Fair aims to dispel myths of feminism

By Jacquelyn Nixon

Daily Staff Reporter

Striving to dispel harsh stereotypes of feminism, Feminist Unite handed out cotton candy, popcorn and offered turns on a moonwalk yesterday at the Feminist Fair held on the Diag. The fair, which was also sponsored by the Michigan Student Assembly, featured several booths concerning women's issues, including the Women's Issue Commission and Third Wave Magazine.

"The non-abrasive popcorn environment conveys that feminists aren't aggressive," RC freshman Monique Luse said. "The fair exposes students to what real feminists are like."

The fair began at noon with speeches and music performed by women. Members of the feminists groups quickly ran out of t-shirts to sell and students lined up for the free cotton candy.

"We hope that students realize that feminism isn't just about negative issues. There is a positive side to feminism and it should be celebrated," said fair organizer Lara Zador, an LSA senior.

Feminist Unite members agreed that feminists are often stereotyped to be bitter and uptight.

LSA senior Kasey Gordon said feminism is simply "a way of acknowledging what is not right in the world."

"There is little truth in the stereotypes of feminists," Luse said. "There are those that say 'Oh, you hate men,' but I love all people and want everyone to have equal opportunities," Luse said.

This is Feminist Unite's third year on campus. The group is one of the few feminist groups on campus and it focuses on issues ranging from affirmative action to queer visibility, Zador said.

"Feminism isn't an ideology or something you have to subscribe to - it's a world view," Zador said. "College is a great time for women to try to be empowered and find their voice."

Third Wave Magazine, a free publication available in Angell Hall, Common Language and Shaman Drum Bookshop, is comprised of individuals who support feminism and wish to express their opinions through creative writing.

"Our magazine isn't strictly for women. It's important for students to have a forum to express their concerns and experiences," said Third Wave Editor Sarah Lessem, an LSA junior.

LSA senior Riley Hoffman of the Women's Issue Commission said, "When we held the Vagina Monologues, we raised $1,500 for Safe House. Through our projects, we're trying to make the campus more open for women," Hoffman said.

DAVID ROCHKIND/Daily

Seven-year-old Samantha Bransdorfer, daughter of Rackham graduate student Mark Bransdorfer, jumps on the moonwalk at the Feminist Fair on the Diag yesterday.