THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE The Alphadel WOMEN’S STUDIES phian PROGRAM Spring 2013 Volume 14, Issue 1 30th Anniversary of the Women’s Studies Program at Alfred University On March 21, 2013, a panel of Women’s members were women, compared to 40% today. accomplished something vitally important for Studies faculty presented a Bergren Forum in In Lou’s tribute to “Doc Walker”, he stressed the women’s studies community, for she not celebration of both Women’s History Month her “legendary” teaching excellence, her love of only raised the level of awareness across campus and the 30th anniversary of Women’s Studies teaching, and deep caring for the students. He about our program, but she also used the news- at Alfred University. Cecilia Beach, Professor mentioned that Gail’s legacy carries on through letter as a forum to teach about Alfred’s history.” of French and current co-director of Women’s the Gail Walker Memorial Book Fund and Kerry Kautzman, Associate Professor of Spanish Studies, began by welcoming the audience and finished with a quote. When asked if she was and current co-director Women’s Studies, reminding those attending about Alfred’s rich a feminist, Gail replied “Am I a feminist? Of talked about the development of The Alphadel- history of gender equality going back to the course. A feminist works toward equal rights phian from an independent project by a single very beginnings of the Alfred Select School in for all people. How could a person choose to be student to a credit-bearing course in the fall of 1836 when women made up a majority of the anything else?” 2004. For Melissa Ryan, who taught the course first matriculating class. The Alfred Academy Cecilia then returned to the podium to from 2007-10, “[t]he Alphadelphian is feminist hired its first female faculty members in 1843, discuss the history of the Women’s Studies theory in practice.” and three years later Abigail Allen founded the Roundtable, which started as an informal Sat- Karen Porter returned to discuss the Eliza- Alphadelphian Society, Alfred’s first women’s urday morning event under Susan Mayberry’s beth Hallenbeck Riley and Charles P. Riley student organization and one of the earli- tenure as director of the program. When Vicki Lectureship in Women’s Studies which was est women’s literary societies in the country. Eaklor became director in 1991, she inaugurated made possible by a gift from the “Riley Sisters”: Abigail Allen, who is considered a “founding the first more formal Women’s Studies Round- Pamela Riley Osborn (AU class of ‘62), Patricia mother” of Alfred University, dedicated her life’s table with a presentation entitled “Feminism, A. Riley (‘65) and Melissa Riley in memory of work to advancing the cause of coeducation and Women’s Studies, and Political Correctness.” their parents. Both Elizabeth (‘36) and Charles encouraging women to pursue higher education. The Roundtables have included presentations (‘35) were active alumni of the University. Cecilia thanked Laurie McFadden, librarian, by faculty and staff as well as students. For at Elizabeth was a local activist with interests university archivist and ex-officio member of least 15 years, the final WMST Roundtable in the economic and political issues affecting the Women’s Studies Executive Committee, for of the year has showcased the independent women of her day. Karen concluded, “We are helping to find pictures and information about research projects of the graduating Women’s honored and thrilled to be able to continue this the history of the program. Studies minors. Cecilia also acknowledged San- lecture series. [...] the series provides timely, She then introduced Lou Lichtman, Profes- dra Singer who organized the Women’s Studies provocative, and feminist-inspired talks with sor of Psychology and this year’s recipient of Roundtables for many years. broad appeal (no pun intended!) for our campus the Abigail Allen Award (see p. 6 of this issue), Karen Porter, Professor of Sociology and Di- community.” who discussed the beginnings of the Women’s rector of Womens’ Studies from 1995-1999, then Karen then discussed the creation of the Abi- Studies program at AU and its first director spoke about the beginnings of The Alphadel- gail Allen Awards in 1999. According to Karen, Dr. Gail Walker. Lou pointed out that in the phian, the Women’s Studies newsletter, which the idea for the awards came from Pamela Lakin 1980s, when the program was founded thanks was conceived and brought to life by Megan (now Pamela Armstrong), Associate Librar- to the efforts of a committee that he chaired as Allen, class of ’98 and recipient of the Abigail Al- ian Emerita, who suggested that the Women’s Assistant Dean of CLAS, only 10% of faculty len Award in 1999. According to Karen, “Megan Studies Program institute an annual award Continued on page 7 Riley Lecture 2013: Women, Power and Politics in the 21st Century BY KELLY N. McNAMARA On March 4th, Dr. Liz Abzug, Abzug began her lecture by noting that March is Women’s History Alfred University’s 2013 Riley Month, saying it should be a time to celebrate the known accomplish- Lecturer, took audience members ments of women and those that remain unnoted. She explained that on an uplifting journey through her mother believed that slowly people could make feminism an im- the fight and plight of women’s portant aspect of their life and turn Women’s History Month into an rights in the past 60 years. The entire century. “My mom said ‘first they give us a month, next a year, seats in the Knight Club were then a decade. If we behave then maybe we will get a whole century!’” filled as Abzug gave her talk titled Abzug also discussed the impactful moments of her mother’s career. “Women, Power and Politics in Bella Abzug, known for her large, decorative hats, was the first Jewish the 21st Century.” Abzug praised woman in congress, the first woman to run for Mayor of New York the achievements of women and and she filed for the impeachment of Nixon during her second month urged the audience to make it a in congress. While Abzug described some of her mother’s actions as priority to resolve the prevalent “ballsy,” she also shared her mother’s response to comments about her issues women still face. Abzug, hats, “’Why do you focus on the hats? It’s what is under the hat that the daughter of former Congress counts!” woman Bella Abzug, focused Her mother always felt that taking risks was the way to make a dif- her lecture on the knowledge she ference. Abzug said it was so exciting when her mother was in office, gained from her mother, recent because of all of the social movements occurring. She talked about achievements in the women’s rights movements and areas within our how her life became highly scrutinized once her mother got into society that she believed must be changed. However, she didn’t actively show her support just because Bella was Continued on page 7 The Alphadelphian THE ALPHADELPHIAN

Layout & Design Cecilia Beach, Michele Gaffney, Kerry Kautzman, Hannah Ponte & Michelle Taylor

Writers and Contributors Lucile Barton Stillman, Cecilia Beach, Kevin Carr, Vicki Eaklor, Stefanie Landman, Laurie McFadden, Kelly NcNamara, Julia Overton-Healy, Erin Paterson, Hannah Ponte, Gabriella Santander

Technical assistance Craig Arno & Meghanne Freivald

Copy editing Vicky Westacott In This Issue...

30th Anniversary of the Women’s Studies Program at Alfred University ...... 1 Riley Lecture 2013: Women, Power and Politics in the 21st Century by Kelly McNamara ...... 1 A Message from the Directors of WMST ...... 2 Oppression by Gabriella Santander ...... 3 Senior Spotlights … ...... 4-5 A Feminist Reading of Emilia in Shakespeare’s Othello by Hannah Ponte ...... 5 Riley Lecture 2012: Arab Spring Signals Winter for Women by Kelly McNamara … ...... 6 Abigail Allen Award: 2013 Faculty Recipient Announced ...... 6 A Question of Principle -A 1914 Commencement Speech on Feminism by Laurie McFadden ...... 8-9 Faculty Profiles ...... 10-12 How Quaker Women Defied Gender Norms During the 17th Century: Marriage and Inheritance by Erin Paterson . . 13 The Kids Are All Right is Not All Right by Vicki L. Eaklor ...... 14-15 And She’s Known A Lot by Hannah Ponte ...... 15 Women In Society by Gabriella Santander ...... 16 Advocacy for Women at AU Mural by Kevin Carr and Ali Garcia ...... 16-17 Retrieving Woman by Julia Berbling ...... 17 An Update From Students Advocating Gender Equality by Stefanie Landman ...... 17 Women’s Leadership Academy Capstone Projects 2011-13 ...... 18

A Message from the Directors of WMST We are proud to be a part of Alfred’s feminist tradition and to contributions with us. celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Women’s Studies Program at AU Many thanks again this year to the Women’s Studies executive this year. In March, we honored both our anniversary and Women’s committee members who have worked steadily on curriculum and History Month by presenting a Bergren Forum bringing together some programming decisions. We look forward to the next 30 years of of our program’s founders and current leaders. Preparing the Bergren Women’s Studies at Alfred! enriched our understanding of Alfred’s commitment to gender equal- ity and early acceptance of the ideals of feminism as attested to by the 1914 commencement speech by alumna Lucile Stillman, which he have reprinted in this edition of the Alphadelphian. This year we experimented with a different leadership model adding one transitional year of co-directorship. As co-directors, we worked side by side with shared responsibility, mutual mentoring and creative collaboration. Though we have worked together in Modern Languages for many years, we value this new dimension to our working relation- ship, as well as the smooth transition to Cecilia’s tenure as director. Another exciting collaborative effort this year was our co-sponsorship of the Riley Lecture with the Judson Leadership Center. Julia Over- ton-Healy, Director, recommended this year’s speaker, Liz Abzug. We also established this year a dedicated Women’s Studies office in 207 Perlman from which Michelle Taylor, our program assistant, format- ted this newsletter. Michelle is a first-year student who has excelled Dr. Cecilia Beach and Dr. Kerry Kautzman, Co-directors of Women’s Studies when challenged with Adobe InDesign and coordinating the article page 3 Oppression BY GABRIELLA SANTANDER According to the American Heritage Diction- ary the definition of oppress is “to keep down by severe and unjust use of force or authority.” The oppression of women in today’s society contin- ues to be prevalent, regardless of all the efforts feminists make towards progress. In order for women to be successful in ending discrimination, they must stop oppressing one another. Of equal importance, society must recognize the severity of oppression women face. In “Oppression,” Marilyn Frye states that the problem for women is oppression. Frye ad- dresses both the oppression women encounter and the fact that the concept of oppression has lost some of its meaning. Today, people use the IMMIGRANT word oppression to describe any person or group of people that suffers or faces issues (Frye 68). DIVORCED Therefore, when women are described as being AGING oppressed, the power of the statement is less- DISABLED ened because, according to society, everybody is oppressed in some way. This makes dealing And she still smiles everyday with oppression as women much more difficult because the problem is neither acknowledged nor races, religions, sexualities, sizes, incomes, and a countless number of solved. other differences. Some women have prejudices against these differences, Once we recognize that women are oppressed, the next problem is to separating themselves into even smaller oppressed groups and preventing deal with the oppression itself. Rape exemplifies this double-bind. Frye them from rising up as women. proposes that any sexually-inactive woman wanted the rape because her Lorde and Frye address similar problems: a myopic view of oppression lack of sexual activity has made her a “repressed and frustrated” prude causes internal oppression within groups. Women prejudiced against (68). Conversely, a sexually-active woman also wanted the rape because other women are narrow-mindedly aware of the oppression of women her sexual activity signals her ‘slutiness’ (Frye 68). Although things have like themselves. For example, an upper-class woman may have a prejudice changed since 1983 regarding women and their sexuality, the concept still against lower-class women. The upper-class women would only be con- holds true. No matter what women do in most situations, they do some- cerned with the oppression of other upper-class women, a much smaller thing wrong. Whether they are too sexual or not sexual enough, women group than if all women joined together. always have to do something different because what they are currently In order to improve the lives of all women, these prejudices leading to doing is not correct or adequate. internal oppression must become less important than the collective goal The root of this problem, according to Frye, is the structure of society. to end oppression. Ending all prejudice is an incredibly daunting task. It is not just men who oppress women; women are oppressed by society However, if each individual looks at the big picture of equality for all, as a structure. Our social constructs, and the compliance with these con- instead of narrow personal issues, then it is possible. Lorde predicts that if structs by most women and men, allows for women’s continued oppres- women do not stand up to all of these different discriminations instead of sion. Most women look at their own situations, seeing only how they are focusing on one, women risk destruction (70). perceived by society as an individual. In not acquiescing to society’s ideals, Although both documents address the issue of oppression, Frye and a woman subjects herself to judgment and prejudice. If all women looked Lorde take different stances on the actual problems surrounding it. Frye at themselves, as well as other women, they could denounce culture’s op- feels that the word oppression is used too often to describe a group of pressive hold on women, and therefore start to reverse its effects. people that may in fact be suffering, but may not be actually oppressed. This concept of unity is also how Frye suggests women solve oppres- Lorde expresses that not enough oppressed groups are recognized when sion. She compares the current method of trying to eradicate oppression considering women’s oppression. Although both women make good to one bar of a birdcage. When one takes a myopic view and only looks points, I feel the problem women face is a combination of both these theo- at one bar of the cage, it is hard to understand why the bird cannot just ries. The overuse of this word, such as when men declare “oppressing is fly around the bar and be free (Frye 69). Society only looks at each facet oppressive,” diminishes the importance of women’s oppression, but there of oppression individually, making it seem as though women are just is also a lack of recognition of the internal discrimination within women’s exaggerating their oppression and can stop being oppressed at any time. oppression (Frye 68). However, when stepping back and looking at the whole bird cage, one Frye and Lorde do agree that the root of this problem and women’s sees that there are many more bars that prevent the bird, or in this case inability to overcome it results from seeing just one type of oppression or women, from flying free (Frye 69). one facet of women’s oppression instead of recognizing the big picture In “There Is No Hierarchy of Oppression,” Audre Lorde identifies (Frye 69). Until women address all parts and types of oppression, then women’s problem as a perceived hierarchy of oppression. This hierarchy they will be divided and unable to confront it. Many feminists, in addition causes internal sabotage within oppressed groups, which divides them to Frye and Lorde, look for problems and solutions for women in society. and does not allow for them to come together as an oppressed people and Women now need to solve problems, join together, and end oppression. affect change (Lorde 70). For example, women as a group represent many Sources: http://bitchmagazine.org The Alphadelphian Senior Spotlights

