However, this time I wrote about the white crosses that show up in my university's academic quad every year, presumably put up by the school's Voice for Life club. Each white cross represents a certain number of abortions that occur every year. Now, this piece is much more emotionally based, rather than educational like the previous one.
The White Crosses
In case anyone on campus forgot that the University of
Portland is a Catholic university, the white crosses planted in front of the
chapel last Friday served as a reminder, with a steaming side of fresh guilt.
Now, to start this off, I understand and respect the fact
that many people and institutions, especially those of the Christian faith, are
pro life. I understand that using my own free will, I have decided to attend
this university.
However, even with this basic understanding, I still have so
many issues regarding the white crosses that are put up every year at the
beginning of November. I find the white crosses to be disrespectful towards the
campus population and especially towards those who may have had abortions in
the past. The display crosses the line of having a respectful message meant to
educate and bluntly forcing an intense opinion about a very complicated issue.
Currently, I believe that the abortion debate is a
misdirected and emotional debate that doesn’t address the real problems that
cause women to decide to have an abortion, other than for medical reasons. For
me, the more pressing issue behind the abortion debate is to create a society
that is less patriarchal and victim blaming and more educational and respectful.
Yes, I am more than well aware that this is a big task to accomplish.
But, by addressing issues surrounding abortion rather than
making it illegal, we might actually be able to reduce the number of abortions
done in a year. For example, people should be taught how to have safe sex,
rather than being taught abstinence only.
Or, as another example, victims of rape or sexual assault
should not be shamed for something they wore or what they drank. Instead, the
blame and the shame should be on those who committed the crime. Rather than
shame victims, let’s teach people how to respect others and that when someone
says no, they actually mean no.
Last but not least, I have a word for those who put the
display up. I respect the fact that you are pro life. But that coupled with the
fact that we are a faith based campus does not give you the right to make
everyone on the campus feel guilty and horrible.
Next time, think about those around you. In particular,
think about those who have had an abortion in the past. Think about that decision
they’ve made and how it probably haunts their life to this day. Think about the
factors that may have existed to aid that decision. Think about how those white
crosses probably brought back unwanted and traumatic memories for those people.
In the end, rather than guilt trip the entire university
campus, I wish those behind the display had been more respectful and
professional with their message.
