In sonata form an exposition establishes two contrasting themes, traditionally designated as “masculine” and “feminine.”  The development section contracts and contorts the two melodies until they are nearly unrecognizable, only to be resurrected in the recapitulation, where the “feminine” theme conforms to the key of the “masculine.”  Twenty-four Davidson students depart next weekend to attend the Feminist Majority Foundation’s Expo[sition] 2000 in Baltimore, Maryland.  Our delegation provides a vital bridge between two contrasting themes: Davidson and feminism.  In this sonata, however, the feminist theme promises to weave itself into and over the historic legacy of Davidson, emerging as a song of liberation such as this campus has never seen.

Peg Yorkin, Eleanor Smeal, Katherine Spillar, Toni Carabillo, and Judith Meuli founded the Feminist Majority in 1987 using this definition of feminism: “the policy, practice or advocacy of political, economic, and social equality for women.”  Fifty-six percent of women in the United States identify themselves as feminists; I wonder if we could boast the same feminist majority at Davidson?  Or, in an even more daring statistic, could we proclaim that the majority of Davidson students, male and female, are feminists?  By the Feminist Majority’s definition, I say we could not.  Feminism connotes activism, movement, change: “policy, practice, advocacy.”  We may proclaim ourselves to be feminists, but until we eliminate passivity from our approach to gender relations, we have not made ourselves worthy of the title.

Feminist Expo provides Davidson students an opportunity to assemble with 6,000 women and men who are committed to fostering equality worldwide.  We will assess the impact of the gender gap on the 2000 elections with Gloria Steinem.  We willl discuss equal pay for equal work with Dolores Huerta.  We will participate in Biblical exegesis with Mary Daly.  We will challenge Jesse Helms with Barbara Boxer.  We will counsel with Sarah Weddington.  We will dramatize with Eve Ensler, sing with Dar Williams, and read with bell hooks.  We will exchange stories, share ideas, and swap strategies with men and women from other universities and other nations.  We will expose ourselves to three days of symposia, roundtables, training sessions, and general assemblies, so that we can return to Davidson with strategies for activism.  We will spend our weekend in Baltimore preparing the development of our two themes and creating a melody unique to Davidson’s dynamics, a song that proclaims this campus’ commitment to gender equality in every facet of college life.  Listen for it.

If you have not signed up for the Expo but are interested in attending, contact Cameron Richardson (x6331) as soon as possible to see if any slots are available.  If you cannot attend but would like to support the Davidson delegation, check for forums and other scheduled programming upon our return.  We will be singing a new song—loudly.  You won’t be able to miss it.