Rudy Dieudonne Kevin Carr Rudy Dieudonne graduated in Kevin Carr graduated in May December 2012 with a Sociology 2012 with a BFA and a minor in major and Women’s Studies Women’s Studies. Kevin was minor. For his Women’s Studies a Women’s Leadership Acad- capstone project, Rudy con- emy graduate, a recipient of the ducted a content analysis of Bernstein Leadership Award, a prime-time TV crime dramas. graduate of the Gary Horowitz His intent was to examine the Leadership Development program, ways in which TV crime dramas an honorable mention for the represent women and gender. Richard V. Bergren Student In- He wondered whether things had novation award for the Umbrella gotten bettersince the first Dialogues, Diversity Director for women appeared on TV. He the student senate, president of measured the “feminist content” Spectrum, an orientation guide of each episode he analyzed. director for two years, vice- Other measures included the president of the women’s issues gender of those in starring roles as well as the gender of those pro- coalition, and a regular presenter ducing the content. One of his findings suggested that the higher at Northeast Regional conferences on issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual the percentage of female cast members, the more stereotypical the and transgender support and equality. Kevin was also part of Drawn portrayal of women was in the episode. He concluded by calling for to Diversity and the Art Force Five and maintained a Dean’s List GPA more research on the existence of feminist content or the lack of it in for seven semesters. He was also the director of the Robert C. Turner prime-time, reasoning that TV is still an immensely powerful social- student gallery, an intern in A& D Dean Bellavance’s office, a teach- izer and one that could potentially make a huge difference in teaching ing assistant, and an admissions tour guide. Kevin’s senior Women’s tolerance and improving the representation of women. Studies research project, which he titled “Feminine Masculine An- drogynous,” explored children’s perceptions of gender. Chelsea Bartolotta Erin Paterson Before college a lack of Erin Paterson is a twenty- knowledge about feminists had one year old senior at Alfred Chelsea Bartolotta thinking they University, majoring in His- were crazy. However, after tory and minoring in Women meeting a number of them here Studies. She was born in and receiving some further New York City and has been education on feminism, Chelsea raised in various parts of realized that she was one her- New York State, including self. Adding women’s studies as Westchester, Duchess, Ul- a minor never even occurred ster, and Delaware counties. to her until she had already She is currently a member taken three classes that of the Alfred University’s would count towards the Western Equestrian Team, minor. Chelsea then real- and placed first at the Re- ized that these were some gional’s show in March. of her favorite classes. She Erin is the secretary of Al- is currently working on her fred University’s chapter of independent study titled, “Fe- Phi Alpha Theta historical honor’s society, and she is also the editor male Sexuality and Empowerment”, it has been a lot of work but she has of their journal The Kanakadea Review, which is due to be published learned how important it is as a woman to ask for what you want out of at the end of April 2013. She also writes as a hobby, and is currently life. It is her goal to be a college professor; she would be dedicating her discussing publication possibilities for her first novel:PAPERCLIP . life to helping others understand the significance of the past. Chelsea This semester she is working on her thesis to complete her Wom- has often heard that history is worth studying so that people don’t en’s Studies Minor, which is focused on Quaker women and how repeat mistakes; she believes that history teaches people how to look at they defied gender norms in the seventeenth century. A Quaker her- themselves. self, Erin was personally interested in the strength of these women and the various ways they promoted their religion in both England and the American Colonies. Published below (p. 13) is a small excerpt of her thesis, which had a poster at the Undergraduate Research Forum on Thursday, April 19th. page 5 Goodluck Anaso Emily Patton Goodluck Anaso graduated Emily Patton is a BFA Senior in May 2012 with a Sociology with minors in Art Ed and major and a Women’s Studies Women Studies. From a very minor. Goodluck enrolled in early age she noticed the dif- a lanrge number of Women’s ferent interactions between Studies courses over her col- different types of people. Emily lege career, perhaps earning attributes those observations more credit hours in WMST to leading her into always courses than any other minor being interested in cultural so far. Goodluck also sought history and the context of art out opportunities for service over time. In the Women Stud- learning, enrolling in the ies minor Emily has devoted first course offered through herself to exploring female the Gary Horowitz Service sexuality. This exploration Learning Initiative. She also ultimately has allowed her to participated in The Alpha- stand on a fence of the male delphian course in one of the gaze and female gaze in her work. first semesters it was offered as a course for academic credit. In her exit interview, when asked to offer advice to future women’s studies students, Goodluck said “I’d tell them to take what you learn in class and allow it to influence your experiences outside of class because we don’t fully understand something unless we’ve applied it.” A Feminist Reading of Emilia in Shakespeare’s Othello BY HANNAH PONTE In Shakespeare’s Othello, Emilia, a lead- self to him. Desdemona, who has only just met much with Emilia, there is something intrinsi- ing female character, exhibits both feminist Emilia, finds it hard to believe because Emilia cally comforting about her that Desdemona is and subservient propensities. Depending on is so reserved around Iago. The first line drawn to. When Desdemona takes her leave who is around her, specifically her husband Emilia has in the play is in defense of herself she says; “Emilia, come.—Be as your fancies Iago and friend Desdemona, she adheres to against her husband; she responds with: “You teach you; /What e’er you be, I am obedi- extremely polarized ideologies. Iago views have little cause to say so” (1260 108). It’s hard ent” (1269 890). Desdemona seeks Emilia’s his wife merely as property and treats her as to distinguish how Emilia’s tone is when she company because Emilia is the only woman such. She is given virtually no affection and is speaks. Either she is meek and mumbling, available to her and therefore provides a feel- forced to tolerate his jealousy and accusatory which would correspond to the woman she ing of safety and closeness. nature. It seems as though Emilia is a passive is expected to be when around Iago, or it After the two women return, Desdemona and rather simple character who refuses to could be a more aggressive statement. Either soon leaves with Othello and the audience stand up for herself. However, she makes end- way, there is apparent bitterness and tension witnesses the first interaction between Emilia less attempts to empower Desdemona when between the couple. Desdemona also senses and Iago without the company of others. Othello begins to treat her as Iago treats it when Emilia becomes genuinely hurt by Emilia is alone for a moment and speaks of Emilia. Emilia is not unaware of the abuse Iago’s words and says “You shall not write Iago before he enters the room. She refers of her husband, but given the nature of her my praise” (1261 116) to which he responds to him as “wayward,” indicating that she is relationship with Iago she remains power- “No, let me not” (1261 117). Desdemona brings completely aware of his erratic moods and less before him. Around Iago, Emilia appears the attention to herself and asks Iago how he tendencies. She also states, “I nothing but to naïve, credulous, and victimized. Around would go about praising her. Although this please his fantasy” (1271 299), referring to his Desdemona however, she is progressive and excludes Emilia from the conversation, it also request of a handkerchief that she has come extremely perceptive. Emilia is torn between protects her from further criticism. From across. It is unclear why Emilia is so intent following the duties of being Iago’s wife and the time of their first interaction, there is an on pleasing her husband. Either Emilia feels being a role model for Desdemona. unspoken bond between the two women. The obligated to do so because of her position The first interaction the audience has with adhesive to their friendship is the obvious as Iago’s wife, or she truly believes that this Emilia doesn’t come until the beginning of abuse Iago inflicts on his wife. Despite not will change his callous feelings towards her. Act II. The conversation she engages in is knowing each other very well, the need for When Emilia tells Iago she has something for short and rather terse. It is apparent that female friendship and compassion is so strong him, he remarks that the only thing she has is when Iago is around she is not expected to that a connection is immediately formed. herself and that is nothing worth his inter- say much even though he is blatantly offend- Emilia is not heard from again until the est “To have a foolish wife”. He refers to her ing her. Cassio, who epitomizes chivalry, beginning of Act III when she enters during as a wench, and snatches the kerchief from asks Iago permission to introduce himself to a conversation between Cassio and Iago. She her hand, but it is only when Desdemona’s Emilia in the traditional manner of kissing her speaks freely to Cassio, but neither acknowl- wellbeing is threatened that she becomes hand. He replies with, “Sir, she would give edges nor is acknowledged by Iago. There is hesitant about the situation. She cannot you so much of her lips/ As of her tongue she little communication between the couple, defend herself against Iago but is willing to oft bestows on me, / You would have enough” which also explains why she speaks so little question his intentions when she believes he (Shakespeare 1260 100-103). It appears to in the beginning of the play. Iago does not might be hurting someone else. As a result of Cassio and the others present that he is only make her feel welcome when she is around, Iago’s mistreatment of Emilia, she is unable to fooling with her, referring to her chattiness thereby causing her to believe what she does recognize her own self-worth. and inability to hold her tongue. However, have to say is of little importance. The next given his extreme possessiveness, it could also scene she is in comes shortly after and the be read that Iago believes if Cassio were to audience is shown the extent of Emilia and pursue her further, she would easily give her- Desdemona’s friendship. Despite not speaking The Alphadelphian Abigail allen award: 2013 Faculty recipient announced A member of the faculty at Alfred University since 1970, Dr. Louis to explore the possible development of Lichtman has inspired and supported generations of women. As a Pro- an Interdisciplinary Women’s Studies fessor of Psychology, he has received four teaching awards, as well as Minor, which resulted in the founding of the Alfie Award for Faculty/Staff Contribution to Student Life in 2008. the Women’s Studies program in 1983. Lou has been teaching a seminar on parenting for 26 years and recently Over the past 30 years, he has contin- published a book entitled Raising a Self-Directed and Caring Child: ued to support the program with nearly An Alternative to the Tiger Mothering Parenting Style (2011). His perfect attendance at events such as the course on Neuropsychology and his Honors seminar on the Mysteries Women’s Studies Roundtables and Riley of the Brain both focus on male and female brain differences. He has Lectures. Lou has been on countless uni- presented nine Bergren Forums on topics such as “The Hard Reality of versity committees and was one of three Sex Differences in Behavior,” “Anorexia and Bulimia,” “The Psychobi- founders of the Alfred Montessori School, ology of Weight control: Why Diets Fail,” “Eating Disorders: Gender for which he served as President of the Board of Directors for many Comparisons,” as well as “Silk Road Sites in Uzbekistan; Trekking in years. There is no doubt that Lou Lichtman has substantially improved Tajikistan.” In the early 1980s, when he was serving as Assistant Dean the quality of women’s lives in the Alfred University community and of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Lou chaired a committee beyond. Riley Lecture 2012: Arab Spring Signals Winter for Women BY KELLY N McNAMARA Although she was pleased by the success of the Tunisian Revolution, Dr. Hédia Ouertani-Khadhar delivered last Ouertani-Khadhar stated that she is concerned about the questions the year’s Riley Lecture in Women’s Studies revolution raises regarding the current state of Tunisian women’s rights. Hédia Ouertani-Khadhar, Although women showed great leadership during the revolution, they still international Women Stud- face verbal, physical and symbolic abuse. Ouertani-Khadhar gave one ex- ies scholar, travelled across the ample about a “courageous” female university student, Kahaoula Rashidi, globe to talk about Tunisian who climbed up a flag pole, tore down the flag of an extremist group and women’s influence during the replaced it with the Tunisian flag. Despite brave leadership from Rashidi Tunisian Revolution and their and others during the revolution, Ouertani-Khadhar highlighted unfair current role in society. Profes- treatment with the example of a demonstration by the Association of sor Ouertani-Khadhar spoke at Women on January 2011, during which men told women to “return to the 17th Annual Riley Lecture their kitchens”. Monday April 2nd in the Powell While Ouertani-Khadhar expressed pride for the changes occurring in Campus Center Knight Club. Tunisia, groups of conservative women who are hurting the cause concern An animated crowd of about her. Tunisian women’s choice of head garments divides them into three 150 students, professors, and distinct groups. Some women wear the niqab, a veil covering the wom- community members attended an’s face and head. Others wear a hijab, a veil that covers a woman’s head the lecture titled “North African but reveals her face. Many other women choose to remain unveiled. The Women: Arab Spring, Tuni- three different groups are divided according to their different beliefs. The sian Revolution Activists and niqab tends to be worn by the most conservative Tunisian women who Women’s Rights Warriors.” feel “naked without it.” They do not want liberty; they believe in conser- Throughout the lecture, Ouertani-Khadhar discussed the role that women vative ideals and refuse to take off the niqab. Ouertani-Khadhar states, played during the Tunisian Revolution, as well as their place in society the women who wear the hijab do sofor political or religious reasons but past and present. Women’s studies faculty member Zakia Robana, Assis- are not as conservative as those who wear the niqab. She also maintains tant Professor of French at Alfred University, invited Ouertani-Khadhar that unveiled women are the most progressive, and want equal rights and to be the lecturer. Both Tunisian, their shared points of view form a great liberties. The conservative women are keeping the country from progress- friendship. ing forward because of their allegiance to the old and traditional ways. On January 14, 2011, as the final part of the Tunisian Revolution, the Ouertani-Khadhar believes that without unity between the three groups, government was overthrown, and President Ben Ali left office. Ouertani- women will not be able to gain all of the rights and liberties that they Khadhar reflected on the importance of that day: “The Tunisian Revolu- deserve. Democratic feminists have been protesting against the Niqab, tion spark ignited the Arab world”. Ouertani-Khadhar said, but some women have “failed to break the chain Professor Ouertani-Khadhar described Tunisia as a tiny country con- of patriarchy.” sisting of 65,000 square miles, 11 million citizens, and 3,000 years of his- Since the 19th century, Ouertani-Khadhar declares that there have been tory. She noted that the Tunisian Revolution