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It's something I'm not ashamed to admit: I am a feminist.
I know, I'm a man, weird. But supporting equality for all people regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability is something I value. That's why I think it's time for Associated Students to open up a Men's Center on campus.
Chico State has a Women's Center funded by A.S., so why not a Men's Center?
Men are being left out in the wilderness with no place to turn when they need answers to issues concerning men. Concerns such as proper restroom etiquette (no talking), how to feel around for testicular cancer (cup and massage) and whether it's OK for men to wear skinny jeans (no), should all be discussed at length by the men and women at this university.
The Women's Center offers students a boatload of information about the social and political issues concerning women. It tends to focus on women's reproductive rights and political activism. But I have to say, the Women's Center can be a little intimidating.
Located on the lower level of the Bell Memorial Union, the outside of the Women's Center is smattered with a plethora of bumper stickers espousing, "Keep your laws off my body" and "It's a woman thing."
It kind of screams, "This is a girl's club - no boys allowed," and could even scare away male students seeking advice. To be fair and compassionate to all, a Men's Center is needed.
Granted, the Men's Center will be a little different than the Women's Center.
For one, Rosie the Riveter posters aren't going to fly in the Men's Center. Perhaps a few Chuck Norris, Tom Selleck or Sean Connery action photos will do the trick. Posters are going to be crucial because there isn't going to be a lot of furniture in the men's center. There will be five or six La-Z-Boy recliners, a lamp and an outrageously large flatscreen TV.
This atmosphere will be more inviting for most men and allow them to sit and converse about the issues of the day such as, "Is teabagging your male friend funny or a little gay?" And it should be noted, the Men's Center will be a safe zone for all men - gay, straight or otherwise. And a gay man's perspective on the whole teabagging debate would be an invaluable one in such an important discussion.
The Men's Center should educate about sexual health and pass out contraceptives much like the Women's Center. Morning after pills should be available. Little word to the wise, it's not a 24-hour time limit. It works up to 72 hours after intercourse - but the clock is ticking.
The Men's Center should also promote the arts. Perhaps a book club could be established featuring the literary classics of "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell" by Tucker Max or "The Alphabet of Manliness" penned by Internet sensation Maddox. A quick preview of the Maddox novella: "A is for ass kicking," "B is for boners" and "C is for copping a feel."
And believe it or not there's some legal rationale for this idea, too. Title IX is a federal law that was passed about 36 years ago. The law states, "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." Seems like a good law. Let the man revolution begin.
Though the Women's Center doesn't receive federal financial assistance, it is funded by the Student Activity Fee, which, regardless of gender, costs each student $55 a semester. A Men's Center on campus would benefit everyone and could help shed light into the struggles of what it means to be a man in a world of oppression.
Send your complaints to Mike at opinioneditor@theorion.com
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