I've taken and taught quite a few women's studies (and queer studies) courses
and I find that too frequently (not always) when men join the class (not all
men and in the case of queer studies classes not all straight people) so much
time is spent trying to "convince" the men of the basic reality of women's
oppression (which everyone else in the class has already accepted) that one
cannot explore the complexities of the issue. All you need if one or two of
these "types" of guys and the class becomes a waste for everyone else.
This is not to imply that "equality" or "right and wrong" should be thrown
out the window, nor that I am taking a "postmodern" position (whatever than
means), but it makes sense to me that these judgments must be made on a
particular basis, taking into account the feelings and experiences of those
involved. As a "man" do I feel saddened by the fact that I can never sit in
on Daly's class? Sure! But, for me, it is more important that these women can
consider these issues in a space they feel safe and supported. Sometimes we
men (or white people, or middle-class people) in light of all the privilege
we regularly get can and should forego our "rights" in order to allow
critical discourses and spaces to develop that can reflect on and actually
transform the world we live in...
Robert Ausch
Grad Student
CUNY