatcom Community College in argument to the court or assert a posi­ in regard to problems of discrimination Washington and is currently on a West tion on behalf of any client which is in employment and housing, and will Coast tour made possible by a govern­ discriminatory or sexist.'' discuss effective courses of action ment grant. Admission to the perfor­ Kathy is scheduled to give a which can be taken. mance is free and the community is workshop titled Kramer vs. Kramer: While the organization will not focus welcome. For more information, call Myth or Reality? Child Custody in the on feminist issues per se and will 373-6987 or the Women's Studies or Courts at the Monterey Law Center on operate within the framework of English depart~ents at MPC, May 29, 7-10 p.m. Fee is $15. women and men working together on 649-1150. -Mickey Welsh matters of mutual concern, Ms. Mur­ phy emphasized that men planning to ~--:::~------, be involved will need to have a 1 o~ing % "feminist consciousness," since -{~{II(!(_!(~ ~,:' '. Demeter T-sh·1rts , ~ ~~ I "power trips" are not part of the I)/! - _} ... ~ I agenda. ;,~~\ · · D Tank Top D French Cut D Regular CJJEMET ER.:J I The meeting is also open to straights ~: :~ D Small D Medium D Large Women'sNewsoftheMonte,ey BavA,ea I wishing to support members of the gay : , \'. I and lesbian community in their efforts ' Tan D Black D i- £.t;1. ~o~ 1 to achieve full human rights. CDEMETEf0 (with brown design) (with white design) ~,qt ifs 3.\\ ?I- 1 A sliding scale of membership dues I based on ability to pay is planned. Peo­ Demeter T-Shirts are now available with the Demeter goddess design on the I ple with questions about the meeting or front and our logo on the back. (The logo is unavailable on tank tops and optional I the organization may leave phone on other shirts.) To order shirts by mail, please check appropriate boxes and send I message at 373-6245 or may call name, address, and check or money order for $5 (plus 50 cents postage) to I Gregory Alan at 625-4176. ------Demeter, P.O. Box 1661, Monterey, CA 93940. I Demeter-May, 1980-12 ., )E A • ' Source of Strength Community Education Born in 1880 - Goal of Rape Crisis According to Jackie Thomas, the Education Coor­ Immigrated to N. Y. at age 5 dinator /Trainer from the Rape Crisis Center, women on the Monterey Peninsula are not aware of the reality of rape here You have lived through many changes - they just do not want to know. In order to feel secure, Horse and carriage to lunar landings most women cling to the idea that rape could not happen to and have outlived all but one of them. your children The Rape Crisis Center sends statistics to the local media, statistics which rarely reach the public, partly because How strange we still struggle for there is not great demand for knowledge on the subject of our rights as women rape. It is important for women to realize that the number of rapes in this area is twice the national average for a com­ But the biggest revolution you parably sized community. According to Thomas, awareness have lived - is crucial to self-defense. Your personal revolution from Services to victims have increased in the past three mon­ wife and mother ths. This fact could mean that more victims are seeking out the Rape Crisis Center, or that there are more victims. to independent woman So far during 1980, the Rape Crisis Center has helped 40 taking care of you women who have been victims of sexual assault. Of those 40, giving your grandchildren and only 11 are known to have reported the crime to the police. [ great grandchildren There is no way to know the number of women who do the strength and inspiration to not seek help through the Rape Crisis Center. The estimates continue to grow - without are high. The following is a statistical breakdown of the 40 rape limits victims the Rape Crisis Center has worked with this year: You are not unlike many women . .. 