<p>irish68178
I think we have probably reached the point that we need to agree to disagree. You probably won't be able to convince me that it should not be shown at one of the, if not THE, premier Catholic University, because it includes stories that are in conflict with Catholic teachings.
I'm probably not going to convince you that they should be shown, in their full scope, because it is an award winning play and is part of a national - actually international - program to stop violence against women. </p>
<p>I'll give it one last try though....... :)
If the philosophy is that no information, books, papers, plays, films that include stories that illustrate lifestyles and/or beliefs that are in conflict with Catholic teachings - where does it begin and where does it end? Who decides? As I mentioned in a previous post, if it is acceptable for Notre Dame to "sponsor" a student to present a creative writing paper (that could include stories inconsistent with Catholic teachings) at a national competition, why can't a group of students or an academic department "sponsor" the Vagina Monologues. </p>
<p>If Notre Dame wants to provide education / majors in the department of Film, Television and Theatre, can they be outstanding if they do not have the freedom to chose the best educational experiences, regardless of the story line's consistency with Catholic teachings? You would not have a very highly regarded theatre education if you don't put on plays, and publicize to get an audience. Think of the many Oscar, Emmy, Tony award winning shows - as well as Shakespeare - that include homosexuality, pre-marital sex, divorce, not to mention violence. I realize that there are many that would not be questioned - but what about academic freedom? Who decides?</p>
<p>You raised an interesting point about being required to attend the Vagina Monologues last year. I do not think it is at all unreasonable for a student in a theatre class to be required to attend on-campus theatre productions. If you are a Catholic student in a world religions class - you probably are required to read about other religions' beliefs - I assume. If you are a non-Catholic in a Catholic religion class -you are probably required to read and discuss the Catholic faith. I agree, however, that the issue is much more complicated if there are strong ethical, moral, emotional reasons that a student is against a specific requirement. Perhaps an alternative requirement could be established. </p>
<p>If it were my child - I would probably encourage him/her to attend the film, play, speaker, or read the book - whatever - to broaden his/her mind. To try to understand why some groups of people think the particular reading/event are important. To try to develop a better understanding of those who are different or have different beliefs. </p>
<p>As I'm sure you know we live in a very diverse world. I hope my children, while in college, can get exposure to many aspects of this diverse world and to begin learning about people who have different beliefs and different backgrounds than their own. And most imporantly I hope they learn that people different from them have every right to voice their own opinions and beliefs - even at Notre Dame. It is through listening to others that we develop a sense of understanding and respect.</p>