The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Talking about vaginas can get people pretty worked up. As a Jesuit institution, since many parts of "The Vagina Monologues" don't adhere to Catholic sexual ideals, members of the Saint Louis University get pretty passionate about this discussion of sexual mores.

And, as the protestors who showed at the past weekend's performances of the play proved, members of the outside community get worked up too.

We're glad they showed up. For just as they have a right to stand strong with cardboard signs to prove their point, so, too, does the University have the right to host this play. Really, that's what "The Vagina Monologues" is about: varied voices informing each other.

On a university campus-a place dedicated to opening minds and "educating the whole person"-"The Vagina Monologues" presents an opportunity for intelligent dialogue; dialogue from many perspectives and backgrounds, agreeing and disagreeing, but most importantly, communicating.

There is a difference, though, between protesting the merit of what "The Vagina Monologues" tries to teach and the actual existence of the play on campus. Don't kill the messenger, but, rather, try to disprove what he has to say, if you disagree. To stifle this intellectual conversation would be equivalent to an old-fashioned book burning. As an academic institution, the University keeps an open mind to the discussion of edgy and controversial topics; they should be read and then discussed, and if they don't agree with the Catholic ideals, we can talk about how and why and what we can do about that.

Like the University, "The Vagina Monologues" is a collection of a wide variety of voices.

Some people hear and agree with parts of the play; others don't. But only as an academic pursuit, instituted to disseminate a point, "The Vagina Monologues" should be allowed to exist on campus.

The least it should teach is that it is good to take a stand to inform others about your beliefs. If that means protesting, go ahead. Give your point, and allow the people who support "The Vagina Monologues" to give theirs.

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