A NeW attitude
Sisters lead conservative women’s group’s fight against feminists
— Linda Turley-Hansen is a syndicated columnist and former veteran Phoenix television news anchor who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached by e-mail at letters@lindastake.com.
Activism is a curious thing. One male associate once justified the bra burning years of the feminist movement this way: Extreme action plays an important role in cultural change. Radicals from both sides of the issue battle it out and society ends up with something in the middle. And, so it is. On that spectrum, I’d put “The Vagina Monologues” to the far left and into the tank. Count me clear to the other side of the issue and way down the city block. A decade ago, playwright Eve Ensler launched the “Monologues,” a diatribe on a woman’s vagina, allegedly in response to violence against women. She’s spread her tripe worldwide. I can’t figure out how women, in vulgar theatrics, can disrespect the female body under the pretense they’re teaching men to clean up their act. If someone can help me out here, please do. The harm Ensler causes is too lengthy for this space, exacerbated by the adoration of lost women, searching to be valued. Her graphic theater is nothing more than shocking participation in the very abuse she claims to target. Check out her Q and A at www.randomhouse. com/features/ensler/vm. “Monologues” recently appeared on the ASU campus. Like sheep, coeds trooped in to be indoctrinated. But, here’s the good news — here’s why I address this subject: Outside was a small group of protestors who refused to be lured over the liberal cliff. With soul-deep purpose, they fearlessly stood on behalf of a woman’s complete worth and against the irreverent monologues. Do not miss reading a review of “Monologues” on the ASU Web Devil by protester Francesca van der Feltz (www.asuwebdevil.com/issues/2007/03/06/opinions/700145). Those gutsy protestors are members of The Network of enlightened Women (NeW). They speak for more people than they have any idea, yet the politically correct, rabid feminists who, as it would seem have been resurrected, out-shout, out-spend and out-rage those who see the power of women another way. The ASU chapter of NeW was established two years ago by sisters Catherine and Annemarie Smith. Nearly three years ago, the organization was founded at the University of Virginia and is quickly spreading (www.enlightenedwomen.org). Formerly of Maricopa and now Ahwatukee, 19-year-old Catherine and 22-year-old Annemarie have embraced a fight to offer women options to radical feminism. Catherine, a sophomore and vice president of NeW at ASU, said, “Feminists have cheapened the role of a mother and do not offer modern women any support for becoming a mother.” Her goal is to stay actively involved in women’s issues and “empower and educate women to expose the monologues production.” In addition, she envisions reaching out to Saudi and Middle Eastern women who are “seen only as property.” Annemarie, a senior and president of the NeW chapter, will marry this summer after which she’ll “raise a family and stay active in the political community.” She questions, “Why should society treat women’s sexuality with respect and reverence when women are widely and cheaply available?” Good question, Annemarie. She says, “NeW offers women a full perspective, something the feminist movement fails to do.” The goal is to empower all women, including homemakers. “Women who choose to stay at home and raise their families are just as influential as female CEOs and politicians,” she insists, and she’ll walk the talk. She sees her children as leaders of the next generation who need “a loving mother to nurture and guide them.” Influence: Greater than money, politics or war; if only women searching for purpose understood that in regards to their opportunities as parents, employed or not. NeW and all conservative women have a lot of undoing to do; radical feminism has had many years to infiltrate every corner of our culture. Daily headlines report confusion and sorrow surrounding their unbalanced doctrine. Let the games begin.
LINDA TURLEY-HANSEN COMMENTARY —
TAKING A STAND: Catherine Smith, left, and Annemarie Smith of the Network of enlightened Women take part in a protest against “The Vagina Monologues” March 3 at Arizona State University in Tempe. NETWORK OF ENLIGHTENED WOMEN
