After starting just one year ago, the Network of Enlightened Women has wasted no time making its voice heard. As a conservative women's group at ASU, the club has contributed to the ever-evolving discourse about women's sexual issues on campus. This week, SPM talks to the club's president, English linguistics junior Catherine Smith, about hot topics like pornography, abortion and "The Vagina Monologues."
SPM: As a women's group, which sexual issues are most important to your organization?
Smith: Any issue pertaining to women is of importance to NEW. The issues of most importance to ASU women are the exploitation of women through the hook-up culture, pornography, abortion, rape and "The Vagina Monologues." Although these can also be individual issues, they all result in the exploitation of women.
SPM: Has NEW held any sort of events, or plans to hold events, concerning these issues?
Smith: During NEW's inaugural semester at ASU, we chose to read Danielle Crittenden's book "What Our Mothers Didn't Tell Us: Why Happiness Eludes The Modern Woman." This fostered discussion regarding the hook-up culture, which is so widespread and yet very deceiving. Such frequent sexual intimacy eventually shreds human souls and leaves them feeling empty and dissatisfied. To counter the number of sexual assaults near campus, NEW hosted a self-defense class for members just two weeks ago.
SPM: What about your work regarding more controversial issues, like pornography and abortion.
Smith: Regarding pornography, NEW hopes to join with other clubs on campus to host a speaker whose marriage crumbled as a result of the destruction of pornography. Concerning abortion, NEW joined with the ASU Students for Life to build a "Cemetery for The Innocents" on the 2007 anniversary of Roe v. Wade. In the future, NEW would like to reach out to ASU women who have had abortions and are grieving the loss of their child.
SPM: But why "The Vagina Monologues?" Many students consider that a feminist production.
Smith: NEW is convinced that "The Vagina Monologues" exploit women through the theatrical content that allegedly empowers women, but in actuality it communicates that a woman's identity and image are wrapped up in her sexual organs.
Supporters of the play say that their purpose is to raise funds to stop violence against women. This is a worthy cause indeed. However, as we know, the means never justify the ends. There is a plethora of ways to raise money to stop violence against women, while simultaneously respecting each woman's sexuality. In February 2007, NEW raised money for a shelter for homeless pregnant women by selling carnations on Valentine's Day.
SPM: How would you define the sexual mindset of an Enlightened Woman?
Smith: I would define it as an understanding of who [a woman] is as a whole person — complete with a body, mind and soul.
