The Ineffectiveness of the Posters in Grill
How do you fight politically against sexual assault and rape? How do you call attention to the countless injustices around the world? And then, how do you bring that message to Exeter? These are all important considerations for us—unfortunately, it seems that some crusading Exonians didn’t consider these questions and much less, the answers. In fighting for social justice, we must remember to do three things: keep it true, keep it clear and keep it useful. We must not cower away from radicalism and struggle against authority, but, we must also not confuse angry outbursts for radicalism.
Although it is still unclear, here is what we know so far: someone, likely an Exonian, put up posters with messages including, “You Cannot Silence Us” and “What Was a Three-Sentenced Email Supposed to Accomplish?” referring to Principal Rawson’s short email about combating sexual misconduct. Other messages, perhaps posted in response, read, “How are you being silenced?” and “Welcome to the Supreme Court, Justice Brett Kavanaugh.”
Sexual assault, in particular, is a very linear offense: it is obviously a reprehensible act. For something so agreed-upon, why was Monday’s poster war so controversial?
The issue is with the tactics exhibited by the original posters. The choice of a more abstract target detracts from the posters’ sincerity. The posters attack neither sexual misconduct in general (especially as relevant to Kavanaugh) nor sexual misconduct at Exeter. Instead, they respond to the administration’s handling of the situation. They claim a lack of respect and care for a sensitive topic that deserves extra discussion beyond just a “Three-Sentenced Email.”
It should be duly noted, however, that Director of Student Well-Being Christina Palmer facilitated an hour-long discussion on Kavanaugh and sexual misconduct in general. Rumor has it that only four faculty members and two students showed up. It’s not as if the school is stopping students from speaking up about touchy topics; in fact, the administration clearly encourages it. Exonians should not complain about the administration’s insensitivity towards sexual misconduct if only a limited number of Exonians show up to a discussion dedicated to it. Although the administration is by no means faultless, discussing sexual misconduct is one area in which Exeter has not slipped up too much in recent years.
The issue is with the tactics exhibited by the original posters. The choice of a more abstract target detracts from the posters’ sincerity.
No one disputes that last week’s Community Time and Principal Rawson’s email could have been better, but approaching the topic requires more tact than posters screaming “You Cannot Silence Us.” Who is silencing you? Would it be the administration who, again, hosted a Kavanaugh discussion session that hardly anyone attended? Or would it be the senators that confirmed Kavanaugh? In either case, displaying angry posters that immediately get torn down is not the way to go. There are plenty of other ways to approach the situation: posters railing against the Republican cronies who confirmed Kavanaugh, posters calling for organic and transparent discussion of sexual misconduct or even just talking about the subject with friends. All of these methods do more good than confrontational posters against some vague enemy.
Beyond all the logistical and ideological failings of these posters, there’s the final question of execution: were they useful in uniting Exonians against sexual misconduct?
In short: no.
At least among students, there seems to be more ridicule than fruitful discussion over these posters. It’s hard to imagine that the administration would be any more receptive to them. What should have been something serious—rallying people against sexual misconduct both nationally and at Exeter—has turned into more of a spectacle than a respectable movement.