<p>I think there are many men and women who agree with Sabrina1's opinions and questions. Which is exactly the point of why we need to keep the dialogue open - why a place like Notre Dame and college campuses all over the country need to draw attention to the different perspectives on these issues. </p>
<p>Regarding Sabrina1's message of Jan. 28, 10:45 pm, I agree with the point that "... more mutual respect in both directions will be to everyone's mutual advantage." I also agree with questioning the appropriatness of behavior and with docmom's outrage that many teens' think of oral sex as similar to kissing. However, I am extremely bother by what I think could be interpreted in Sabrina1's message as: young girls that LEAD in dances and dance provocatively, don't deserve respect. You did not say this directly - but I concerned that others could interpret it as dangerously close to: if they act a certain way - they deserve what they get. Obviously when it comes to violance that opinion can not be tolerated!!!!! </p>
<p>That fact that various differences of opinion exist is overwhelming support for the fact that we need programs on colleges campus that deal with these issues and encourage and allow for respectful debate on all sides of the issues. I hope that those of you opposed to the Vagina Monologues realize that no discussion is not a solution. Nor should the solution be a discussion of one aspect only without all interested groups having the opportunity to provide their own program and/or own dialogue.</p>
<p>In response to Irish6819, I don't know if the Vagina Monologues is the "best way" but it is a way to begin these types of discussions that has been adopted by the V-Day organizers. It is an established program that I think that interested groups on Notre Dame campus should have the right to participate in if there is sufficient interest. I agree with the point Sabrina1 made about needing to include the male perspective in these discussions. I would add to that what I think is Fr. Jenkins concern - we need to also be conscious of and considerate of the Catholic perspective to these important real life issues.</p>
<p>There is, however, disagreement as to how we recommend a Catholic University campus deal with these issues. Is the solution to limit or ban the Vagina Monologues? Or wouldn't it be better to allow it to continue in full scope, and organize programs, panels, etc to be sure to include the voices of other groups on these subjects - the men's perspective and the Catholic perspective. </p>
<p>(Irish, you and many others are questioning if the Vagina Monolouges is the best voice. That is a legitimate question. But it is an established one at this point that is accepted by many - albeit not all. Therefore it has a right to be heard by those that want to hear it. Obviously it does positively touch women's lives. Read the testimonial by the young women in the Observer Viewpoint article on Jan. 25, "Investment in Women") </p>
<p>I would suggest exactly what was recommended by Professor Glenn Hedler's article "The speach that wasn't" in the Jan 26 Observer. Isn't his approach a win/win solution?? I'm curious if those of you opposed to the presence of the Vagina Monologues agree with his recommendation or not? If not - why not?</p>