was the first time an Arab liberating movements of social change in Tunisia. Some examples include: country had risen against its government. The “spark” that she mentioned the abolition of slavery in 1846, the inaction of the Personal Status Code in helped inspire other countries and the Arab Spring, a movement to gain 1956, which worked to give women equal rights, and finally, the Tunisian democracy in the Arab world. Ouertani-Khadhar stated that Tunisian Revolution in January 2011. citizens peacefully marched through streets to combat corruption within A Tunisian native, Ouertani-Khadhar has extensive knowledge about the political system and to lobby for freedom and dignity. For Tunisians, Tunisian women’s rights. She is also one of the few Tunisian women to the revolution was about gaining freedom, not about installing a political receive a doctoral degree from the prestigious Sorbonne and is currently party, Ouertani-Khadhar asserted. During every stage of the revolution, considered a top women’s studies’ scholar in the Northwest region of women of all ages and occupations worked together Africa. Ouertani-Khadhar knows firsthand the struggles that Tunisian with men. As a team driven by the desire to gain freedom, they success- women have faced. She reflected on the start of her career as the only fully overthrew their government. Ouertani-Khadhar concluded that woman present: a male colleague congratulated her on being the only Tunisians were thrilled with this citizen-driven victory: “Men and women “man” in the department, because she was the only one who had a degree. said, ‘We are no longer afraid, this is the end of fear”. She was shocked that in her own country women were considered to be Continued on page 17 page 7 30th Anniversary of the Women’s Studies Program Continued from page 1 named in honor of Abigail Allen. Cecilia pre- Dieudonné (see p. 4), as well as an innovative staked their reputations on a commitment to sented a tribute to Carol Burdick, the recipient project that came out of this year’s Women’s women’s rights, believing co-education was of the first Abigail Allen Faculty Award and Studies core course, Women in Society, the ‘right thing to do’,” as well as to the more read an excerpt from CB’s last book, Haps and currently taught by Sandra Singer. Inspired recent organizers of the program: “To them Mishaps, Sketches from a Rural Life. by bell hooks’ Feminism is for Everybody, all, we owe a debt of gratitude. For their Kathy Woughter, Vice-President of Stu- the class responded to hooks’ question “why efforts have not only brought us to where we dent Affairs, gave an overview of the creation don’t feminists use billboards to spread the are today, but have forged a solid foundation and development of the Women’s Leader- message of feminism?” by creating billboard- on which to build, ensuring that Women’s ship Center, which opened its doors in 2005 worthy designs to publically convey feminist- Studies at Alfred University has a secure thanks in part to a generous donation by Beth inspired messages. One of the designs was place in the future.” Robinson Judson, an alumna of Alfred Uni- then selected by the students to be displayed versity. Kathy underlined the partnership be- on Route 36 (see p. 20). Karen Porter con- tween the Women’s Studies Program and the cluded, “Their activism and the billboard’s Women’s Leadership Center and stressed the message illustrate increasing student interest success of the Center in helping participants in gender studies, as well as more balanced to develop a deeper understanding of femi- enrollment in our core course and in the pro- nism and women’s issues, leadership theory, gram overall. Alfred’s history of gender equity improved communication skills, diversity and and inclusiveness is alive and thriving.” inclusion, and increased self-confidence. In closing, Karen quoted from a column she Finally, members of the panel showcased wrote in the first issue ofThe Alphadelphian the accomplishments of some of our most paying tribute to “Alfred’s pioneer educators, recent graduates, Kevin Carr and Rudy such as Abigail and Jonathan Allen, [who] Riley Lecture 2013: Women, Power and Politics in the 21st Century Continued from page 1 her mother. “I became involved because I believed in it and believed in election, and in her opinion too slow a change in numbers. Abzug what she was doing,” Abzug said. stated that leading researchers found that a shift in power occurs Since she became interested in the women’s movement, many when 30% of a group is comprised of women. Until we have a greater positive changes have occurred. Abzug talked about the momentous representation of women in politics, we will not see as many changes progress with legislation in the 1970’s with the passing of Title IX, occur. Abzug addressed concerns about women being overemotional the fair credit act and the Ms. Bill, just to name a few. She also spoke by arguing that even Speaker of the House John Boehner cried in of the achievements in recent years, specifically with the 2012 presi- public. dential and congressional elections. There are now 77 women in the Abzug advised the audience to not wait for permission to be at House of Representatives compared to the 10 in 1970. Abzug not only the highest level of power and strive to achieve their goals. Abzug praised the change in statistics, but also the effort by women to keep instructed listeners to “Do what is right, be compassionate, connect anti-feminist laws from being passed. “Our rights were endangered, with others, have principle and be persistent.”Abzug shared a quote but because women and men spoke so loudly when congress wanted of her mother that mediocre women will have to be equal to mediocre to turn back the clock [about issues such as abortion, violence against men for equality to truly exist. While so many steps can be taken in women and family assistance] and put us in the dark ages, that didn’t order to reach equality, through ending sex stereotyping in media, happen,” Abzug stated. ending corruption in government and redefining male roles in society, Abzug said that feminist voters were responsible for stopping the Abzug stressed the fact that people must work together. People of war against women from occurring. She also explained that women all ages and gender must collaborate to end all discrimination. Abzug are the better political leaders. Female congressional leaders bring closed the lecture by saying “Never hesitate to tell the truth, never give $49 million more to their home district than male leaders. Other in and never give up.” countries like Germany, Costa Rica and Pakistan have female govern- Abzug’s lecture was able to provide an informative summary of im- mental leaders. In fact, she said that the United States ranks 79th in pactful triumphs in the women’s rights movements within the past 50 the world to elect female leaders. Abzug sees hope in the future after years. She also provided listeners with great advice from her mother milestones such as Nancy Pelosi being elected the first speaker of the Bella, and words of encouragement to motivate audience members to house, the appointment of two female supreme court justices and Hil- make changes within their lives and society. Though she explained ary Clinton’s bid for president. Abzug was convinced that in 2016, we much work is to be accomplished, her positive outlook provided much will have a female president. hope for the future. While Abzug was ecstatic about these victories for women, she ac- The Riley Lecture is sponsored by Alfred University’s Women’s knowledged that more must be done. “I say to you, as men and women Studies Program, part of the school of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The feminists, ‘we have unfinished business,’” Abzug announced. Women annual lecture is sponsored by Pamela Riley Osborn (‘62), Patricia are still fighting for equality, Abzug said, because we are not recog- A. Riley (‘65), both graduates of AU and daughters of local activists nized as having equal rights to men. Abzug pointed out the examples Elizabeth Hallenbeck Riley and Charles P. Riley, who also graduated of inequality all around us, e.g. Rush Limbaugh calling Sandra Fluke a from AU. slut, and women practicing the ritualized apology and saying “sorry” when they state their opinion. While there are 77 women in congress, Abzug also explained that that is only a 1% increase since the prior The Alphadelphian A Question of Principle -A 1914 Commencement Speech on Feminism BY LAURIE MCFADDEN emancipation is not an activity developed in to use in changing the standards. The movement this 20th Century. More than a hundred years includes a demand for the vote but looks upon it ago, people of broad sympathies and capable as merely as a reasonable condition for attaining intelligence looked for a reform which would far wider and more fundamental ends. Women enrich and enlarge the entire field of human are asking to vote that they may serve humanity life; especially for women.This mode of thought more effectively. The demand for wider oppor- was based on conditions of industry in that age tunities is based on woman’s appreciation of which differentiated from that mode built up un- her underlying capacity for usefulness. Service, der a regime of warfare, ignorance and constant the keynote of a woman’s life, is the keynote of turmoil. We first hear of beginnings of the idea the entire reform. The people who fancy that of woman’s rights during the Rennaisance and the vote is the entire purpose and who would Reformation. During the religious fervor of the go to any extreme to win this purpose are not previous dark ages, woman was thought to be a feminists, but fanatics. hindrance to man in his striving after religious The aims and purposes of this propaganda of sanctity. But when during the reformation woman’s rights are to fill out and supplement church praised and revered Mary, the mother the life of a woman; to enable her to have a larger of Jesus, so highly, the devotion to women in horizon, a broader sympathy, a deeper intellec- “My dear Miss Stillman, It gives me pleasure general began to lift her from degradation. The tual interest and a more lasting influence upon to inform you that at the meeting of the Faculty reflection of the ideas and ideals of woman in the her home, her husband, and her children. this afternoon you were chosen as Class Ora- literature, art, sculpture and other works of men The obstacles that are raised in the cry against tor from the present Senior Class.” This short during a later period had a great significance in allowing woman to live her own life, to work letter was received by Lucile Barton Stillman the progress of development. When our own and act for herself have seemed almost insur- on December 18, 1913, giving her six months great nation was founded and established, the mountable. But as the years pass many of these, to prepare her commencement speech to be advice, noble efforts and services of our femi- once so fluently mentioned as obstacles, seem given the following June. A senior from Leon- nine ancestors were held in the highest esteem. to the present generation obvious and almost ardsville, NY, Lucile was majoring in Modern Women had come to take the position of a wife, ridiculously simple. To us the argumentsof Languages, captain of the class basketball team to be a helpmeet, a co-worker, a partner in her ‘the charm of modest women,’ ‘welfare of the and associate editor of the Kanakadea yearbook. husband’s care and trouble and in his prosperity. family,’ ‘the idea of society,’ and ‘the purpose of Additionally, she must have been well-read and And so the growth in the position of the God’ seem indubitabley settled. We realize now well-aware of the current women’s rights move- woman has gradually come about. Where sev- that the cultivation of a woman’s intellect and ment, most likely debating topics of feminism eral hundred years ago the woman was consid- her entrance into public life does not tend to during the Alfredian Women’s Lyceum, a group ered by man as a slave, a gracious plaything, or a diminish her natural charm and attractiveness. very similar to the Alphadelphian Lyceum begun useful drudge, she is now demanding of him as a To preserve her charm. a woman must above all by Abigail Allen over 50 years before. That Lucile right the opportunity of self -expression and the be allowed to live and act for herself. The girls of chose to focus her oration on women’s rights is chance for a life according to her ideals. a century ago were beautiful, charming women an indication of the open-minded atmosphere Many requirements of the early champions who, however, with nothing for their minds to and support she must have found at Alfred. Fol- of the movement have been fulfilled during the nourish from and with nothing but family cares lowing is the text of her speech; we can be proud century past. Unlimited ‘freedom’ and future to attend to, were narrow, home-centered, self of Alfred’s early role in supporting women to be for her spiritual life; unrestricted common and important, with little education and with many able to articulate their thoughts on the topic in higher education for women similar to that ac- petty humors. Society was full of class distinc- such a manner. corded to men have already been granted. The tion, the girls of the first classes seeking fashion- entry of women into professions and positions able marriages , beginning to lack interest in “Progress, in its steady and untiring march of responsibility hitherto largely controlled and life at twenty and often becoming old by thirty, forward has taken into careful account the prob- monopolized by men is now allowed. while the girls of the more common people were lems of labor, relation of government to wealth, But these are only phases of the great move- burdenbearers from the earliest time, becoming scientific agriculture, immigration, public ment, the purpose of which is to change the mothers of large families, old at thirty and grand- schools and world-wide peace. And today the intellectual and moral standards of civilization. mothers at forty. Today we know of women movement of women toward contribution to the As long as the economic conditions are driving whose outside interests and intellectual lives world’s ethical progress is just as resistless as the from the shelter of the home the seven or eight have kept them young at fifty and even sixty. advance of gen­eraI education or the movement millions of women for the very necessities of If the place of a woman is in her home she of industries out of the home into the factories. existence, as long as the law makes of woman must serve as efficiently as possible in that home. The feminist movement has come to be a real one race, of man another, there must be a woman Can she properly secure its interests when the question and vital problem and as such can no question. state is so much the over-parent, if she has not longer be ignored. To the indifferent individual the whole a vote? Should a woman not have a right to vote The ‘feminist movement’ is, in its essentials, woman question centers around the suffrage on liquor questions and problems arising from a movement to re-adjust the social position of idea. The terms ‘feminist’ and ‘suffragist’ seem the attempted regulation of morals–things that women in an effort to secure adequate opportu- entirely synonomous to them. But in reality, the vitally affect her home? Should she not be al- nities for free human development to the same desire for the vote no more expresses or sums up lowed to vote on ordinances wide civil service? extent that men possess such opportunities. the idea of this whole reform than the desire for There are certainly as many features dealing with This means that everyone, without regard to dif- schools expresses the idea of equality, freedom the welfare of the home in municipal or state ference between sex and sex, must have liberty, and knowledge that education would bring out administration as business features. justice, opportunity, knowledge and the right to of ignorance and over-powering domination. The The growth of the modern ideas has been of develop and exercise his or her own capacities. ballot is only one factor, one valuable and neces- necessity slow and difficult. In the progress of This general tendency of women toward sary part of the new influence that women are improvement in the condition of women the page 9

