A tinge of hopelessness seems to inevitably accompany the acquisition of a social conscience.
I have discussed this matter with a number of fellow feminists, and it appears that no matter how dedicated and optimistic an individual may be in the fight for equality, some days it is nearly impossible to not allow the ever-present sexist-racist-classist-homophobic-agist attitudes dampen your spirit.
I have always been aware of social injustices, but as I grow older and learn more, I begin to see them in a number of subtle guises that make them much more difficult to label, and even harder to fix.
I have difficulty watching television with my friends, because I become overwhelmed by the damaging images I see not only in the advertising, but also in the programs themselves.
In most textbooks I find that the male is still considered to be the general audience, and I am continually observing social interactions between males and females only to find that both parties are performing the same patterns, time and again.
I do not wish to somehow revert to a mindset that does not have the ability to recognize these common occurrences. Knowledge is often symbolized as light, and it is the responsibility of those who carry a light to lean over and kindle their neighbor's flame.
But this act is not always well received, and at times it seems that there are just too many without a light. You are struck by the desire to fight for good but feel that the opposition is just too great.
It is at this time that we must remember the power of a supportive group. I firmly believe in the strength of an individual person, but a group of individuals united for a common cause leaves the greatest impact of all.
This past weekend, a group of amazing women came together to perform "The Vagina Monologues" and raise thousands of dollars for A Better Way, Muncie's domestic violence shelter.
All year I have watched these women volunteer their time, energy and resources to plan every detail of the event. They have spent hours in committee work, brainstorming and compromising, rehearsing, directing and designing programs, posters, buttons -- all because they share the same determination to stop violence against women.
For many of these women, it was their first involvement in such an undertaking. But the beauty of this effort was that each individual possessed a unique expertise that complimented another individual's area of weakness.
Each person contributed what she could do best, and the result was a moving performance, a large financial donation, a feeling of pride and the satisfaction of truly making a difference.
Watching these women has not only given me much pride in my fellow classmates, but has also reassured me that my dreams are not inconceivable or unrealistic. By organizing and activating conviction for an effort, change can happen. I do not need to bear the responsibility alone, for there are millions of people who share my sentiments.
By voicing my opinions through writings, through class discussions, through everyday conversations, I have found others who agree with me and support me.
Any discouragement that comes with those daily realizations of how far we need to go is countered with the thought of those who stand strong beside me.
Write to Linda at 00LSRABADI@bsu.edu
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