Although it may come as a shock, I agree with Steven Soldwedel when he writes, “The inconsistencies that surround the gender issues in our society are things that need to be dealt with, not suppressed or ignored” (“Men don’t honor penises with week,” SN 2/27).

Soldwedel is right. The inconsistencies and double standards that exist between men and women need to be addressed and corrected. How about the inequity in the pay scale between men and women, which accepts that women only make, on average, approximately 75 cents for every dollar men make? How about the double standard that allows men to be praised for sexual promiscuity while women are condemned as “sluts” for the same practices? How about the expectations for men and women?

There are several inconsistencies there. For example, women are expected to take care of the children, clean the house, cook and work to support their family. This double-duty does not burden most men. Yeah, “I’m sick of the hypocrisy,” too.

He also writes, “I think the frequency with which I see the word ‘vagina’ steadily increases each year. Every time I open the paper, I get to see something glorifying women and how wonderful they are.”

Well, it’s about time, don’t you think? The oppression women have experienced since their existence has been horrible and it’s about time women are celebrated. Penises are celebrated nearly every day of the year, and I don’t think it is too much to ask to have one week devoted to vaginas. I hate to break it to Soldwedel, but if there were no vaginas, you wouldn’t be here. I think that’s reason enough to celebrate.

Christina Enders
community relations sophomore