ideas have had to contend not only with the entirely emphasized. No longer does the mother insist on the maintenance of an equal position opposition of the men, but with the indiffer- live solely to bring children into the world, to by man. ence of many women. This shows merely that rear and protect them. She, too, is entitled to a Feminism does not wish to claim that equal human nature is conservative and that it is fully life of intellectual, social and industrial happi- rights means equal lines of work. Women as conservative in women as in men. The solving ness. Just now in reaction to the thought that must for their own sake, as well as for that of certain problems, however important, could marriage was the only duty of woman, has come of humanity, have free choice of work. Even not bring about a perfect condition, but still the the emphasis of woman’s universal humanity at if culture continues to efface the sharp lines movement has grown. There are now no great the expense of the instinct of life; and her social of demarcation so that it becomes more and movements whose path does not run parallel labor-duty at the expense of the domestic life. more impossible to generalize about ‘man’ to or cut across the feminist movement. It has Ellen Key, of Sweden, one of the greatest and ‘woman’ and increasingly more necessary become a power with which even its most bitter feminist leaders of the world, who sets forth the for each and every woman to solve the woman adversaries must reckon. This criticism and op- interpretation from a woman’s viewpoint, more question individually, yet from the viewpoint position has attained prominence as a result of reasonably and temperately perhaps than any of the race the labor must be divided much as fanaticism. other woman says of this: ‘The greatest danger to it always has been. It will still be necessary Every great idea awakens some natures who feminism and to humanity is that so many of the for woman to fulfill what has always been burn to offer themselves as sacrifices for the ad- best women do not realize the duty of mother- her task—the calling forth into like of a new justment of the wrongs of others, to distinguish hood is the most valuable to the nation, the race generation. No culture, no influence can annul themselves as martyrs to a cause and this move- and humanity, and that it is all important to a fundamental law of nature and the family ment has proved to be no exception. Some of reach again on a higher plane the union of self as- is the highest type of social organization and the apostles of the emancipation of women have sertion and self-sacrifice which only motherhood will necessarily ever remain so. been such leaders. They have flung themselves can bring. Self-sacrifice has been a prominent Only when man and woman based on an into the struggle with inadequate weapons and factor for untold age; self-assertion has brought equal footing, a part of one glorious race, with no plans of campaign. Certain leaders who with it a new insistent note for human better- working unitedly, will strive together for the consider the whole movement as justifying vio- ment. This new order of life so desired, in which uplift of humanity, can we evolve a generation lence and robbery, a sort of sex war on mankind purity and responsibility shall mark the relation- strong and pure, physically, intellectually and generally and the casting in the mud of all those ship of the sexes, and love and justice the life of morally. things which it has been the gradual task of the people, will not become facts even though This in summary is the position of woman’s civilization to achieve not for men only, but for all the women in the world were enfranchised, if movement today. women—have brought reproach on its name. the majority of men and women stand on a low Now the question arises, how are we as They may and undoubtedly do have a great plane physically, morally, intellectually because individuals, to meet this insistent problem. measure of provocation and we who admittedly they have not been well born.’ We, with college training, with advanced know little of the reasons back of all such radical Because the feeling of personal independence knowledge are going to be leaders either for feminism should not blame indiscriminately and responsibility has been increased by the or against the advance of woman into a place such individuals. Certainly because of this woman’s movement it has directly and indirect- of freedom. Our influence will count tremen- fanaticism, the new truth—the kernel of the ly, a distinct influence upon the postponement dously either on the side of progress or on the situation—should not be despised. The forma- of the marriage age. This will unquestionably be side of retrogression. The feminist movement tion of dogmas and the opinionated fanaticism a big factor in the evolution of a purer, stronger, needs the help of college-trained intelligence of the reform are not effects of the peculiarity of more noble-minded race in the next genera- in socializing and unifying its efforts. And if the feminine mind. From every movement of the tion. For with her new culture, her knowledge we form a criterion of our own, a judgment time these phenomena are peculiarly observed. of conditions, each girl is going to choose more which must be broad, thoughtful and true, we And whatever opposition the supporters of carefully the right father for her children, not will feel that this reform—like other insistent the movement may have aroused, they have only for her own sake, but for the sake of the causes for upbuilding of God’s kingdom on brought wide spread change and expansion children themselves. earth—must have our co-operation and sup- in the ideas of the people in regard to the lives The careful choice of a life partner must port.” women may enjoy. The ideas regarding spin- also have decided influence upon society’s sterhood have become so broadened as to be double standard of morality for men and astonishing. Years ago the unmarried woman women. The so-called ‘sowing his wild oats’ was an ‘old maid’ either because of lack of by a young man has been frowned upon chance for marriage or because of other similar formerly by multitudes of women who were circumstances—never from free choice. She was helpless in creating a demand for purity. At not the service-loving, service-giving, indepen- present when a woman can demand purity dent, refined, cultured, widely-read, unmarried and noble character, or failing to find either, woman of today. A great number of beautiful, can maintain her existence as an independent, rich, intellectual and of great hearted women free woman, the criterion of man’s morality prefer to remain unmarried and to work for the must be more severe and rigid. greatest benefit of humanity if the feeling of love No one who understands the feminist does not ideally come to them. The ideas of the movement or who knows the soul of a real family life have undergone tremendous changes. new woman would make the mistake of sup- No longer does the father arrange the marriage posing that the modern woman is fighting for for his child. Personal love instead of family education, for the vote, or for economic free- interest has now become the decisive factor. No dom because she wants to be a man. Woman longer is the daughter constrained to sit idly at is fighting for freedom to be a woman. home awaiting the proposal of a suitor. Activity Woman will not only keep her standards of toward humanity among the women is being morality on the high plane of today, but will The Alphadelphian Faculty Profiles

