Editor:
Knitting. Fresh baked cupcakes. A neon pink Web site. Are these things typically associated with radicalism? We certainly don’t think so, but apparently Doanh Nghiem does [“University feminist group too extreme to debate,” Doanh Ngiem, Feb. 11, 2008].
Ms. Nghiem discussed Temple’s Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance. We, as leaders of this organization, were disappointed to read an inaccuracy-riddled essay that labeled our group as “militant extremists” and “out-of-touch activists” while claiming we “endorse [Hillary] Clinton.” Additionally, the only quotes that Ms. Nghiem used in her piece were from Jaita Talukdar, a sociology professor with no connection to our group. The quotes suggest that FMLA only takes part in demonstrations and protests.
Each of the above-mentioned assertions is false. Our executive board has gone to great lengths to ensure no one political ideology is represented more than others. As stated on our Web site, FMLA exists solely to promote women’s equality. In a similar vein, we do not endorse candidates. Again, we do not want any one political ideology to receive more representation than others.
Lastly, Professor Talukdar’s comments completely dismiss the other activities that our group runs every semester. While we are an advocacy organization, we put a strong emphasis on both educational and social events. We feel that the most successful groups on campus have a strong rapport between members and organization leadership. We think that our members will attest to that we are more than a “typical” feminist organization.
What a shame that Ms. Nghiem could not take the time to educate herself about our organization. We would have been more than happy to invite her to a meeting, conduct a formal interview or even explain why we choose certain protesting tactics over others. Unfortunately, without speaking to us, Ms. Nghiem presented an article that comes across as ill-informed, uneducated and typical anti-feminist tripe.
Deborah Hinchey, FMLA President
Vicki Moore, FMLA Vice President
