I realize that this is probably too old an issue now, but I would like to provide a different perspective on the issue of the RPI V-Day posters.

First of all, on a humorous note, I’ve been rather surprised to hear some of the complaints about the posters when considering the identities of several of those whom I’ve heard vocalizing complaints. A simple search of the campus network reveals that some of the very same people that bemoan the moral depravity of two parentheses and an exclamation point also shamelessly host massive caches of hardcore pornography images and videos. One would presume that, by now, these people would be desensitized to any moral outrage the posters may have invoked.

On the other hand, I, even as a female, found the posters somewhat disturbing. Designer(s) of the poster: Would you be proud of the design had your parents come to campus and seen it? How about your younger siblings or a grandparent? Did the posters really represent our campus in a positive way? I think I’d be embarrassed if my little brother happened upon the V-Day posters.

Yes, I understand that V-Day stands for an urgent cause, and I cannot concur enough with its importance. However, I don’t believe that the importance of the cause automatically gives the designer(s) of the poster the right to abandon their responsibility to consider the poster’s audience (the entire campus community) and its appropriateness in relation to them. I think the posters could have been just as (if not more) effective in relaying their information and encouraging people to attend V-Day events without resorting to negative attention and shock value. Think subtle and thought provoking, not garish and shocking. Even if you believe that our society is flawed due to its prudishness regarding sexual matters, you still have to acknowledge the sensitivity of the subject.

Furthermore, the questionable appropriateness of the posters has not only alienated some of the members of the RPI community, but it has also done a disservice to V-Day’s cause. Because of the controversy that has been stirred, the focus on the subject of violence against women has been obscured. How are those posters empowering? I’d say they’re exactly the opposite, if the only image you can think of to depict the natural beauty of a woman is a garishly detailed ASCII art depiction of their vaginas. Gee, thanks. I guess I was mistaken in believing that there was more worthwhile about me than my sexual organs.

The controversy that these posters have incited is an example of the power an image can have, despite how simple it may be in form. However, it’s still also important to wield that power responsibly.

Maureen Duffy