One would think that during a time when the issues of sexism and date rape are “exposed nerves” on this campus, advertising for SA-recognized organizations would be carefully screened to make sure that elements reinforcing negative stereotypes might be eliminated. These negative stereotypes might include the erroneous beliefs that “women are only good for one thing” or “the only thing that a woman really wants is sex.” And yet again, the ruling powers of NIU have seen fit to endorse advertising that encourages degrading images of women.

I am specifically referring to the Student Dietetic Association’s display in one of the Holmes Student Center windows near the information desk. The drawing shows a nude woman, slender from the waist up, busily chipping away her remaining body fat with a chisel. The block letters next to her read, “SHOW OFF YOUR BEST PART.” Is it merely coincidence that the woman is chiseling her “private parts” free? Regardless of the Student Dietetic Association’s intention, they succeeded in conveying a very sexual meaning: there is only one good part to a woman.

And I thought you were supposed to exercize for your heart.

The Northern Dietary Association must think it’s OK to portray women as objects whose sole goal is to have sex. By their consent in displaying this advertising, the administrators at NIU must agree. The real tragedy of this embarrassment is that few people have even recognized the sexual implications of this advertising.

Possible solutions: Whoever approves the advertising displayed in the Student Center might try actually reading the material before giving consent. As students, we should pay closer attention to the advertisements on campus and think about what we’re seeing. If these solutions don’t work, the administrators could give money to SA-sponsored organizations and require the members to take classes in subliminal advertising techniques, so that their posters aren’t quite so blatantly sexist.

Ted Manning

senior

English