Laurie McFadden Erin Redmond Juliana Gray

Laurie McFadden continues to enjoy Dr. Erin Redmond has extended her re- Juliana Gray’s most exciting news is that researching and presenting on various as- search and teaching interests to encompass her second collection of poetry, Roleplay, pects of the University’s history. She thinks Latin American cinema, offering a course on was published in summer 2012 by Dream students connect more closely with their gender in Latin American film in fall 2012 Horse Press. Needless to say, she is very subjects and develop a better appreciation and about to offer a course on gender in Cu- proud of her beautiful baby. Another for the University as they learn more about ban film in fall 2013. Her recent scholarship milestone was her first trip abroad during the people, events, and circumstances in its includes two articles on gender and film in my Fall 2012 sabbatical; Gray spent three past. As life transitions into a more heav- the writings of Manuel Puig, the postmod- weeks at the La Muse Writers’ and Art- ily digital world, it becomes more essential ern Argentine author best-known for the ists’ Retreat in Labastide Esparbairenque, that students are exposed to traditional novel Kiss of the Spider Woman. One of France. The tiny, rural village was not media and primary sources. Laurie has also these articles appeared in the well-known unlike Alfred-- friendly people, beautiful been working to implement a digital reposi- journal Ciberletras, while the other will be scenery, affable dogs-- and she was able tory to house the variety of digital files cre- in print in August, 2013 as a chapter in a to get a lot of writing done. It was nice to ated on campus that should be retained for new book on Argentine masculinities. Dr. rejoin her colleagues and students in the historical and intellectual purposes. Redmond is looking forward to presenting spring, but she’ll be ready for the next sab- a paper at the Latin American Studies As- batical when it comes along! sociation conference in May of 2013. Dr. Redmond continues to participate actively in AU students’ learning outside of Over the past two years, Dr. Arthur the classroom, as proud faculty advisor to Dr. Julia Overton-Healy served as Greil has continued working with his Poder Latino, the student group that is cur- programming coordinator for the Western research team writing articles based on rently rehearsing for its must-see produc- New York Student Leadership Conference the National Survey of Fertility (NSFB), a tion, Raíces. Last year, Dr. Redmond initi- (2013), on the planning committee for the three-year panel study of 4,786 U.S. women. ated El cafecito, the weekly Spanish culture NASPA Region II Annual Conference, as a They have published articles on the psycho- and conversation hour at the AU Language speaker at the Annual Conference for Stu- social effects of different types of childless- House. El cafecito welcomes all students dents in Transition (2011), and founded the ness, the relationship between infertility and community members who would like Association for College Women’s Leader- treatment and fertility-specific distress, to practice speaking Spanish at any level ship Education. She is also co-director for racial/ethnic disparities in infertility treat- and participate in cultural activities such Velocity, a national leadership retreat for ment, the psychosocial consequences of as cooking lessons, doll-making, and tango college women, to be held at AU in June pregnancy loss, fertility intentions among lessons. 2013. U.S. women, and men’s attitudes toward This June, Dr. Redmond is leading an AU fatherhood. They are currently working on articles on sterilization regret, lesbian attitudes toward having children, and racial/ethnic differences in fertility-specific distress. page 11 Susan Morehouse gave a lecture in Feb- Sandra Singer’s teaching responsibili- Cecilia Beach is currently co-director of ruary 2010 to the Hornell Chapter of The ties are gradually shifting from Modern the Women’s Studies program at Alfred and American Association of University women, Languages to include history and Women’s is teaching a course this spring on French entitled “Writing Women,” discussing what Studies courses. This year for the first time, Women Writers. During the past two women are writing now, and where it is she taught a Modern European Women’s years, Cecilia’s research has focused on the being published. Or not published. She trav- History course. With Vicki Eaklor on works of two nineteenth-century French elled with students to Spain and Morocco sabbatical this semester (Spring 2013), Dr. women authors: André Léo (pseudonym of as part of a course entitled crossing Borders: Singer has also had the privilege of teach- Léodile Béra) and Marie-Louise Gagneur. Islam and the West. “She Tries to Explain ing WMST 101, Women in Society. While Both authors engaged in the social and What Happened,” a short story was pub- preparing to teach Women in Society, she political debates of the second half of the lished in New South, Spring 2011 and “Time read the book, Feminism is for Everybody century by writing novels and essays to Pieces,” a personal essay, appeared in New by Bell Hooks. Singer was inspired by one promote socialist and feminist ideas. During Ohio Review, Fall 2011. particular sentence in the introduction to her sabbatical in the Fall of 2011, Cecilia Dr. Goodman has been busy teaching that book: “There should be billboards; conducted research in Paris and presented her journalism, gender, minority and global ads in magazines; ads on buses, subways, a paper on the serial novels of André Léo media courses and mentoring students to trains; television commercials spreading the at a conference on the life and works of become future leaders, researchers, profes- word, letting the world know more about André Léo in Poitiers France. Cecilia co- sors and professionals. She is also working feminism.” bell hooks wanted more people edited a new edition of André Léo’s 1869 on finishing her global journalism education to know about the positive changes femi- novel Aline-Ali in which she published text. Her most recent Women’s Studies nism has brought to many lives. With this an introductory essay, “De la théorie à la work has focused on teaching her WST- in mind, she asked the Women in Society fiction : Aline-Ali, roman féministe anti- crosslisted Comm 465 Gender, Race, Class, class to make designs for a billboard. The proudhonien.” The volume came out it Media class and helping ensure that jour- choice of themes for the billboard were October 2011 in time for the conference. nalism professors worldwide are educated to make a design with a positive message At the Women in French conference in about how to improve gender equity in the about feminism or to make a design about February 2012, Cecilia gave a paper entitled workplace via the World Journalism Edu- Women’s History Month. The plan was for “Breaking the chains: Divorce in the Novels cation Congress (WJEC), which will hold the billboard to go up during that month. of André Léo and Marie-Louise Gagneur.” its third conference this summer in Belgium The class voted on the designs and by the Over the summer of 2012, Cecilia wrote an (http://wjec.ou.edu/congress.php). Dr. middle of March the billboard was up with article entitled “Marie-Louise Gagneur : La Goodman, a founding WJEC member, will its very positive message about feminism Force de l’idée” which was published in be actively involved in this Belgium meeting (see p. 20). Here’s to bell hooks and here’s the Cahiers Charles Fourier (Dec. 2012). In in hopes of helping improve the quality of to feminism! October 2012, Cecilia returned to France to journalism education worldwide. participate in a second conference on André Léo at which she gave a paper on the novels written during the author’s exile in Italy, Dr. Beth Johnson joined the Alfred faculty as well as a speech at the inauguration of a Pamela Schultz published the book in fall 2011 as part of the Psychology Divi- room dedicated in the name of André Léo Monstrous Crimes and the Failure of Fo- sion. Her PhD is in experimental social at l’Université de Poitiers. Cecilia has also rensic Psychiatry in 2013. She also had two psychology and she combines that with been teaching yoga both in Alfred and to the book chapters published: “Revelations and her interest in the scholarship of teaching women inmates at the Allegany County Jail Cardinals’ Sins: Moral Panis over ‘Peda- and learning. Dr. Johnson regularly teaches in Belmont. phile Priests’ in the United States” in The a variety of courses that reflect her focus Ashgate Reserach Companion on Moral in experimental social psychology and its Panics and “Scapegoating the Sex Offender- applications to other areas within psy- Professor of History Vicki Eaklor is on The Montrous Other” in the Handbook of chology, including Introductory Psychol- sabbatical for the spring semester. Her main Sex Offender Treatment. In 2011, Schultz ogy, Social Psychology, Human Sexuality, project, squeezed in between reading novels, published an article entitled “A Rhetoric of Psychology of Gender, and Learning and watching Netflix, and searching eBay for old Retribution and Redmption: Burke’s Term Behavior Modification. You can also find drums, is a series of essays related to gender for Order in the Drama of Child Sexual her teaching some of the research methods and American musical culture. This spring Abuse” in the International Journal of Law and statistics courses, with the same high she is presenting “Queering Hollywood: The and Psychiatry. In November 2012, she level of enthusiasm she has for her topics Strange Career of Lesbian Images” at UNC prensented a paper “Monsters, Scapgoats, courses! Dr. Johnson hopes to increase stu- Asheville’s Queer Studies Conference and is and Sex Offenders: Methaphor and Moral dents’ interest in doing and participating an invited speaker at the Northeast LGBT Panic” at National Communication Asso- in research as a way to see psychology in Conference in Rochester. Her latest article, ciation’s 2012 converntion in Orlando, FL. action and include it in their own personal “The Kids Are All Right But the Lesbians Pamela Schulta has also been busy being experiences, including investigating how Aren’t: The Illusion of Progress in Popular mom to Elieah, a 13 year-old 8th grader and social psychological principles can improve Film,” appears in the Winter 2012 issue of Brysen, her newly 8-yr-old 2nd grader. their learning. Historical Reflections/Réflexions Histo- riques. The Alphadelphian manuscript for publication. Mary McGee, Dean of CLAS and Profes- Hope’s courses in non-Western art history sor of Religious Studies, ever advocating, include Contemporary Asian Art in a Trans- in the spirit of Abigail Allen that we be national Age; South Asian Art History, An- “radical, radical to the core,” spoke to the cient to Modern; Introduction to Arts of Asia; importance, indeed urgent need, for the lib- and The Histories of Non-Western Photogra- eral arts in providing the knowledge, skills, phy. She is also developing a WMST course and flexibility to face the challenges of the called Gender and Society in Contemporary 21st century when she contributed to a Asian Art, which will focus on Asian artists panel discussion in November on “Commu- who engage with gender issues and themes in nicating the Value of a Liberal Arts Educa- their art. The countries covered will include tion,” at the annual Meeting of the Council India, Pakistan, China, South Korea, Tibet, of Colleges of Arts & Sciences. Professor Japan, and Indonesia. McGee, whose research focuses on aspects Having spent her life in mainly tropical and of ethics, ritual, and law with particular sub-tropical climates, Hope is delighted to reference to women and Hindu traditions, find that she loves cross-country skiing, and has put together a panel on religious law Becky Prophet thus feels right at home in snowy Alfred. in Hindu and Jewish Traditions for the Dr. Becky Prophet has taught Theatre at upcoming meeting of the American Acad- Alfred University since 1992, and for many Dr. Robert Reginio taught a seminar in emy of Religion (AAR); she serves on the years previously at two other colleges, before the Fall of 2012 on Modernist Women Writ- Planning Committee for AAR as well as the returning to Alfred, her alma mater. An ers. Specifically, his students and Dr. Reginio steering Committee for its Consultation on ardent supporter of the principles of Abigail looked at the tradition of women’s experi- Hinduism and Judaisms. Dean McGee also and Jonathan Allen and the Women’s Studies mental poetry, from Emily Dickinson and represents AAR to the American Council of Program, Becky focuses most of her ener- Gertrude Stein to the present day. Based on Learned Societies. She was recently invited gies in theatre for social change and politi- this experience, he participated in the public to write a chapter for a new, multi-volume cal action. A gender inverted production of roundtable discussion “Communal Modern- reference work on the History of Hinduism, Taming of the Shrew and a devised theatre isms: Teaching Women’s Literature in the to be published by Oxford University Press. piece based on a collection of Barbie poems, 21st-Century Classroom” at the Northeast Her chapter will focus on vows (vratas), a American Doll, exemplify her approaches to MLA Annual Conference in Boston. His pro- ritual tradition largely observed by women. theatre for all, but for and about women. On posal was titled “Teaching Modernism and Based on a proposal she submitted some her most recent sabbatical, Becky taught at Feminism: Recovering the Historical Trace years ago to the American Museum of Shanti Bhavan, a residential school for caste- as Poetic Practice in Women’s Modernist Natural History in New York City for a boud, economically disadvantaged children in Poetry.” reimagining of their Asian wing, she has Baligannipalli, Tamil Nadu, India. been invited by AMNH to consult on the Professor of Sociology Karen Porter has next steps in that rethinking and restruc- Gary Ostrower inaugurated his History been having lots of fun teaching a new course turing, a project she is immensely excited and Herstory course, a history of Women in this semester titled “Sport in Contemporary about. Among her spring highlights were America, back in 1978. The course grew out Society.” She hopes that this course will witnessing her first Quidditch match up of an independent study he supervised com- become part of her regular offerings and at the Equestrian Center, the anticipation pleted by the late Phyliss Monroe, a history maybe even cross-listed with women’s stud- of being on the receiving end of the pie- major who graduated in the spring of 1976. ies. In March, the women’s studies program throwing booth at Hot Dog Day to benefit He has researched on the subject of women celebrated its 30th birthday, and Karen par- breast cancer research, and being able to suffrage in California and the four Women’s ticipated in the Bergren Forum marking the finally perform the full Cha Cha Slide with- Conferences sponsored by the United Na- occasion. Cecilia Beach’s request for feminist out student tutors at the Midnight Pancake tions. He is currently