Women’s studies prof says “cultural shift” needed in Halifax
Posted Sep 6, 2013 07:04:11 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Saint Mary’s University student community is reacting to a video posted on Instagram of a controversial chant used during frosh week by student orientation leaders.
Freshman Nicole Kaider said she was excited to come to university at the school, but finds the video rather embarrassing.
“I’m absolutely disgusted, honestly. As a girl, I’m kind of just sickened. I have no words really to express it, I’m just grossed out,” said Kaider.
She attended another university before coming to SMU and said although she never participated in frosh week activities she has a hard time understanding how other girls could go along with the chant.
“Honestly, I don’t know if they are trying to fit in or have fun, but it’s not cool – whatever they are trying to portray.”
A local women’s studies professor is also weighing in on the chant that’s made headlines across the country.
Dr. Allan Brown, who coordinate the Women and Gender Studies program at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, said the incident will dominate his classroom discussions in the coming weeks.
Brown said there is not much the university can do to remedy the situation, but rather a cultural shift needs to happen in the community.
“I think that conversation, in Halifax in particular, is already started but it’s still just in early days,” said Brown.
He said he fears the sensitivity training that the members of the SMU student association have been ordered to take won’t have a lasting effect.
“As a social scientist, I don’t think the effectiveness of those things is really proven,” said Brown.
He added even if someone does not identify as a feminist, this week’s events are a great example of how important awareness of the women’s moment is.
At a press conference Thursday afternoon, the Saint Mary’s University Student Association said it will be launching an investigation to understand what happened at the frosh week festivities and to prevent similar behaviour in the future.
