Generation story promotes sexism

I was reading my university's weekly magazine, Generation, when a story entitled "Straight A's and G-Strings" caught my attention.

In a nutshell, it was a piece covering the story of a student (whom apparently achieves high marks) attending Buffalo State University while working as a part time stripper. The author painted an image of glitz and glamour for this 21-year-old's way of putting herself through college entirely on the money she takes home from taking her clothes off "only two nights a week." Stripping was shaped into this perfect portrait of an excellent source of income, fabulous hours, and doors opening up endless amounts of self-confidence; "this business is perfect for any woman who has enough confidence and doesn't mind up close and personal customer service" (the woman said who was spotlighted in the article). The only negative aspect for a woman entering this business (that was mentioned) was the initial money one much shell out for "costumes and props."

It was an 8x11 spread that promoted much more than an "excellent part time job for college student" - it was supporting degradation and disrespect for women. It was giving the okay for the continuation of sexual assaults and rapes on all females. By not including the gruesome facts that tie violence against women in with jobs where women are paid to be a sex symbol, they closed 30,000 pairs of eyes to the twisted reality of our societies normality.

In 2002, only 39 percent of rapes and sexual assaults were reported to the police and even a smaller percentage within the university spectrum (www.nicp.gov). The "voice" of my university took a step back on the march to make changes ending sexual violence.

As many of you are college students, I challenge you to stand up for what is right, and not what the social norm happens to be. Violence against women will not stop until we all take steps to ensure zero tolerance for such. I don't wish for everyone to march around their cities with signs - but I do challenge you to not laugh at a joke that makes light of sexual violence, to educate yourself on date rape drugs and high risk scenarios, and most importantly to encourage anyone who has been assaulted (sober or drunk) to stand up and report it.