THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 12, 1996 TAG: 9608090034
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 25 lines
I read a great bumper sticker the other day. ``Feminism is the liberal belief that women are actually people.''
Regarding a letter published on July 26 concerning VMI's admittance of women, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the lack of intelligence and tact the writer displayed by referring to women as ``a few little twits'' and what ``the proper role of a wife is.'' I feel sad for him and others who think this way.
``Feminism'' is not about to enter VMI, but rather young women who deserve a chance to enter a military institute. The ``proper role of women'' is a socially constructed norm that also places women of the '50s living in Betty Friedan's ``Feminine Mystique'' with ironing boards and sewing needles in their hands.
Unfortunately, in the eyes of too many, feminism is the liberal belief that women are actually people. My advice: Go read some history books about women's contributions to previous wars.
LARISSA TRINDER
Norfolk, July 26, 1996 by CNB