investigating two areas songs resulted in a “playlist” for the Bergren Breakfast in Ade Hall on the eve of exams. of contemporary history: the role of Daniel P. Forum which Karen likes listening to when Moynihan when he served as the US repre- she’s relaxing. Karen is also enjoying her sentative to the UN, and also the presence of work with students on individual research Associate Professor of Political Science a Nazi propagandist who taught German here projects and is supervising Chelsea Barto- Bob Stein teaches a WMST course on at Alfred University and a number of other lotta’s women’s studies capstone project feminist political theory and integrates colleges during the 1950s. Ostrower is mar- this term. Earlier in the semester, Karen was discussions of race and gender into most ried to Judith E. Samber, the first AU woman pleased to be nominated for the 1st annual of his classes. His class on government to play a varsity sport (tennis) on what had Faculty Undergraduate Research Mentor bureaucracy, for example, traces the gen- been to that date a men’s team. Award at Alfred University. An ongoing dered formation of public administration project of Karen’s involves her work with agencies. He has written on the work of Finishing up her second year at Alfred, local agencies needing help with data collec- Virginia Woolf and how her writing should Assistant Professor Hope Childers teaches tion and analysis. Using data collected from inform theories of deliberative democracy. classes in Asian Art History and Western participants in an afterschool program, Liz When not teaching, Stein enjoys listening modernism in the School of Art and Design. Shea, a School Psychology graduate student, to the kind of music Jane Ira Bloom, Jessica She arrived here from Los Angeles, where fellow sociologist Larry Greil, and Karen are Williams, and Vicki Eaklor play. she completed her degree in South Asian Art trying out specialized statistical software in History in Fall 2010. In her dissertation, “The their analysis of the effects of participation Visual Culture of Opium in British India”, she in an afterschool program on self-esteem for explored the representation of opium in art as economically disadvantaged children. They a commodity and medicine, as well as a spiri- will present their findings in August at the tual and recreational substance during the annual meeting of the Society for the Study of period of colonial rule in 19th century India. Social Problems in NYC. She is currently working to turn this into a page 13 How Quaker Women Defied Gender Norms During the 17th Century : Marriage and Inheritance BY ERIN PATERSON The Religious Society of Friends, more commonly known as scholars have looked back on seventeenth-century Quakers and not- “Quakers,” was a religious group that began in the mid-to late-seven- ed that “through their depiction of wifely domestic roles, the Quakers teenth century. Their religion was based on the tenets of George Fox, perhaps participate in the ideological construction of the family…[and who preached simplicity, equality, conscience, and nonviolence to his are represented in] conjugal relationships [based] around a concept fellow Friends. While social change was always secondary to Quak- known as the companionate marriage” (Gill 156). The non-Quaker ers’ religious pursuits, an increasing number of women in the Quaker culture of seventeenth-century society was firmly patriarchical and a community challenged prevalent gender norms. One of these chal- woman was in no position to stand up to her husband for a cause she lenges, included differences in marital and inheritance discussions for believed in. Despite this, Quakers insisted that a marital union could the Quaker family. only work if both had an equal say. The man being the “head of the Quaker weddings were first discussed in the meeting for wor- house” seemed almost a nominal position more than anything else, ship. When meetings were separated by gender, the female meetings and the wife was able to enter in a curiously equal setting for their would discuss whether the woman should be married to the man in partnership. It was inconceivable for other unions during this time question, and vice versa. Quite remarkable, however, was the idea period, and if nothing else the very structure of their marriage was that a woman could also propose to a man of her choosing if the Light the greatest norm that was defied during their existence. moved her to say so (Trevett 95). “This procedure, similar to the Eng- When George Fox first began to preach Quakerism in the 1650s, he lish banns, allowed the entire adult community to pass judgment on was not setting out to encourage social change for women. He was the proposed union while it also gave the young couple time to think focused entirely on preaching the new religion and emphasizing the about their important decision” (Meyers 53-54). To underscore this, importance of connecting with the Inner Light and God. But, despite Quakers required a three-month waiting period to ensure that it was his original intentions, Quaker women quickly latched onto the a decision that both parties were amenable to, which is three times tenets of his new faith and embraced them completely. longer than the Catholic equivalent (Meyers 54). Quakers do not The Religious Society for Friends was dedicated to promoting sim- believe in love at first sight, and had no desire to support it. plicity, equality, and nonviolence, and converts found these beliefs Once the marriages were validated in court, Quakers dared to to be incredibly appealing. Quaker communities were dedicated to complicate the legal questions even further. Contemporary women embracing all walks of life. The Friends’ religious tolerance towards were not allowed to enter into any contracts, nor could they inherit all things expressed itself in political activism, and offered women the (Wiesner 37-38). The seventeenth-century man believed that women opportunity to speak out in ways that they had never imagined pos- were not responsible enough, nor trustworthy enough to handle such sible. Their family and marital life was far more progressive than their large estates or properties on their own. While some men were gener- contemporaries’, and simply by being the way that they were, Quaker ous and left their wives a partial salary, generally the widow was women were able to defy gender norms and successfully build a com- delivered into the care of another man who could determine whether munity that continues to thrive today. The continued success of this or not to maintain her previous quality of living. Quakers did not fol- faith, however, was entirely dependent on the strong women who low these stipulations. insisted that every part of their religion apply to their civil life as well In Maryland, Quakers were seen naming not only the entire Quaker as their spiritual life. These women, who fought against the injustices Meeting House, including all female members, as the executor of an they confronted in the society around them, paved the way for future estate, but the deceased’s widow was also considered an acceptable women to have a strong and secure background that could support executor and inheritor of her spouse’s worldly possessions (Meyers them in their quest for equality in all things – not just in faith. 138-140). Women were allowed to run and maintain whole planta- tions that were left to them by their husbands, and they managed Works Cited: these businesses without too much fanfare. The emphasis on a strong unified bi-partisan marriage, and not one that was defined solely by Gill, Catie. Women in the Seventeenth-Century Quaker Community: the male hierarchy was emphasized in Quaker culture. Marriages A literary Study of Political Identities, 1650-1700. Burlington, VT: were seen as a way for each spouse to contribute to “each other’s hap- Ashgate, 2005. piness and comfort,” as well as serve as “spiritual helpmates” to one another (Meyers 222). Quakers were accepting towards the marriage Meyers, Debra. Common Whores, Vertuous Women, and Loving of divorced persons, as well as the remarriage of a widow(er). As long Wives: Free Will Christian Women in Colonial Maryland. Bloom- as the couple was deemed to have a healthy and happy relationship, ington, IN: Indiana University Press, 2003. the Quaker meeting-house did not reject the marriage proposal and assisted the couple through its experience. Trevett, Christine. Women and Quakerism in the 17th Century. York, The status of the wife in the marriage was unique to Quaker UK: The Ebor Press, 1991. women during this time. George Fox admits that he still considers men the head of the household, but he does not specify that women Wiesner, Mary. Women and Gender in Early Modern Europe. 2nd ed. need to be dominated. In fact, he encourages women to take an active New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2000. part in the union and to speak freely. The fact that both the man and woman were welcome to speak up and discuss their beliefs and busi- ness with each other was something that many seventeenth-century women were not capable of embracing. Many twentieth-century The Alphadelphian The Kids Are All Right is Not All Right BY VICKI L. EAKLOR I recently completed an article for an up- tively) to find and meet his biological father eventually--in order to balance our wonder- coming issue of the journal Historical Reflec- (notice anything about the male presence fully tolerant and “progressive” message that tions/Réflexions Historiques that places the here yet?). The son, Laser, and his older white, privileged, attractive lesbians can be film The Kids Are All Right in the historical sister Joni were conceived with sperm from good moms and raise a family that is just like and theoretical contexts of the portrayal of the same donor; Jules is Laser’s mom and Nic all those ‘normal’ families out there in the lesbians in film. Rather than try to con- is Joni’s mom. Laser persuades Joni, who has dark watching us”). dense my extended treatment of the topic, just turned eighteen and so is old enough, to In other words, the liberal, assimilation- I’ll instead summarize briefly some of my make the inquiries, and the resulting contact ist politics of the film are precisely those responses to the film and offer some thoughts brings donor Paul (Mark Ruffalo) into the of the critics and viewers who praised it and suggested reading for anyone interested family’s life. We are given hints that all is not (even GLAAD, who once could be trusted in further research. perfect even before he serves as a disrup- to protest such retrograde pap like Basic The Kids Are All Right, directed by openly tive force: there is marital tension between Instinct, Silence of the Lambs, etc.!). In fact, lesbian Lisa Cholodenko and co-written Nic and Jules arising from all the “typi- in order to convince us that the Jules-Paul by Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg, was cal” sources: money (they don’t lack it but storyline is remotely realistic the writers had released in 2010 amid great anticipation breadwinner Nic is doubtful of Jules’ latest to show this couple—this upscale California among queer viewers like myself for a “big- stab at a career, this time in landscaping); sex couple—without any lesbian friends and ap- star,” wide-release, pro-lesbian flick, and (they are affectionate but the one “lesbian sex parently unaware of any lesbian communities it garnered positive critical and popular scene” has them spicing up the boredom with or their politics; I suppose if one can believe responses (as of April 2012 a 93% “Fresh” gay male porn and toys, and giving up after they are so socially and intellectually isolated rating in reviews and 72% “Liked It” among accidentally turning up the video volume); one will buy the hetero sex. In fact, the utter site voters on “Rotten Tomatoes,” for ex- and the impending change of Joni going away lack of other lesbians in their lives leaves no ample; see http://www.rottentomatoes.com to college. Paul is invited to meet the moms one but Paul for an affair. Most important, /m/10012141-kids_are_all_right/). Of over and subsequently hires Jules to design a we (lesbians, all viewers, Americans) are sixty award nominations internationally, garden, bringing them into enough proximity meant to identify with them and celebrate it won fourteen of them, including Golden to have an intense but short-lived affair. Nic them the way we always have been urged to Globes for Best Motion Picture and Best Ac- figures this out, confronts Jules, and when praise the liberal aims over the radical, the tress in a Motion Picture (Annette Bening), Paul arrives to see Joni before she leaves, Nic accommodationist plea for tolerance, “we’re the American Film Institute Movie of the essentially banishes him, declaring, “This is just like you” (the film practically screams Year Award, and the GLAAD Media Award my family!” and telling him to “go out and this “message”) over the uncompromising, for Outstanding Film (http://www.imdb. make your own.” Jules apologizes to Nic and com/title/tt0842926/awards). Curious but the kids in a speech about marriage, wary, I put it in my Netflix queue, waited, and we are left at the end with the and when it arrived I watched, first in disap- sense that the couple will survive. pointment and finally disgust. I hated it after Wait. Back up. What?! A lesbian the first viewing, and, after re-watching it is feeling insecure and unappreci- recently to refresh my memory, found I hated ated in her long-term relationship so some parts less . . . and some parts even more. she has hot, steamy sex with a man? As it turned out I was hardly alone but in- I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised stead part of a revealing divide that emerged that so many viewers apparently among viewers/reviewers, and one that is found this believable; after all, this rooted less in sexual identity (queers hated is a variation of the same garba—uh, it, non-queers liked it) than in politics (see, tropes—that they have been fed on for example, queer theorist Jack Halberstam’s large and small screens (and not only reaction at http://bullybloggers.wordpress. there) for decades. Besides the obvi- com/2010/07/15/the-kids-arent-alright/). ous all-women-are-really-attracted- Space prevents a full analysis, but in describ- to-men theme we have the noxious ing its content I’ll touch on some of the film’s “all a lesbian needs is a good lay (with problems and suggest that the political vision a man)” reflected, as well as “she looks that created them aligns neatly with that of kind of feminine so she’s probably not the positive public press; the filmmakers, a real lesbian.” To the script’s credit, in other words, once again lured lesbians Jules does reaffirm her sexuality to to a flick made for the masses on whom the Nic and is at a loss to explain what industry depends for its profits (warning: happened (because she couldn’t very SPOILERS coming). well say, “I had to fulfill the main- The plot concerns the desire of the teenage stream’s image of the sexy lesbian- son of a lesbian couple (Julianne Moore and -who either has sex with a woman for Annette Bening as Jules and Nic, respec- male viewers or who has sex with men, page 15