6 Fort Ord 1 Carmel Valley 4 Monterey 1 Pebble Beach Except you are my grandmother 2 Seaside 2 Big Sur I am proud to say: 1 Pacific Grove 9 Out of the area 1 Marina 13 Unknown Here's to you Helen! Thomas stressed the need for community education- for In your hundredth year. children, as well as women. "People need to hear," she said. It's the myths about_rape that are so devastating, that lull -C. Silverstone women into a false sense of safety. Women need to be aware, I to follow safety precautions, even in their own homes. One-third of all rapes happen to women in their own C X re re " M re P homes. Thomas noted that "a little paranoia doesn't hurt." J DH.E_lt_ID_0__ F lf1/i The Rape Crisis Center is striving to create a good sup­ port system for rape victims. The Center has held a recent ~~~ training session for members of the police department on ~~ sensitivity to rape victims. Also, the Rape Crisis Center, in ~ conjunction with the Monterey Police Department, held a film night on April 2 at Monterey Peninsula College .. Still it is difficult to get statistics from the area police I departments. Monterey gave statistics to the Rape Crisis ~ Center last September. Pacific Grove and Seaside did not. g The Seaside Police Department "didn't have time." ::Ji The Rape Crisis Center has given 32 public education ~ presentations in 1980, reaching nearly 1500 people. This ac­ complishment is no small effort in itself, with a staff of 15 ~ ~ volunteers, two of whom are men trained as educators and as ~ advocates solely in cases of homosexual rape, and two part­ time paid staff members. ~ The main purpose of the Rape Crisis Center is the Rape ~ Crisis Line, staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ~ Rape Crisis Center also has published its second newsletter. ~ Funds come from the state and the county. Thomas ~ predicts that, if Proposition 9 passes~ the Rape Crisis Center ~ will lose most of its funding. But, she also emphasized that ~ the service the Rape Crisis Center gives to this community ~ will not cease. "We won't give up our Crisis Line, that's the ~ top priority." ~* To reach the Rape Crisis Line, call 375-4357. Graphic by Lanayre Liggera -Diana Skiles & Sandra McKee Demeter-May, 1980-13 Movie Review My Brilliant Career My Brilliant Career is set in Australia at the turn of the century, but the location and time period are almost irrelevant. Almost, because the background does serve to illustrate the heroine's predicament most dra­ matically: maintaining her in­ dependence and pursuing her career re­ quire that Sybilla Melvyn (Judy David) live in the rocky, rugged Outback with her family. Marriage to Harry (Sam Neill) would mean a life of ease on his estate on the lush south coast. It's not a choice many of us will have · to make, yet who does not recognize the basic dilemma? As Harry's astute Aunt Gussie puts it: ''Loneliness is a Graphic by Aly Kim terrible price to pay for independence.'' Sybilla is saved from "a position" as We are in for a very long haul. .. a household servant (her parents can I am asking for everything you have to give. no longer afford to support her; her We will never give up. mother portentiously stills Sybilla's You will lose your youth, your sleep, hands at the piano when she makes this Your patience, your sense of humor. announcement) when her grandmother And occasionally ... the understanding and support of invites her to visit. people that you love very much. She's whisked off in a coach drawn In return, I have nothing to offer you but your by white horses to the world of Pride in being a woman and all the dreams "elegance" she's dreamed of, where You've ever had for your daughters, and nieces, she's free to indulge her predilections And granddaughters . .. for writing and music. Your future and the certain knowledge Sybilla meets Harry Beauchamp, the That at the end of your days most eligible bachelor around, but is You will be able to look back and say warned not to fall in love with him, as That once in your life he's certain to marry someone with You gave everything you had more money and better looks than For justice. Sybilla possesses. That's fine; Sybilla just wants to be friends. -Jill Ruckelhaus 9/77 But Harry is charmed by her spon­ taneity and high spirits, and the two do fall in love. Any kind of marriage is too great a compromise for Sybilla, though, who doesn't think it possible tion is selfish. to integrate "a baby a year" into the Sybilla thinks differently. "I can't life she wants. lose myself in someone else's life when Sybilla's determination is understan­ I haven't lived my own," she declares. dable when you see the women in Her idealism doesn't blind her to the various stages of dependence who sur­ reality of her own circumstances, round her. Lovely Aunt Belle is a however: "It's bad enough being a girl, ghost-woman, stripped of her identity but being ugly and clever .... '' when her husband abandoned her. Even with three strikes against her, "Marriage gives us respectibility," Sybilla pursues her brilliant career. she's found. Aunt Gussie, strong The film is based on a book publish­ enough to have had radical thoughts, ed in Scotland in 1901, an optimistic says, "Do you imagine you're the only