Page 5 The Lion’s Eye March 2,2011 Eveon World & Local Women’s History Month Gallagher also brought up the fact that our country is ranked 72 out of 180 coun- tries for the number of women in National legislature. At this time, there are still only 16-17 percent of women occupying these seats and that gives a very limited voice to women. It is important for men and women alike to support movements that work to change this. Also, speaking out about this issue is necessary to create awareness. Without knowledge, we are not able to make important changes to benefit our society. Gallagher brought up that many people believe that the women’s movement is over and that there isn’t a need to fight for women’s rights any longer, but that is not the case. If we stop standing up for women’s rights and speaking out about inequalities, women will lose ground and that would be detrimental. It was the women’s movement that brought light to domestic violence and rape and created awareness about these issues. Powerful movements were created in which brought safety to women. Also, there is the deri- sion of second wave feminists, which include very stereotypical beliefs that are still brought up about bra burnings and other activities that never took place. It’s interesting to look at who was threatened by the second wave feminists and consider where we would be today if they still had total control. Women’s History Month teaches us about the incredible struggles that women have endured. Gallagher explained that Women’s History Month “Illuminates the achievements and challenges [of women], which can be empowering to young women.” We have all heard incredible stories about women in history, such as Helen Keller, Amelia Earhart or Maya Angelou. These women have pushed past the traditional stereotypes of what women could do and thus inspired us and taught us that anything is possible. Our campus will be celebrating a number of great events to acknowledge women and create awareness about women’s issues. Ronika Money, Assistant Director of Student Affairs, will be host- ing a discussion session on ‘Shadeism’. This newer term describes a not-so-new issue for women. Shadeism is defined as discrimination within the same culture and race due to the different shades of color. This type of discrimination is not limited to African American women, but rather to all women of color. Money will also be showing a documentary that exemplifies this discriminatory practice and creates a greater awareness about Shadeism. Karrie Bowen, Instructor in Communi- cations, is looking forward to the campus events taking place for Women’s History Month. She excitedly stated: “This year’s celebrations of the contributions of women to our world promises to be a very excit- ing one! We have a variety of programs planned that will enable our campus com- munity to take a deeper look at not only the social, political, and economic impacts made by women from all different walks of life, but that also highlight issues such as cultural diversity, equity with regard to sexual orientation, and women in the arts.” Bowen, is also the chair of the Women’s Commission, and has been a tremendous supporter for this event and scheduling many exciting events so that students and faculty alike can enjoy this great celebra- tion. Bowen adds, “Along with presenta- tions on different social justice issues, we have a couple of great presentations scheduled regarding human trafficking and another presentation done by Dr. Diane Disney in our business department on March 24 regarding the Campus Read, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” Since Women’s History Month is rich in educational opportunities, Bowen makes a suggestion to draw more students, “We would love for faculty to encourage their students to attend these academic programs throughout the month of March. If they would like to offer their students extra credit for attendance, all they have to ~ do is let me know at their earliest con- venience and I will be more than happy to provide the sign-in sheets for them.” continued from page 1 Towards the end of the Women’s History Month, the Women’s Commission An- nual Luncheon will be held. The keynote -speaker will be Sarah J. Glover. Sarah cur- rently works as a Philadelphia Daily News staff photographer and serves as president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. Bowen eagerly awaits Glov- ers visit to campus and states, “Sarah’s presentation is called “Finding Purpose Through Her Camera Lens” and will focus on the challenges she has faced working in a male-dominated field as an African- American single mother. It promises to be something that will fully engage our stu- dents from all fields of academic study.” There is a fundraising event on our campus called ‘Heart for Herat’. This collaborative project was created by Dr. Maureen Fielding and Dr. Phyllis Cole. The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise money for the ‘Voice of