“we demand our right to be different” (or, women’s liberation, and the basis for the cul- lured into the liberal fantasy that patriarchal those who are different should still have tural revolution.” (“The Woman Identified corporate capitalism could produce anything rights). Woman,” The Digital Scriptorium, Special but that which would reinforce its central A film likeThe Kids Are All Right can Collections Library, Duke University, http:// premises. My only consolation is that of the be better understood, I think, within the scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/wlm/womid/). unwilling co-conspirator: at least I didn’t pay framework of the radical critiques of patri- If indeed the lesbian is the ultimate danger full price to see it. archy that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s to the status quo of patriarchy and its sex and, contrary to the hopes of conservatives and gender laws, then the limited and con- and liberals alike, have never quite disap- tradictory representation of lesbians in our peared. Patriarchy, said these theorists, not culture, visual and otherwise, begins to make only creates sexism but also depends upon sense. As many scholars have shown, when Suggested Reading the interlocking ideologies of misogyny, lesbians appear at all in mainstream film (as homophobia, heterosexism, and compulsory opposed to independent/art house/queer cin- Books: heterosexuality to survive. Feminists then ema), the range of imagery is narrow. On the Harry M. Benshoff and Sean Griffin,Queer and queer theorists since have shown gender one hand is ambiguity: when couples, maybe Images: A History of Gay and Lesbian Film in rules and their enforcement to be a key link they’re just friends; when single, maybe America (New York: Rowman & Littlefield, between woman-hating and gay (male) hat- they’re really bi or straight since they vacil- 2006). ing, for example, and many have placed les- late between women and men. On the other bians at the center of the analysis: while the hand are the villains who are violent (but al- Richard Dyer, Now You See It, 2nd ed. (New “feminine” man (gay or not) is a threat to the luring, if feminine and/or white and/or upper York: Routledge, 2003). patriarchal order, perhaps even more so is class). Admittedly, the women in The Kids the lesbian when defined as the woman com- Are All Right are represented as unequivo- Vicki L. Eaklor, Queer America: A People’s pletely independent from male control. As cally lesbian (even after the hetero fling), and GLBT History of the United States (New the Radicalesbians wrote in 1970: “Lesbian is are not violent man-killers. Traditional de- York: The New Press, 2011). a label invented by the Man to throw at any pictions and dynamics do linger throughout, woman who dares to be his equal, who dares though, and in more and subtler ways than I Diane Hamer and Belinda Budge, eds., The to challenge his prerogatives . . . who dares can detail here, while in the end the central- Good, the Bad and the Gorgeous: Popular to assert the primacy of her own needs. . . . It ity of men and male needs is all too present Culture’s Romance with Lesbianism (London: is the primacy of women relating to women, in a purportedly “groundbreaking” film. It Pandora, 1994). of women creating a new consciousness of is this last that disappointed me the most, and with each other, which is at the heart of I suppose, suggesting that I too had been William J. Mann, Behind the Screen: How Gays and Lesbians Shaped Hollywood, 1910- 1969 (New York: Penguin Books, 2001). And She’s Known A Lot BY HANNAH PONTE Vito Russo, The Celluloid Closet: Homo- The day my chest grew outwards my voice de- and shallow, who will whisper bed time stories sexuality in the Movies. Rev. ed. (New York: Harper & Row, 1987). cided to hide deep within my belly. Boys started to our pet birds and tell me I’m the best friend and looking at me about the same time I started to lay lover she’s ever known, and she’s known a lot. Articles: naked across my best friends and kiss them with I want a woman who will carry me to the top Ann M. Ciasullo, “Making Her (In)visible: plastic bags over our tongues. of Aconcagua and draw magic maps with me as Cultural Representations of Lesbianism and I don’t expect mercy from a God who dictates the sun wanders below our sight until it travels the Lesbian Body in the 1990s,’’ Feminist who is fit to give me butterflies. But I expect back up again to praise us in the morning; a Studies 27:3 (Fall 2001): 577–608. wings when I die for all the moths I saved when woman who will plant seeds in the earth and sing they unknowingly flew into my kitchen. their sprouts out of the soil, into her soul. Vicki L. Eaklor, “ ’Seeing’ Lesbians in Film I haven’t brushed my hair in a long time, but She travels through my veins faster than and History,” Historical Reflections/Réflex- there is nothing that I want more than a woman Kander, and I know somewhere deep in her belly ions Historiques 20, no. 2 (1994), 321-333. with long hair who will let me comb it when it’s there is a place reserved for the butterflies I keep wet and let me watch as she dries it in the sun here in my eyes. I feel my palm burn for the places Karen Hollinger, “Theorizing Mainstream I want a woman whose love is more fleeting on her body where I once nested, some ancient Female Spectatorship: The Case of the Popu- than the rain in Death Valley, who will read me time long ago when we were still dust mingling in lar Lesbian Film,” Cinema Journal, 37, no. 2 villanelles in reverse and draw pictures of caves on the same hot air. (1998): 3-17. my back with her tongue. I want a woman whose language is my breath and when we speak in Chris Holmlund, “Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’: Hol- front of people they forget they were ever taught lywood’s Deadly (Lesbian) Dolls,” Cinema to frown upon such “behavior.” Journal, 34, no. 1 (Fall 1994): 31-51. I want a woman who will save me when I begin to drown in her eyes as they become sleepy The Alphadelphian Advocacy for Women at AU Mural BY KEVIN CARR AND ALI GARCIA

Mural Continued on page 17

Artists’ Statement Individuals/Groups portrayed (in chronological order): We Believe it is important to recognize Alfred University’s strong The Seventh Day Baptist Church role as a groundbreaker in women’s equality, from the first university to Abigail Allen be a truly co-educational institution to currently hosting one of fewer Jonathan Allen than twenty women’s leadership centers in the nation. These are the Eliza Durant individuals and groups who have helped to make it all possible. We Jennie Jameson and Emma Johns have painted them in chronological order as a historical timeline, begin- Susan Strong ning with the Seventh Day Baptist Church and ending with the Beth Alpha Kappa Omicron, Sigma Chi Nu, Theta Theta Chi, & Delta Zeta Robinson Judson Leadership Center. Doris Harrington Contributing Artists: With Special Thank Levinia Creighton Jeff Swartaut Yous to: Judy Samber Emily Green Laurie McFadden Gail Walker Brighid Connors Julia Overton-Healy Clifford Dubreuil Julia Berbling Women’s Studies Vicki Eaklor Mary Blaise Turgeon Faculty Beth Judson

