Dear Editor,
As a member of SSARA (Student Sexual Assault Response Assistance), I am disappointed that this opportunity for discussion over the right and responsibility of free speech has turned into a diplomatic mud-slinging. In addition to the articles in last Thursday's issue, I refer to the numerous posts on your message boards -- ranging from critiques of Samelson's viewpoint, questionings of her character and assertions that rape is not beyond comedy to voicings of support.
I agree with Samelson's criticism that the Zamboni's crass humor, however intentioned, reinforces stereotypes that make social issues harder to solve, whether these be sexual or not. For example, in its recent edition, the Zamboni also satirizes the misconception that oral sex does not constitute a "sex act" by suggestions that sexual favors be used to get out of class and score higher on the GMATs. Similarly, another article portrays foreigners as undereducated, chauvinistic farmers and American culture as little more than weight obsession and gambling addiction.
While people often fall back on humor to deal with difficult social and political topics, these comments and those made about STDs, masturbation, cheating and Wren Hall catastrophically flooding are among those displaying a level of insensitivity many find offensive. The Zamboni must be aware that often their material's humor depends on gross exaggeration and thus satire of the bigotry and misunderstanding that represent some of the basest aspects of human behavior. Some people don't appreciate such humor and will inevitably voice their opinion when they perceive their right to a tolerant community threatened -- as Samelson did -- under the same right to free speech as the Zamboni.
On a final note, I would like to thank Ashley Samelson, Julie Nogee, Katherine Peck and the Tufts Daily editors for their support of SSARA and its mission to provide resources for survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence and promote Tufts' awareness of these complex issues. However, please don't insinuate that, by satirically publishing stereotypes justifying sexual assault, the Zamboni brings positive attention to SSARA. Instead, they make it harder for survivors, counselors and activists to overcome those stereotypes in their attempts to heal, help and raise awareness.
Caitlin McDowell
Sophomore
