"Sex on Tuesday" Crossed a Line in Discussing Consent

We are writing to express our shock and disappointment at the Oct. 27 installment of "Sex on Tuesday." We are extremely offended by Mustafa Shaikh's use of language, his condoning of alcohol-induced sex, and his lightheartedness of a subject matter that often results in rape and sexual assault.

As members of the V-Day at UC Berkeley, our efforts are aimed at bringing light to the perpetration of sexual violence in the Berkeley community and across the globe. This unfortunate article draws attention to the reality that we are working to change: a culture that promotes misogyny and partriarchy by any means possible. Apparently, for Mr. Shaikh, alcohol is the means by which to continue the suppression of women, and thus perpetuate the culture of violence against them.

Mr. Shaikh refers to "faux-feminists" who are "up in arms about [his] column." Calling feminism fake debases a movement focused on empowering a group of people who have been historically and are currently oppressed and dehumanized. This disrespect for feminism is offensive. Mr. Shaikh suggests that feminists "misconstrue" his opinions. It is difficult to "misconstrue" something so ostentatious.

Mr. Shaikh writes that "we live in a culture that views open discussions about sex as taboo." We agree that open discussions about sex are necessary, but the way in which he proceeded was unfortunate.

As Mr. Shaikh reminds readers in the article, "having sex while drunk can count as rape." While sex under the influence is a reality of college life here at Berkeley, it is a shame that Mr. Shaikh abused his pulpit; instead of discussing the dangers of alcohol and sex in a way that is accessible to much of the Cal community, he seemed to advocate the exploitation of the depressant affects of alcohol as a means to have sex.

It is illegal (and impossible) to consent to sex under the influence of alcohol, and Mr. Shaikh's discussion of this all-too-popular phenomenon seems to advocate, rather than discourage, it.

We appreciate Mr. Shaikh's openness in talking about subjects usually considered taboo. However, we are disappointed and disgusted by the way he uses his column to perpetuate stereotypes and discuss rape and sexual assault lightly. We expected something better-both from a Berkeley student and from the Daily Californian.

Emma Martin and Tracey Roth

UC Berkeley students

Tags: SEX ON TUESDAY