"Vitality springs from diversity - which makes for real progress so long as there is mutual toleration, based on the recognition that worse may come from an attempt to suppress differences than from acceptance of them." - B.H. Liddell Hart
The concept of community is both that of difference and of unity. B.H. Liddell Hart did not have in mind a collective of a homogenous union in the above statement but a communal cooperation in which tolerance and acceptance of the plethora of differences that surround us defines the norm. Today, we, a seemingly united States, pride ourselves in the heterogeneity of our great and culturally rich mixing bowl, a bowl to which we contribute and from which we benefit. Nevertheless, so little have we transgressed the intolerance and suppressed differences that B.H. Liddell Hart suggests are disadvantageous. We have so far to go before we can call ourselves a truly United States and many milestones to reach before a truthfully great vitality is accomplished.
The Primary Source Feb. 28th arts issue reminds me how little we recognize this vitality beget by diversity. The article, "Until the Hypocrisy Stops," openly challenges the accomplishments of both female activists and the national community, whether journalistically intended or accidental. Its barefaced criticism of the recent campus production of The Vagina Monologues, its actors, its sentiments, and moreover, its conceptual purposes was undeserved. The criticisms of the play were further unfounded. The factual evidence of female inequity, sexual disparity and discrimination, and social vagueness compared to the overall social autonomy of males is well shown by numerous consistent and reliable sources. There is an undeniable difference in the liberties of males, particularly in the area of vocal sexualism, in comparison to females. The play's intentions were to demonstrate female sexual rights and female liberties, not to openly promote negative sexuality or suggestive sexual licentiousness.
The play was well presented, and its actors are well deserving of applause. The Primary Source, however, needs to be reminded that their comments and criticisms should be directed at concepts, not at individuals or groups, and more importantly, their criticisms need to have realistic and factual representations of society, not prejudiced and dogmatically conservative biased sentiments of what the publication wishes the world would be. And for factual purposes, there are several shows about male sexuality that are both well attended and accepted, such as Naked Boys Singing, an Off-Broadway show, and Puppetry of the Penis, a comedy presentation in which two brothers contort their penises for audiences. Both are examples of the enormous sexual freedom males enjoy in comparison to females. The Vagina Monologues is an expression of female rights and equality; these male shows are overt sexual displays without purpose or justifiable cause.
Finally, I think it also important to address the issue of literary freedom. We all - including the staff of The Primary Source - need be reminded that we are part of a community at Tufts: a community from which we benefit, a community of professors and resources that offer us an education, a community of peers from which stems diverse activities like the performances of TheVagina Monologues, and more importantly friendships and acquaintances that make college and life meaningful. We cannot take from this University and ourselves and then criticize the more than willing hand that feeds us. Our vitality as a University, as a collective, depends on our diversity. We must be mutually tolerant and considerate in our speech, actions, and our writings. It is from tolerance and acceptance that progress stems. Intolerance is unacceptable and it is disadvantageous to our community here at school and to the nation as a whole.
John Dulac is a freshman who has not yet declared a major.