Women’ orga- nization founded by Suraya Pakzad in 1998. Pakzad, is an incredible woman in Afghanistan that our campus has had the privilege of getting to know. Through the introduction of alumnus, Aldo Magazzeni, Pakzad has inspired us and taught us about her mission in Afghanistan. She fights tirelessly for women’s rights and focuses her efforts on education and shelters for women and girls. I also had the opportunity to interview Dr. Cole, Professor of English, Women’s Studies, and American Studies, to discuss the Heart for Herat project. She explained that Herat is the city in Afghani- stan where Pakzad lives. This project is a direct response to the need that Suraya has conveyed during her visits on campus. She and Magazzeni have created an alliance with Penn State Brandywine that benefits the students with a great learning opportu- nity, and Pakzad with the awareness about the issues that girls and women face in Afghanistan, as well as contributions to her organization. At this time, there is not a specific financial goal in mind for Heart for Herat. If we are able to spread the word and get involved, the amount of money raised is anybody’s guess! Cole expressed assurance that the funds will go directly to the women in Afghanistan, since it is a grassroots orga- nization. Pakzad stands firmly behind the mission of her organization and risks her life to help those in need. Cole described Pakzad as “elegant, straightforward, and truth-telling” - a lovely depiction of this brave humanitarian. The students in Dr. Fielding’s class have created bookmarks and cards that feature Magazzeni’s beauti- ful photographs of his humanitarian work in various countries around the world and are a memento for students donating to - anonymous told the Lion’s Eye, E Granite Run Mall NOT Closing.....Yet By Rob Ewing - Lion's Eye Campus Editor -rte5016@psu.edu Rumors of the closing of local Brandywine hang-out are addressed. The Granite Run Mall is not closing, yet, accord- ing to representatives from both the mall and the Simon Property Group who owns more than 75 malls across the states. Director of Marketing Aubrey Proud said, “There is no basis to rumors about the mall closing. We are open for business as usual. In fact, we have a number of commu- nity events scheduled in the coming months, including a Save a Life Tour (March 11), an Arts & Crafts Show (March 26-27), a Sports Card & Collectibles Show (April 1-3) and an Antique Truck Show (April 30). There is no other information to report at this time.” Classic department stores such as Sears, Boscov’s, and J.C. Penney’s are still in business. On a recent trip to the mall, there are 29 vacant storefronts and restaurants. Many stores however displayed signs of high percentages off most merchandise. Ac- cording to the mall’s website, there are currently 83 businesses in operation. Consumers in the Media area, however, continue to discuss the rumors. GoAston. com’s internet forum displays several feeds with many extensions to the rumors. Most common is the possibility that the mall has been, or is in the process of Riddle Hospi- tal, a division of Mainline Health located across the highway from the mall, buying the mall. Representatives from Riddle failed to respond to any inquiries. One member of the Aston Angle Network from Brookhaven, who requested her name not be used, confirmed these rumors. “My son works at the mall and they are being told that Riddle wants to purchase the land to build a cancer center = but that nothing is official yet.” Hl ll | Be i 1 i b ; Photo courtesy of Courtney Elko An employee from Sears a who also asked to remain “From what I heard Riddle ! (Main Line Health) is struggling financially and cannot afford to buy the mall. The mall may be up for sale, but Riddle is not buying it.” Brandywine students may CNS rest for now; your favorite ny TN od lunch and shopping location is not closing yet. Stay tuned to the Lion’s Eye for future development on this story. Photo courtesy of Courtney Elko this great cause. Magazzeni is also the founder of his own grassroots organiza- tion, Traveling Mercies, and has done incredible work in numerous countries. Additionally, Cole asks for those writing checks to make them payable to ‘Traveling Mercies’. There have been consider- able achievements that our campus will recognize in the efforts of gender equal- ity during Women’s History Month. It is clear that there is definite work to be done and we need to make the effort to bring change. We need to be mindful of efforts like Pakzad’s and consider what we can do to eradicate the hostility and oppression that women face on a daily basis in other parts of the world. Change begins with the individual and we are all capable of mak- ing the world a better place - for everyone. Send your questions, comments, letters, and more to... Lion's Eye Advisor: Editor-in-Chief: Karrie Bowen Judy Bowker KAB44@psu.edu JLB5706@psu.edu
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers