Prominent feminist

declares feminism dead

inism is dead. Though UBC’s re for Gender Relations and men’s Studies has been operat- ing for only one year, we now have found overwhelming evidence that patriarchy has ceased functioning. In fact, we are entering matriarchal times.

However, despite our evidence, UBC’s Coordinator Dr. David Strangleway has expressed cau- tion. While he stresses his con- fidence in our research, last week he confirmed with me that ‘*until we see sustained equal- ity, this [the end of patriarchy] may be merely a brief turna- round.”’ He feels that feminism is still necessary.

But Anne Hutchin of UPE 2900 has publicly disagreed with Strangleway, indicating a grow- ing consensus among feminists. Hutchin is extremely pleased with the gender equality on this campus and is also happy with the recent agreement by the Board of Governors to adopta collective decision-making process.

Among evidence the Centre has amassed are statistics showing that violence against women has dropped drastically, from 1 in 4 women to 1 in 100. Only 1 woman out of 35 is now beaten annually by her male partner, compared to 1 in 5 a scant year ago. As well, women are now earning $1.08 for every dollar a man makes.

Still, one tenacious faculty continues to indicate the concern for women on this campus. Former engineering student President Alan LeRuse has confirmed that students in his faculty have started a

goddess-worshipping ritual at the cairn in order to raise awareness about wom- en’s issues.

This kind of continued pro-feminism con- cerns me greatly. It is unnecessary now that patriarchy and feminism are dead.

For example, A-Rune Sravisteva, a pro- fessor in Women’s Studies at UBC, has found in her research that the Vancouver Art Gallery’s permanent collection is now emphasizing First Nations women’s carvings. As well, English country dances are being held once a month for the ethnic

British communities.

The amount of research on this campus about women is overwhelming. All our evidence points to the fact that women are no longer silenced. Hence, Merrily Climb, one of the two professors in our program and a legal specialist, has begun a petition to officially end Wom- en’s Studies.

Those of us who teach Women’s Studies are debating the future of our research. While we are agreed that we will stop research about women, several of us wish to continue in gender relations.

Cath Hensen has expressed her concern for men in this changing world. She is worried that many men face severe psychological stress and wants to institute re- search into literatures of resist- ance by white men who have lit- tle access to the publishing in- dustry.

Since heterosexual behavioul has become a new subject of in- quiry, especially in sociological deviance classes, Women’s Stud- ies professor Marie Byrce is now concerned about compulsory ho- mosexuality. She has uncovered evidence that heterosexuals até finding it increasingly difficul! to obtain employment unless they closet themselves. Mor studies are needed because cout" challenges to the same-sex only partnering laws are expected reach the Supreme Court soon.

Those of us at the Centre for Gende! Relations are excited about the new po’ sibilities now that feminism is dead. W° will continue to push Dr. Strangleway take the initiative. Our evidence is goo! and very conclusive. i