This past week the Center for Bio-ethical Reform brought the Genocide Awareness Project (GAP) to Old Dominion University. At first, I wasn't unsure what it was after being told it was on campus. Now I can tell you - it's horrifying. Not only does the presentation include graphic images of abortions and holocaust victims; it promotes an agenda that blatantly ignores the argument for women's rights. The organization has been seen protesting at many universities in the area over the past few weeks.
This is the first time the student body at ODU has experienced a protest of this nature. Maybe that's why I was so shocked. I wouldn't be surprised if the University had just as much trouble as a passerby to find an appropriate response. Kaufman Mall is ODU's designated area for student protest, which students may reserve through online campus resources. Old Dominion is an avid supporter of student speech and promotes mature discourse on all subjects. Though this is true, ODU is also devoted to the safety of its students who are free to report nonpeaceful protesting to the University. I am constantly grateful for the safety I feel on campus.
The experiences several students had with GAP protests on campus were out of the ordinary. Many women on campus were called out and asked whether they have had an abortion, then harassed about their views. The presentation puts images of aborted fetus' up next to graphic images of holocaust victims in an attempt to change women's opinion on abortion. Walking across Kaufman Mall many students struggled to keep their lunch down. While I support every person's right to their opinion I question the tactics used by groups comparable to the Genocide Awareness Project. Emotional blackmail should not be an acceptable method of persuasion. We live in a world that puts constant pressure on women to conform to a certain image. The use of images meant to shock and scare viewers into changing their opinion is no more acceptable than expecting women to look like (photoshopped) models.
What was truly horrifying about the GAP was the condescending attitude towards women that surrounded it. I am on a campus that prides itself on the diversity of it's student body that provides a safe space for the exchange of ideas. I can tell you that the GAP presentations were not a safe space. Our campus provides several programs through organizations like the Women's Center that are meant to educate students on key issues like abortion and promote a healthy conversation about the morality of these decisions. My question is "why was it necessary to bring hatred into that conversation?"
In such a critical time for our nation, it is important to remember that it is not always easy to speak up. Many women struggle with speaking their mind on key issues because opinion shaming is alive and well in the world. Negative connotations are being more often directed at women who are on the unpopular side of this issue because it's the decision that is right for them and their body.
University campuses provide a safe space for conversation, but soon us college kids will be out in the professional world. It's time to accept that there won't always be someone looking out for our safety. We, as individuals, as millennials, must take up the responsibility of making our world a better, safer place.The Genocide Awareness Project' protest was a sign to me that hatred isn't going anywhere in the world. So please, spread some happiness. Tell someone today that you support their right to choose; not necessarily an abortion, but their right to choose an opinion and action that is right for their life.
No matter your opinion on abortion, women should never be shamed into a certain behavior. Do you agree?
