Letters To the Editor... Dear Editor, |

I would like to begin by congratulating the X-Press for the greater balance it has achieved in its presenta- tion of controversies. I appreciate hearing the per- spective of The Backlash as a counterweight to the Politically Correct articles and letters that have been regularly appearing. The prevailing bias in university society 1s politically correct, and one striking feature of political correctness is that it cannot permit dissent or contradiction. It forces all others to fall in line with it or face dismissal as regressiveness. Messrs. Hanus and Murphy are to be commended for their bravery in publishing a dissenting vote. Their calm, documented, factual style is far more effective than an emotional diatribe. Although I would encourage them to avoid abrasiveness wherever possible, and be as tactful as they can, I do feel their perspective is worthy of merit. One thing I would like to point out to all concerned is that women do not think as a monolithic unit. Although ‘‘feminism’’ receives a great deal more press, and a lot more support from those who have influence, it does not speak for all women -- orevenamajority. Though many are forced to pay lip service to feminism for lack of a well-known alternative, there is more to women’s ideas than the brand of feminism that has been pro- moting itselfas THE women’s movement in the pages of the X-Press and other publications. One group seeking to organize itself as a women’s movement wrote:

In searching out new solutions, we frequently reached different conclusions from those of the radi- cal feminists. Their pro-abortion, anti-family ap- proach is not only unsatisfactory, but, in some cases actually detrimental to women and to families. Certain issues widely promoted as ‘‘women’s’’ issues are in reality feminist issues only. They are not the main concerns of the majority of women across Canada. Women think and vote according to their social and economic backgrounds, not according to their sex. Gallup polls in Canada confirm that there Is no per- ceptible gender gap and never has been historically. The feminist agenda includes universal 24 hour day care, abortion on demand, easy divorce, unstricted prostitution, lesbian rights in the Charter of Rights, enforced (mandatory) affirmative action, opposition to property rights in the Charter of Rights, and support of Canada’s withdrawal from NATO and NORAD. Without exception, these views are identical to that of

not have widespread support.

The objectives of this group are as follows:

1. To reaffirm that the family* is society’s most important unit since the nurturing of its members is best accomplished in the family setting.

2. To promote the equality, advancement and well- being of women and recognizing women as interde- pendent members of society, whether in the family, workplace, orcommunity,

3. To promote, secure and defend legislation which upholds the Judaeo-Christian values on marriage and ~ family life.** | 4. To support government and policies to make homemaking possible for the woman who, out of financial necessity, would otherwise have to take employment outside the home.

5. To support the right to life of all innocent indi- viduals from conception to natural death. | *The family is defined as two or more people, living together, related by blood, heterosexual marriage, or © adoption. ; **Membership is open to all those who agree with our objectives. )

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This letter is not intended to simply ‘‘plug’’ the group, which shall remain unnamed. The point is that. there are alternatives to the ‘‘radical feminist’’ move- ment, and that there arealotofwomenwhoprefer — such an alternative to the shaky tenets of radical feminism In closing, I would like to assure the ‘‘feminists’’ that I do respect them as people, despite’ my disagreement with their ideas. Women are equal, and are deserving ofa lotbettertreatmentthan they — are presently receiving. However, I must remind them that their strategies are more bankrupt than what they intend to replace, and will undoubtedly create more — bitterness and resentment than they solve. Are the goals of feminism worth destroying society over? | think men and women need to start giving each other lot more credit. The system that works best will be ~ the one where the rule is that everyone makes the good of others top priority.

Bill Hickox

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March 5, 1992