footnote which should guarantee aspir­ woman who's had such notions? Don't ing artists confidence for at least a throw away reality on some impossible month. Yes, loneliness may be part of dream.'' the price one pays for independence, The message is clear: women have no but the pay-off is worth it. say in their own lives; personal ambi- -Paula Butterfield r------;~;;;;;-Demeter-May, 1980- 14 -- . I Emily Armstrong 1 I 1 I I I Beneath the Sword of Damocles ·1 To understand "nuclear terms,, one needn,t be profound. I You simply scramble your brains and turn them upside down. I All those common sounding phrases are meant to hide a lot. The trick is to determine exactly what they are not. I Therefore: 1 A "critical mass,, is not a sarcastic service at Saint Mary,s Cathedral, I I And "giant mushrooms,, are not the fungi that have been around since times medieval. A ';ood chain, ,, believe it or not, is hardly a Ralph ,s or even a Safeway store. I Nor is "radiant energy,, one who is bursting with personality forevermore. 1 Now that you ,ve got the hang of it, let ,s continue the deadly game. I Jrs really quite simple, everything is backwards; nothing is the same. 1 A ';ast breeder,, is not a.fluffy little rabbit or a bitch in heat. I I And the "curve of binding energy,, is not a sexy woman prancing down the s~t "Thermal loading,, is not stuffing a washing machine full of skiing underwear, I I And ';allout" is not what the sergeant yells, or the dandruff from his hair. "Radioactive" is not a stereo blaring from which you want surcease. And "cooling ponds,, are not serene and peaceful havens for lovely ducks or 1 geese. "Atomic piles" are not one mighty case of hemorrhoids, despite the name. I I And do ';ail-safe,, and ';ail-unsafe', and "safe-fail" all mean the same? I What,s the difference between ';ission ,, and ';usion ,,? I And are we purposely kept in a state of constant confusion? Must I buy the products of Los Alamos, Oak Ridge or Livermore, I I And sear the fate of the future generations forevermore? What shall we tell those who will follow us, how do we confess? I I Was it tunnel vision down a one way road with no egress? Shall we say, "Don't dare forget to tend the vats of boiling radioactive wastes. ,, I I And, "Oh, yes my dears, if our generation goofed, the choice was made in we h~::eb;en mesmerized and hypnotized and almost put to sleep by "ratios, " "statistics', and ''probabilities.,, I But, oh my friends and ahh my foes, we are all sitting precariously beneath the Sword of Damocles. II Copyright 1979 1 I I I I 1 On Being New In The Horsehair Shirt Alone I Neighborhood 1 Dogs sniff The curse of the "almosr, in life, I quite utterly. . Condemns the soul to the horsehair The shadow of one's self, I Shirt of "always. ,, Sits alone on the shelf. People do so Because of the unfulfilled "might have been. ,, Obscured in the gloom, I I much more subtly. The never known of the "could have been. ,, Needing only love to bloom. 1-.------· a ------...1 Demeter- May, 1980- 15 Classified Ads Classified ads cost $1 for 3 lines. Send copy along with payment to Demeter, All Things Considered P.O. Box 1661, Monterey, CA 93940. Ads By Janie Forrest must reach us by May 20 for inclusion in the June issue. When I think about all selfless, truly the woman conceive either with ac­ NON-SEXIST and Feminist Counseling. self-sacrificing people in our country, I cumulated semen from her husband or Individual appointments. Diana Case, become simply overwhelmed with awe. else by sperm from an anonymous M.A. 375-6142. Take, for example, Nobel Prize win­ donor. HELP! We need a 1-bedroom apartment ning physicist (and ardent racist) Furthermore, 10% of the women in­ or house in PG or Monterey for under . William Shockley. Did you know that seminated last year were unmarried $300 a month. Can move anytime in in the spirit of true magnanimity, he June. Call Maureen or Jill, 625-2830. women who wanted a child, but did has agreed to participate in a sperm not want to enlist the bulky presence of TYPESETTING - Fast, accurate, bank project which uses only the semen a male whose greatest asset may have reasonable. Call The Exchange, 845 Wave, Monterey, 372-7055. from Nobel Prize recipients in an ef­ been that he was available. Most of fort to produce an intellectual Master these women were in their mid-thirties, PRINTING - Quality work, fast service, reasonable prices. Lighthouse Printing, Race. with serious careers and a desire to 225 Lighthouse Ave., New Monterey, I personally can't figure out why have a child before too many more 373-3820. they