ear Editor,

While no one would assume thatall Christians hold identical beliefs or that all conservatives are fascists at heart, itis interesting to see that some people make such rash judgements about radical feminists. There are as many different kinds of feminists as there are Christians orconservatives. Indeed, the scope is perhaps wider because there is no specific doctrine or written “‘word’’. If you wish to understand whata particular feminist believes, ask her. Do not make assumptions based on myth, fear or the selected writings of certain feminists taken out of context. The word radical in its most literal sense means ‘‘to go to the root of the matter’’. The word ‘‘extreme’’ has no meaning except asa modifier, ‘‘extremely good’’, ‘‘extremely committed’’, ‘‘extremely enthusi- astic’’, and soon.

In response to Joseph Murphy’s letter, I have two questions.

1. In what way does the honouring of human sexual- ity found in Starhawk’s work lead you to believe she is mentally unbalanced?

2. In what way does calling someone crazy constitute a rebuttal to the substance of that person’s argu- ponte! | [n response to Peter Hanu’s letter, I have several somments. é

. When someone tells you what she believes and fines her terms, it is very patronizing to dismiss ler meanings and inset your own (e.g. ‘‘No, no, fou’re wrong... This is what you mean!’’) Dawn Ambler is entitled to define her own view of radical eminism for herself, just as I am entitled to define ny own view of radical feminism for myself. You nisunderstand the collective nature of feminism if ou believe it to be a struggle of ‘‘us versus them’. eminists of many different backgrounds and view- oints value each other and work together to promote urcommon goals.

. Using select quotations taken out of context does jot promote greater understanding of complex issues. hdeed, the examples you have used act instead asa mear campaign intended to discount valid opinions. isis abundantly obvious from your comments

ut female sexuality. It would appear that you hold mistaken assumption that women are sexually

inert in the absence of a male catalyst.

3. Most feminists do not support ‘‘bashing’’ any- body, male or female. It isnota-very admirable or useful occupation. We do, however, recognize that women suffer from sexist abuse in disproportionate numbers and we would like it to stop.

4. Your remarks about the relative numbers of male and female faculty do not change the reality ofthe overwhelming lack of female representation in this area.

5. Your final comment stating that ‘‘radical feminism uses an utopian end to justify an immoral means “‘ is a classic example of reversal. One of the most funda- mental beliefs of feminism is that ‘‘the way is the means’’. There is no separate means to an end. How you get there determines where you’re going. You close by challenging radical feminists to justify their **means’’ (having already declared these meanstobe immoral). Yet you have never stated exactly what these ‘‘means’’ are nor have you shown how they are *‘immoral’’.

In closing I must say that I was delighted to see such student interest in debating feminist issues. Any student who wishes to learn more about these con- cerns would make a welcome contribution to the study of women.

Vaughn Jelliffe.

Dear Editor,

After taking a look at the past four months and my list of ‘‘stuff to do’’, it seems that it will only get partially done. However, UPEI Student’s hard work and fight for our needs are slowly showing results. After years of lobbying by various SU councils (and a few tragic accidents) concerning the safety of pedes- trians on the Avenue, action has finally been taken. A “*pedestrian light’’ at University Avenue and Brown Court is now installed and began operation on January 6th.

Unfortunately, all hard work does not bring positive end results, The campus Employment Center on campus is officially closing its doors at UPEI fulltime in May 1992. This service will no longer be there for inquiring fulltime and part-time students who will be looking for summer, part-time, lifetime work. As well, no more resume writing suggestions,

| EL X-P RESS January 16, 1992 Page 5