Women In Society BY GABRIELLA SANTANDER Equal is defined as “being the same for all egregious violation of civil rights. One factor mistreatment because the person is criminal. members of a group” or “having the same that allows this discrimination to continue Law enforcement is where the discrimina- privileges, status, and rights” (The Ameri- is the trust that upper class and middle class tion against women in the judicial system can Heritage Dictionary). In today’s society, America have in law enforcement, judicial starts. Police officers will often impose un- the equality between men and women is courts, and prison systems. Due to the fact the necessarily excessive and harsh punishments, something that is generally supported but is judicial system of the United States preaches such as extensive strip searches, for crimes rarely achieved. The discrimination of women equality, most of the upper class and middle such as traffic violations and misdemeanors. extends all the way to the so-called “equal” class do not think twice about whether or not Cook County, Illinois, specifically the Chica- judicial system. Women are subjected to this equality is a reality because they have not go area, has been one area that has repeatedly stereotyping and blatantly unfair treatment had any experiences to make them question enforced these discriminatory consequences simply because they are women. Although the it. Another factor is that most people assume against women (Marlan). Women who were judicial system puts up a façade of equality that if a person is arrested, charged with a arrested for crimes such as traffic violations for all people, women are faced with injustice crime, and especially if they are found guilty were not only forced to undergo a strip search and prejudice everyday from those institu- of this crime, then they no longer hold any upon entering the Cook County Jail, but even tions that are supposed to uphold equality in moral value. Therefore, if they make a claim after the charges were cleared and they were our society. that they are being mistreated or discriminat- released, they were forced to undergo yet an- There are many factors that conceal the ed against, the general public either disre- other humiliating strip search (Marlan). One discrimination of women in the judicial sys- gards their statements as a simple fabrication woman, Kenya Gary, even stated that male tem, allowing it to continue, although it is an of facts by a criminal or they can justify the guards would walk into the stalls during the Continued on page 19 Page 17 Retrieving Woman BY JULIA BERBLING The word woman is not without weight. It not only denotes a gender different from man, but is used as a derogatory remark (“quit acting like a woman”). On some very special occasions, it is used as a tool of empowerment. On Alfred campus and in the U.S. alike, woman has become a topic of controversy. It seems too exclusive for a patriarchal society, removing men from the conversation. Groups like the Women’s Issues Coalition have now been changed to Stu- dents Advocating Gender Equality; the Women’s Leadership Center is now housed under a more politically correct name: Beth Judson Leadership Center. I do not disagree with gender equality; in fact, I believe it is crucial and vital. I think people from any of the myriads of gender should be able to participate in campus programs. Howev- er, instead of erasing groups like Women’s Issues Coalition, we must find a way to ally specific concerns with broader interests. A safe space for women is necessary for this campus when there are so few in the world. We are disenfranchising women, once again. When women are still at an economic, political, and social disadvantage to Mural Continued on page 17 men, we cannot remove her from important titles in order to become Riley Lecture 2012 “more inclusive”. In doing so, we pretend that everyone is equal, that Continued from page 6 everything is gravy- when the political climate of the United States weak and rarely reached high levels of achievement. These incidents, and proves otherwise. others, are what had her “throw” herself into women’s studies. The lack of, or removal of, the word woman (and the even more In her concluding thoughts Ouertani-Khadhar alleged that people invisible term feminism) from this campus caught the attention must ask why women’s rights are still an issue in Tunisia. They must of Hannah Ponte, Ali Garcia, and myself. At a time when we felt ask about personal and financial freedom; they must consider why their and feel a critical need for women’s empowerment in this country, first lady is disliked in Tunisia merely because she wants to have more women and feminism were being erased from Alfred. In an effort control and power. Most importantly, Ouertani-Khadhar shared that to reclaim these terms, we created the Feminist Union during the Tunisian people must raise questions about women’s role in society, spring of 2012. Our hope was to foster a student-based feminist com- fight for women’s rights, and help them keep those rights. Women munity, however small it may be. should “never give up” trying to gain equality and should continue to The Feminist Union consisted of about 8 women. We met break into male-dominated areas, including politics. The Tunisian regularly at the Terra Cotta and had lengthy discussions that were Revolution is proof that women have power, but in order for change and sometimes angry and at other times playful. Our conversations con- equality to exist, and for Ouertani-Khadhar’s questions to be answered, sisted of both political and campus wide issues including reproduc- they must continue their fight and never lose hope. tive rights, slut shaming, homophobia and sexism on campus, and The Riley Lecture is sponsored by Alfred University’s Women’s Stud- body image. Though we were largely discussion based, we hoped to ies Program, part of the school of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The annual take on a more activist role, and return the word woman to Alfred lecture is sponsored by Melissa Riley, Pamela Riley Osborn (‘62), Patri- University. cia A. Riley (‘65), both graduates of AU and daughters of local activists Elizabeth Hallenbeck Riley and Charles P. Riley, who also graduated from AU. An Update From Students Advocating Gender Equality BY STEFANIE LANDMAN Students Advocating Gender Equality, or SAGE, was the name change that Women’s Issues Coalition underwent two years ago, in an effort to more accurately represent what our club stood for. Last year, in addition to the Clothesline Project and Take Back the Night, we decided to try something new for the spring semester, the result of which was SAGE on Stage, a monologue style play similar to the Vagina Monologues, but which included men in the performance. Monologues were written by students and faculty, the topics ranging from women who were good at traditionally male tasks to the dressing decisions that plague those who don’t identify as male or female. In the fall semester we showed Miss- Representation, did the Clothesline Project, Take Back the Night, and in the spring showed a film about women in science for Women’s History Month and performed the Vagina Monologues, which raised over $100 for the Accord Corporation of Allegany County. Next year, we hope to do these same events, and much more! The Alphadelphian Women’s Leadership Academy Capstone Projects 2011-13 Each year, members of the Women’s Leadership Academy com- • Emerge, the AU Leadership Magazine, was developed by Danielle plete a capstone project that serves to synthesize their leadership Mastropierro ’14, Milena Vauclair ’12 and Rebecca Windover ’13. skills, knowledge and capacities. The most recent cohorts of the The publication, focusing on leadership strategies for AU students, WLA developed and implemented a wide variety of capstone proj- includes articles from students, alumni and AU administration, plus ects. These included: sidebars offering tips for effective leadership. • Women’s Conference, an annual event each fall, reflecting on a • Alfred University Women’s Athletics Unity was designed to be particular theme for women. In 2011, the theme centered on health, an outreach effort to local high school girls on topics such as fitness, wellness and life balance; in 2012 the theme focused on bridging the wellness and healthy body image. Various members of AU’s Wom- gender gap in the professional world. The 2011 Conference Executive en’s Athletics teams participated in after-school clinics, and were led team was Courtney Brown ‘13, Emily Casbeer ‘13, Caroline Jones ‘12 by Kelly McNamara ’14 and Brittney McFadden ’14. and Ronja Ogrodnik’ 12. The 2012 team was Kathryn Esham ’13, Les- • LD=Learning Differently (not disabled) was a seminar offered for ley Nolasco ’13, and Jessica Seyfried ’13. Pattilyn McLaughlin, who is AU faculty and staff to learn about LD and ADHD in the college not a WLA member, is also on the executive team. student. Featured speakers, including AU faculty from Counseling • Silence = Violence campaign to raise awareness about female geni- Psychology and Education departments, as well as AU students with tal mutilation, sex trafficking and issues affecting women worldwide. LD shared their insights and suggestions. The Office of Special Aca- This project included art-creation days, creative writing workshops, demic Services was a cosponsor. Team leader was Kate Schied ’13. and an evening of music, dance, dramatic readings, poetry and speak- • Women in the Wilderness: Audrey Arnold (’15, Environmental Sci- ers. WLA members Anishka Davis ’11 and Jordyn Larkins ’13 were ences) and Ana Fredell (’13, Ceramic Engineering), a day-hike retreat team leads. in April 2013 for women to learn how to trust their own instincts and • Advocacy for Women at AU mural in the Women’s Leadership be more in tune with nature. It includes learning stations on first aid, Center. Conceived by Kevin Carr ’12 and Alexandria Garcia ’13, the how to pack for a day hike, understanding nature and more. mural is the result of these two students conducting a survey to iden- • Strong STEMs Mentoring Program: Dianne Mattar (’14, Ceramic tify women’s rights advocates throughout AU’s history, as well as a Engineering) will establish a formal mentoring program for women thorough review of AU’s archives. Kevin and Ali then held an auction students enrolled in STEM (science, technology, engineering and to raise funds to buy supplies for the mural, and they organized vol- mathematics) fields here at AU. Official launch with incoming first- unteer painters to make it a reality. A gala unveiling was held in late year women students in Fall 2013. April of 2011. The mural is on permanent exhibit at the WLC. • WOW: Women of the Workforce seminar series: Nicole Souter • All Parts at Peace, a performance art event featuring dance, music, (’14, Accounting) and Kelly Jo Stein (’15, Accounting) organized a poetry, drama, monologues to celebrate body acceptance for women series of seminars for women in our School of Business to help them and men was directed by Amanda Lynch ’12. Amanda wanted to cre- deal with bias and build their confidence in careers where they are ate a student-driven performance art night. She organized perform- often underrepresented. They ultimately hope to create a new club ers, oversaw stage managers, tech crew and publicity. In March of on campus for women studying business. 2012, she reprised the event for the campus. • The Feminist Man: A One-Act Conversation: authored, produced • 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament to raise funds for multiple sclero- and directed by Darren Palmer (’15, Theater), this capstone will sis research. Marissa Ray ’13 raised over $300 for donation to the present a ‘structured improvisation’ of four men discussing women, Rochester area MS chapter. The tournament featured community sexism and the transformation of men as allies for women. Performed members as well as AU athletes who came together to play for a cure. in late April and again during Orientation 2013. • When Push Comes to Shove was the brainchild of Lindsay Warnes • Women’s Conference 2014: SAFE (safety awareness and female ’12. Lindsay wanted to call attention to relationship abuse by holding empowerment). Lauren White (’14, Education) and Brianna Opper- a panel discussion with experts from the domestic violence shelter, man (’15, Chemistry) are partnering to continue this annual event. the county prosecutor and a crisis counselor. She also hosted a movie Targeted for first year women students to learn how to be safe on night with discussion to talk about stereotypes surrounding relation- and off campus, online and while travelling. September 8, 2013 is the ship abuse. Her themed basket auction—with items donated by AU date. art students as well as faculty/staff—raised over $500 for the local victims shelter. • People and Animal Wellness Expo raised awareness about the value of having animal friendly housing, particularly for women students who suffer from higher levels of depression than our male students. The project presented data on the impact on animal-friend- ly housing on student mental health, provided puppy play days to relieve the stress for students, and also spotlighted ways animals are used to help people with disabilities and in recovery. Corissa Fan- ning ’13 and Arianna Daniels ’14 were the architects for this project. • Women of the World Day, a half-day event focusing on what women need to know about travel/study/work abroad mixed with seminars on cultural sensitivities, global challenges facing women and opportunities to advocate for women worldwide. Anne Pellic- ciotti ’12 and Stefanie Landman ’13 were the team leaders. page 19 Women in Society Continued from page 16 strip searches of women, and not on acci- are incarcerated, girls and young women are Bibliography: dent; nobody showed any respect to these forced to tolerate a system that only perpetu- women who were enduring a horribly de- ates the dominance of men. Most positions “American Heritage Dictionary Products.” grading search of their entire body (Marlan). of enforcement are filled by men, giving them American Heritage Dictionary Entry: Equal. When these searches were further investi- power and control over these girls. In addi- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing gated by civil rights attorney Tom Morrissey, tion, the training that is offered to females in Company. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. . he found that each woman he asked said that juvenile facilities is limited to jobs like cos- she had been strip searched after returning metology and clerical work, skills that tend from court, while the men he asked, for the Lloyd, Rachel. “A Message to Trafficking to filled by women and are very commonly Victims That Their Lives Matter.” Women most part, said they had not been (Marlan). underpaid and unstable (Hugmeyer 579). This is undeniably discrimination against and Prison. Beyondmedia Education. Web. The final facet of discrimination in the 12 Mar. 2012. . Women also face discrimination in court. inmates from other inmates and the correc- According to The Bureau of Justice Statistics, tional staff is abundant, but the full extent Marlan, Tori. “Illegal Strip Searches at the just under half of all women who are sen- is not known because most prisoners fear Cook County Jail.” Women and Prison. tenced to correctional faculties had suffered retaliation if they report the sexual abuse, Beyondmedia Education. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. . percent of incarcerated women had experi- discriminated against because of their sexu- enced this abuse for a prolonged period of ality. Although only 1.2 percent of murders time (Shaw and Lee 565). The fact that there Mogul, Joey L. “Lesbians and the Death Pen- in this country are death penalty cases, it is alty: Comments from “Race, Class, Gender is such a large percent of previously abused essentially up to the prosecutor to decide and the PIC” by Joey L. Mogul.” Women women that are incarcerated shows that whether to pursue the death penalty or not and Prison. Beyondmedia Education. Web. the physical, psychological, and emotional (Mogul). If a prosecutor decides to pursue 12 Mar. 2012. . women, women are just being locked up women on death row have been “accused Shaw, Susan M., and Janet Lee. “State, after the effects of their abuse present them- of being a lesbian,” whether it is true or not selves illegally. Sara Kruzan, a 16-year-old Law, and Social Policy.” Women’s Voices, (Mogul). Not only is this discriminating Feminist Visions: Classic and Contempo- who killed the man who had been abusing against women, but it is also dividing women her and pimping her out since the age of 11, rary Readings. 5th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill even further by singling out certain women Higher Education, 2012. 564-65. Print. was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in because they do not fit into their socially prison without any chance of parole (Lloyd). prescribed gender roles. Women and Prison. Beyondmedia Education. Instead of trying Sara as a juvenile, making In order to be an ally to incarcerated Web. 13 Mar. 2012. . member of society, she was written of as a There are volunteer opportunities that lost cause. When so many women are victims are relatively accessible though sites like of abuse, courts should be more concerned “Women and Prison.” There is also a myriad with policing the abusers, not the victims. of groups that support aspects like women’s Women who still qualify as juveniles, even health and recovery, abuse, children and those who are charged with status offenses, families, and education. For example, Break- face discrimination in court. A status of- ing Free is a group “to educate and provide fense is charge lesser than a misdemeanor, services to women and girls who have been including running away, truancy, ungovern- victims of commercial sexual exploitation” ability, and underage liquor law violations (“Women and Prison”). If people become (Hugmeyer 577). In the document “Delin- more aware of the injustices women face in quent Girls” by Andrea Doyle Hugmeyer, the judicial system, changes can be made and the double standard for young women is more women will be able to receive the equal addressed and brought to the forefront of treatment that they deserve. women’s issues. “Girls historically have had a higher rate of arrests for status offenses than boys have, suggesting that girls are being more closely controlled while committing fewer violent crimes” (Hugmeyer 578). In the 1970’s, a study was done that said that girls should be incarcerated “‘for their own protection’” (Hugmeyer 578). Even after they DESIGNED BY KATIE SCHNEIDER AND ISABEL BOWSER

Alphadelphian c/o Cecilia Beach & Kerry Kautzman 207 Perlman Hall Alfred University Alfred, NY 14802

“ Be radical, radical to the core.” -Abigail Allen