haven't asked my father to par­ years slipped by. SUPPORT the Monterey Bay Aquarium! ticipate. He may not have won a Nobel So where does this leave the Please attend the May 7 Pacific Grove Prize, but in my biased opinion, I think American man? He has already been City Council meeting to show the city he produces exceptionally talented told, with some frequency, that he is that you support this worthwhile com­ munity project. .children. unthinkable as a life partner. How will At any rate, the elite sperm bank to he react to the news that he is almost FEMALE wanted to share lovely Carmel home. Private entrance to separate room which Shockley contributes is by no entirely dispensable? and bath. One child okay. Available May means the only insemination center in Of course, there could be some in­ 1. $250/month includes utilities. Signe, the country. In fact, there are teresting legal problems occurring as 624-2133 evenings. thousands of excellent sperm banks the result of this procedure. What if LOOKING for ride or driveaway situation that simply serve to assist women who one sperm donor fathers so many to Northern New Mexico around May 3 want to conceive (and you don't need children in the same city that his off­ or 4. Glad to share gas and driving. 1.Q. spring meet and marry? Or what if Please call Morningstar, 625-0757. to take an test to qualify). Last year, 15,000 babies were born children discovered that they had been YOUNG LESBIAN SUPPORT GROUP inseminated by a sperm bank and then for 18-25 yr. old lesbians to share com­ in the U.S. by artificial insemination, mon concerns such as coming out, rela­ and it is predicted that there will be ten started legal proceedings to find out tionships with family, etc. Facilitated by times that number performed per year who their genetic fathers were? a lesbian feminist who has organized by the year 1990. Well, as you can see, there are cer­ similar groups for 10 years. For more in­ For the most part, the idea is ex­ tainly some bugs still to be worked out. formation, please write to Young Les­ bian Support Group (YLSG), c/o Demeter, citing. For instance, did you know that As a matter of fact, this entire issue has 591 Lighthouse, Room 7, Pacific Grove, 40% of the infertility problems among now become a stirring controvery 93950 BEFORE MAY 19. Group will begin couples are due to the male's low among medical professionals. It seems early June. sperm count. Because of dependencies that they just can't come to an agree­ Katherine E. Stoner on cigarettes, grass, and alcohol, plus ment about which is better ... Attorney high-tension lifestyles, desk jobs and fresh sperm or frozen. (I have my own Announces the opening of her law office tight pants, male sperm count in personal preference, but I think I'll in Pacific Grove. P.O. Box 128 373-1993 America is at an all-time low. Art­ save that discussion for a future Pacific Grove 93950 ificial insemination can be used to help article). ROOMMATE wanted to share 4-bedroom house. $200 per month. Non-smoker on­ ly. Call Francy, 375-3578 HELP WITH personal, sexual, relation­ ship, family difficulties; stress reduc­ .tion; habit control. Effective short term counseling/long term therapy. Hypnosis, if desired. Susan Mehra, M.A. ; M.F.C.C. For information or an appointment, Subscribe! 372-0729. OUROBOROS Martial Arts Center, Name______~ specializing in women's self defense - offering classes in Tai Chi. 492 W. Address______Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. Dawn Callan 659-3072 Leather by Alison Custom leatherwork by Alison Kim, 460 Reindollar, Marina. 384-9533 D Six months D One year ART CARDS Subscriptions to Demeter .are $3 .00 for six monthsl Send 25' and a stamped, self-addressed or $6.00 for one year. Mail check or money order I envelope to Route 3, Box 575, Carmel to Demeter, P. 0 . Box 1661 , Monterey, CA 93940 . 93923 and receive an original postcard 1 printed in limited ed ition~. ~------~ Demeter-May, 1980-16 A Continuing Seri.es Feminism - A Personal Perspective I am a feminist and personally ex­ brother and sisters, I was moved from It may take generations to erase the perience feminism from a family home to home and school to school. inequities of a male-dominated world. perspective. I see how traditional roles This gave me constant practice learning I think by teaching our children equali­ based on sex have been harmful to new ways to please people - mostly by ty and humanistic values we are mak­ society and especially to me. Overcom­ being docile, obedient, staying out of ing three giant steps toward