Indiana University - Arbutus Yearbook (Bloomington, IN)

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Alice Doesn ' t Day emphasizes the importance of women in today ' s society T he spirit of sisterhood prevailed at a ' gathering in Woodburn Hall on Al- ice Doesn ' t Day, October 29. Spon- sored by the National Organization for Women, Alice Doesn ' t Day was the name given to a day long strike during which women were urged not to go to work or school, spend money, or per- form the expected duties of a wife or mother. The common interest in feminism prompted the 50 or so women attend- ing the gathering to communicate easi- ly. Small groups sat in circles on the floor, talking earnestly among them- selves. Many wore Alice Doesn ' t Day buttons and arm bands. Most women emphasised the eco- nomic impact of Alice Doesn ' t Day, and said that they would not buy anything. However, few students had skipped classes. I couldn ' t afford to miss my classes, it would only be hurting me ... one said. Most students said that the classes they had attended that day went on as usual, without discussion of Alice Doesn ' t Day. A film dealing with discrimination against women was shown, and the women in the room laughed outright at a male in the film who attacked the Equal Rights Amendment as sexually deviant. Many women expressed regret that Alice Doesn ' t Day suffered from a lack of publicity and felt that this would se- verely dilute the impact of the strike. Overall, they were not discouraged. One woman said, In just an hour here, I ' ve met some new friends and heard some new ideas. It brought us closer together, and groups like these are the backbone of feminism. We ' ll get ERA through — just wait. — Treacy Colbert Jim Mendenhdll Kappa Kappa Gammas Kim Pendergast, Mib Bram- lett and jana jansen (Above) serenade on Alice Doesn ' t Day. Joyce Mushalen (Right) iies an Alice Doesn ' t Day armband on Karen Searles. 25

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October Gloria Steinem, internationally known feminist and author whose name is almost synonymous with the Women ' s Liberation Movement, was the final speaker in the series of pro- grams comprising the International Women ' s Year Festival Month in Bloomington. Steinem, editor and co-founder of Ms Magazine, played down her own role as a leader in the feminist move- ment and stressed the importance of local women ' s activities, saying that lib- eration must start on a local level. Steinem ' s lecture included an attack on the institution of marriage because the couple becomes one legal entity (the husband) causing the wife to lose too much of her identity. Steinem said that she no longer has to give lectures proving the need for women ' s liberation. She stated, howev- er, that merely being aware of the need is not enough. We are in for a long and deep strug- gle but it ' s worth it because it gives us life, self-respect and identity. We have begun to find out who we really are and there is no turning back. l.U. Calendar n

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Women ' s Festival promotes awareness of heritage and talents A demonstration of needlepoint and quilting at the College Mall was part of Bloomington ' s Internation- al Women ' s Year Festival Month during September and October. All the women agreed that quilting was productive, relaxing and friendly — but frus- trating when it was time to thread the needle. $ m Mp David )ay 2b