Sexism has no place in Queen’s elections
Dear Editors,
The other day I sat in class, ittedly uninterested in the spiel being delivered by a pair of wide-eyed candidates for the ASUS exec. The pair consisted of a guy and a girl. The former was running for vice-president and the latter for president. When this information was presented, a fellow classmate turned around to his buddy and made a whooshing sound like the cracking of a whip. Some people laughed, obviously disregarding the implications of that simple sound. That sound embodies something that has gone on in the past and still isn’t over: sexism.
I it that I have never taken a course in women’s studies and I prefer bras when they are not on fire, but I am a disgruntled woman and hope that I should be entitled to give my opinion on this topic. We delude ourselves into the belief that sexism is a thing of the past, but we are so wrong. Why should it be something to poke fun at if a female is running for president while her male counterpart attempts to run for a slightly less significant position? Are both sexes not equally capable of fulfilling the duties of ASUS president?
The argument could be extended to many other issues, one in particular regarding different perspectives on promiscuity, but that topic has been beaten to death at this point. Other concerns relating to this subject are also present within the intellectual community, athletic endeavours and wherever a potential feminist might attempt to seek them out.
Throughout the twentieth century, North American women have put up quite the fight to bring down some colossal barriers. Such barriers include the denial of the right to vote, attend university or work outside of the home. It appears that it is still the time to educate ourselves and ensure that all remnants of those barricades have been shattered. Maybe if that classmate is lucky, he can put his feet up on the couch while I vacuum up the remains.
Katrina Kelly
ArtSci ’08
Fair trade campus unfair to consumers
Dear Editors,
RE: “Campus groups lobby for fair trade campus” (Journal, Jan. 31, 2006).
When reading through the letters to the editor, I was quite disturbed to read the letter in of a fair-trade-only campus. Currently, when I travel around campus, I generally have a good selection of coffee. In the cafeterias, one can choose if they wish to have fair trade coffee or regular Colombian coffee. In the JDUC, this option also exists in the form of the Common Ground and Tim Hortons. However, it is important to note that Tim Hortons has been trying to find a supplier for fair trade coffee. It has failed due to its use of enormous quantities of a single blend. I would hate to see Tim Hortons removed from campus, because despite not having a fair trade label, they still maintain high ethical standards. I would further be saddened by the removal of consumer choice in the matter.
The option is there for students who fair trade to do so; there is no need to force students who do not agree with fair trade to drink fair trade coffee. There are some legitimate reasons to oppose the fair trade label, and we should allow people with their own opinions to choose whatever they wish. A little choice never hurt anyone.
Cory Bloor
Sci ’09
Manzanilla responds to fair trade request
Dear Editors,
RE: “Campus groups lobby for fair trade campus” (Journal, Jan. 31, 2006).
Thank you for bringing the cause of fair trade on campus to my attention. I am sorry for my late reply. I have been thinking about the best way to give you a constructive response. I really like what your organizations are trying to do at Queen’s and I want to best it.
Unlike the AMS election teams, the rector does not have a Social Issues Commission or a Communications Office, but I believe that my role as a student advocate will help you with your cause. As rector, I can be another way that the students can express their concern for development issues and voice their for initiatives like fair trade. Furthermore, because the rector sits on the top governing bodies of the istration, it would be my duty to take your concerns to them. If the istration knows how strongly students fair trade and development, they will carefully consider any decision that would be inconsistent with students’ views on these issues.
As I have said before, I want to be a rector for everyone. I have done a lot of work in the past in human rights and social justice, and I believe that I have the skill set from those jobs that can best help you in your campaign for fair trade wherever it is possible on campus.
I would be delighted to talk further to any representative of your organizations.
Johsa Manzanilla
Rector candidate
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