our goals ing these stereotypes has made family trouble and away from SIN. of equality and full human develop­ life rewarding for me. The church's teachings only rein­ ment. Children learn mostly from ex­ I haven't always been a feminist. For forced the notion that sacrifice, pain, ample (like Dad being in the kitchen as a long time, although I was awa·re of loneliness and ultimate selflessness much as Mom) but also from our the women's liberation movement, I would be rewarded after my death - pointing out sexism in the media, in didn't see how it applied to me. "Lib­ and not to expect any better before school books and in friends' attitudes, bers" were radicals, political radicals, that. and by teaching them the value of ex­ and I didn't have time for politics as I I was the "perfect child" and later periencing all aspects of being human. had too many problems of my own. became the "perfect wife" and was I want my daughter to have the Now I see why they were radical - perfectly miserable most of my life. career and sports opportunities that because it takes radical changes to Even after Dad remarried and we have always been available to males. I make the necessary adjustments in the were reunited and considered a "nor­ warit my sons to be prepared for par- status of women. I know now that I mal family" again, things were far enthood and have the skills and sen­ owe a gratitude to all the women (and from perfect. sitivity necessary for daily living. men) who worked so hard for so many For example, as teenagers, my Although many accomplishments years. All the time, they had the key to brother was given elaborate chemistry have been made toward eliminating solving my problems. sets and allowed to set up his lab in the sexual stereotypes, the tradition of in­ It has been a long, meaningful back shed. (He now owns his own suc­ equality still exists in subtle as well as journey to my enlightenment. cessful chemical company.) At the obvious ways - the most obvious be­ The ideology of equality in action same time, I was told if I bleached my ing the reluctance of some people to (feminism) and how it applies to me hair blonde, maybe I would be pretty pass the Equal Rights Amendment. was introduced to me by a sensitive, enough to attract a husband. I did and, It is painful for me to see women caring man, who was a feminist long as a result, gave up my education and who are still struggling to conform to before I even knew I was oppressed. spent seven years in a painfully traditional roles and outdated values as With his patience and interest, he miserable marriage that nearly I did for so long. And, as I am finally shared with me his clear vision of the destroyed me. finding the "real" me and succeeding political and personal application of After two children and a divorce I . in overcoming the inferiority complex equality and humanism. Believe me, I bounced around in a vacuum for a that has haunted me for more than 30 had a lot to learn and even more to while - not hurting yet not growing. years, I find that I have a new strength unlearn - a process that continues. Now I have found security and barely tapped before. I'm busting It wasn't, however, until I took some growth in family life with the sensitive loose! women's courses at MPC and joined man who was my mentor .and with his I have found, through feminism, the women's groups that I felt the son of whom he has custody. Our mar­ freedom of choice that allows me to en­ POWER behind the movement. I riage is based on equality. We share joy the glamor of being female and the learned that women really do need and equally the responsibilities of making a rewards of knowing I am capable of help each other. I was finally able to living, child care, cooking, housework being fully human. see women (even women I don't know) and yardwork. -Mary Kay Hamilton as friends instead of competitors. There is strength in women working together. As a female child and young adult, I was taught the importance of pleasing others. Because of the rewards for this (however shallow and temporary), I got good at it. Shortly after my 12th birthday, my mother died. This did not fit into socie­ True emancipation begins ty's traditional plan for families. My neither at the polls nor in the father, being a traditional father, was . courts, it begins in a woman's completely unprepared for the daily soul. pressures of parenthood. Taking care -Emma Goldman of four young children had always been "mother's job." Bringing in money just wasn't enough anymore. He couldn't do it. Separated sporatically from my