Praise to the protesters

I want to congratulate Shannon Johnson and Juliette Muellner-Grimmett of the N.C. State Women’s Center for organizing a silent protest to raise awareness about the issues involved in the film “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell.” I also want to thank those who brought this to the attention of the campus community. The film is, at first thought, just another offensive movie about drinking and sex. On further thought it becomes clear the characters demean and devalue women. This is not so obvious because these attitudes so thoroughly permeate our society and we may not even recognize them.

One of our goals at the University is to build a welcoming environment where all students, staff and faculty feel included and valued. The participants in the silent protest stood up and said that this film is destructive of the kind of environment we want and need at NCSU. They raised our awareness of student vulnerability and the ramifications of excessive drinking combined with sexual aggression. I was moved by the show of strength and caring of the silent protest and am impressed with everyone who took part.

I want to thank all of the participants in the silent protest for reminding us all that we must be aware, we must stand up for our values, and we must constantly work to ensure that our environment is one where all are respected, safe and welcome.

Marcia Gumpertz

assistant vice provost for faculty and staff diversity

Intoxicated sexual activity is rape

I did not see the movie premiered Wednesday night, nor did I want to. That being said, I have noticed the press about it with a story even making Foxnews.com Wednesday and Thursday. I also saw in the Technician Thursday that Tucker Max posted a reply to the protests saying they took away from real crimes. Again I didn’t see the movie but if anywhere there was implied sexual activity with one or both parties being intoxicated by alcohol, in North Carolina that IS considered rape. The other thing Mr. Max should realize is that his promiscuity is not something to brag about, if anything it is a sad lifestyle that can only end in hurt and regret.

Adam Beard

doctor of veterinary medicine

Thanks from the UAB

I’d like to thank everyone for your e-mails, comments, and concerns. I’m grateful to those who offered constructive ideas and a willingness to deal with the social issues in front of us.

Without a doubt, there has been an enormous amount of controversy surrounding Tucker Max, and the UAB’s decision to bring him to campus to screen his film. The UAB acknowledges that this upsets people, and it wishes to reinforce the fact that his appearance here does not reflect the values of the UAB, or N.C. State as a whole. I encourage you to get involved with the UAB and be active in its program planning. The UAB will be having its recruitment meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Student Senate Chambers or for more information check us out at http://uab.ncsu.edu/. Step up, lend a hand, and join your fellow students.

Jeffrey Moan

junior, accounting