Mini-course was intended to teach multiculturalism

I created The Language of Ladies mini-course in order to open up a space for straight males at Vassar to engage in dialogue about their issues in relation to pursuing members of the opposite sex through a curriculum that could teach both multiculturalism and self-confidence.

The course had its first class a few weeks ago with 25 attendees: 15 men and 10 women, of whom 10 were international students. After the first class, those in attendance reported that they found the space to be positive and enjoyable. Regrettably, a portion of the campus did not second such reviews.

My intentions for the mini-course never included offending numerous groups at Vassar. Subsequently, The Language of Ladies was canceled when students did take offense to its content. I do not want to continue this tit for tat back and forth about the semantics of my class, a class that no longer exists—canceled by the democratic will of some students at Vassar. Rather, I think the more pertinent discussion to have is one regarding the issues that surround the role that the class has in the larger community of Vassar College. For that reason, I would choose to concede that the class proved to be insulting; we need to move on with real talk about the issues that have arisen in its absence. This class did not birth these longstanding issues; rather, it brought attention to them.

I am ready to start a worthwhile discussion and ask that all readers do the same. Additionally, my opinion on race and sex is not newsworthy and still ill-conceived. I never intended to engage in the perpetuation of racism or sexism. Also, I do not understand what it is like to be the subject of the terms in question. I hope that I can learn to some degree how my fellow Vassar students do feel so that such a situation won’t occur in the future. Ultimately, I would wish that The Miscellany News would report on the dialogue that is going to be taking place rather than publishing more polarizing content.

6 comments

alum

Mon May 18 2009 07:45

Chris-why do you continue to say ignorant reactionary conservative things? is it to make Vassar look bad?

Christopher Binetti

Sat Apr 18 2009 00:48

I think admitting that you were wrong when you weren't is not brave. White heterosexual men are reviled at Vassar and giving into pressure and apologizing in the face of hatred and bigotry is not brave its cowardly. As is this Vassar alum who refuses to reveal her real name.

CT

Thu Apr 9 2009 18:41

I like this.

Morgan

Thu Apr 9 2009 09:40

I agree with Vassar alum. A very skilled response daniel.

Vassar Alum

Thu Apr 9 2009 05:06

This is actually a refreshing response...rather than being defensive Daniel is actually apologizing and admitting that he did something wrong, something that was offensive and hurtful, albeit unintentionally. I hope this is a learning moment for his "defenders," in other words, all the straight white men who came to his defense claiming that political correctness was oppressing them for wanting to sexually objectify Asian women (I think the irony is apparent). Race and gender continue to matter in our society. 1/3 women report physical/sexual violence, keep that in mind before you dismiss the concerns of women and allies who call out the sexist nature of a course on sexualizing women, particularly women of color. Intent thought important is not the only thing that matters. Effects matter too. When a drunk person hits and kills a pregnant woman, what is our reaction? As a society intention is not the only thing we care about, it's also effects, we also care about the injury and harm produced. As for the claims of colorblindness, please take the time out and take an implicit association test. If one wants to make certain claims about oversensitivity, perhaps those same people should double check their facts regarding how identity categories continue to be used and implemented in ways that subordinate minorities. Hence, make me proud and use some evidence to back up what you are saying.
https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/demo/

James

Thu Apr 9 2009 00:50

Dan, you're brave to write publicly after all of this. I am glad that you are engaging the community in discussion and building this into (hopefully) a learning experience for students.

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