Revenge of the Women’s Studies Professor — 6/20

What really goes on in the feminist classroom? Are all the faculty and students wild-eyed, hairy-legged, man-hating homos? Based on her years as a popular professor at different colleges across the U.S., and what students have reported about the hostile climate they endure, bestselling author and college professor Dr. Bonnie Morris brings her sharp wit and keen insights to bear on the negative sterotypes that keep many students from taking women’s studies courses. Join us for this entertaining and eye-opening talk on Friday, June 20, 2014 at 8 pm.
Tickets are only $12 through June 19, and $15 on the day of. Students and seniors with valid ID can get tickets for $10 at the door!
Have you ever been bullied just for taking a women’s studies course? If so, you’re not alone. Throughout North America—and globally—bright students are jeered if they choose women’s history or women’s studies as their scholarly focus. Many soon find both their sexuality and their academic integrity being questioned by parents, boyfriends, even faculty advisors. Although by now women’s history has been mainstreamed into honors courses in most high schools, it’s still far too easy to find media stereotypes depicting women’s history as a radical agenda taught by bitter “feminazis.” How much courage does it take simply to register for an introductory college class honoring your own foremothers? 
Higher education shouldn’t be this hostile. But one way to confront the backlash against feminism is with humor. Dr. Bonnie Morris turns the tables on critics and homophobes, recounting ten witty scenes depicting true-life encounters with students, faculty and friends terrified of what might go on in a feminist classroom. One scene re-enacts Dr. Morris’s confrontation with President Bill Clinton, an incident first made famous in the anthology That Takes Ovaries!
About Dr. Bonnie Morris
Since 1993, Dr. Morris has traveled around the world bringing “Revenge” to campuses and community stages, hosting audience dialogues in Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Canada, India, Iceland, and at the National Organization for Women’s Young Feminist Summit, the National Women’s Studies Association annual conference, and New York’s Gay and Lesbian Center. Now a book from Indiana University Press and a 2010 Finalist for the Lambda Literary Award in Drama, “Revenge of the Women’s Studies Professor” includes the voices of many students who have triumphed over the backlash, and invites audiences to join in lively Q & A feedback about the current climate for women’s studies and faculty.
Bonnie J. Morris teaches women’s history at both George Washington University and Georgetown, and is the author of eight books, including Revenge of the Women’s Studies Professor, Eden Built By Eves, Girl Reel, and Women’s History For Beginners. Her film credits include appearances in “Contact,” “If Women Ruled the World,” “Radical Harmonies,” “Speaking Our Minds” and “The Coat Hanger Project.” In addition to serving on the board of Mothertongue, D.C.’s spoken-word stage for women, Dr. Morris is an academic advisor to the National Women’s History Museum and a women’s history reader for the College Board AP U.S. History exam.
 
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June 2014208 pm