Scathing letter
Posted 09-02-2010 at 10:16 AM by EmmyNoether
So, yesterday instead of working I wrote the following scathing letter:
"Dear Student Health, Specifically Ms. Keloisaw and Dr Poordie,
"I was appalled at the recent decision made by Student Health to begin charging for STI testing and other such tests. I do believe that this might lead to a health disaster of epic proportions as society seems to glorify one night stands and rampant sexual behavior. The people who are so irresponsible as to get a STI will be just the type to pinch their pennies for alcohol and drugs once you start charging for the tests. However, what I find particularly offensive and am therefore writing to you is that you will start charging for pap smears.
"This is sexual discrimination against women because they have the unfortunate burden of a cervix. I'm sure you know that starting at 18 it is strongly advised by most medical practitioners for a woman to have an annual pap smear to catch the early signs of cervical cancer. Plus, it is standard practice to also test those cells for the major STIs – which according to you, could run a girl up to $77 dollars. This is a daunting charge for your students with a vagina. In addition, for a female student to get a prescription for birth control through you, she must get a physical with a pap smear. This could potentially remove the motivation for campus women to use a 99% effective method of contraception. Does this mean you'll be providing abortion services, or do you expect that these female students will be raising children in dorm-rooms between heavy loads of classes? Frankly, it is vastly unfair that the university is issuing this additional charge to only one sex on campus. Are you going to charge $77 dollars for a doctor to cup testicles while a male student coughs?
"You mention the possibility of going to the City County Health Department for the free alternative to female exams and I ask you this: Have you ever been to the City County Health Department? I have and it is NOT an alternative. The time I went I was accosted walking into and out of the building in what appears to be a neighborhood that cops won't even drive through. I was actually worried that A. I could be caught in gun crossfire, B. I could be sexually assaulted, or C. I could contract some horrendous disease from the homeless person next to me hacking up some unnatural colored phlegm. Will you be providing transportation or should your female students then be forced to take the City County Bus? I have never ridden it myself, but my male friends have taken it once before the fear for their lives inspires them to find an alternative mode of transportation.
"I conclude this letter by asking you: do you really think it is fair to single out one sex from the other? Do you think that I should be taxed for my cervix? And, if you truly believe your own suggestion of CCHP, do you think my life is a reasonable payment for my health?
Regards,
Emmy Noether"
I am not quite sure why I felt so inspired to write this. In hindsight I'm not really as upset as I sound in the letter. I'm kinda annoyed, yes, but raving mad? not really. I sent it to the campus newspaper - and wasn't particularly surprised that they did not publish it.
"Dear Student Health, Specifically Ms. Keloisaw and Dr Poordie,
"I was appalled at the recent decision made by Student Health to begin charging for STI testing and other such tests. I do believe that this might lead to a health disaster of epic proportions as society seems to glorify one night stands and rampant sexual behavior. The people who are so irresponsible as to get a STI will be just the type to pinch their pennies for alcohol and drugs once you start charging for the tests. However, what I find particularly offensive and am therefore writing to you is that you will start charging for pap smears.
"This is sexual discrimination against women because they have the unfortunate burden of a cervix. I'm sure you know that starting at 18 it is strongly advised by most medical practitioners for a woman to have an annual pap smear to catch the early signs of cervical cancer. Plus, it is standard practice to also test those cells for the major STIs – which according to you, could run a girl up to $77 dollars. This is a daunting charge for your students with a vagina. In addition, for a female student to get a prescription for birth control through you, she must get a physical with a pap smear. This could potentially remove the motivation for campus women to use a 99% effective method of contraception. Does this mean you'll be providing abortion services, or do you expect that these female students will be raising children in dorm-rooms between heavy loads of classes? Frankly, it is vastly unfair that the university is issuing this additional charge to only one sex on campus. Are you going to charge $77 dollars for a doctor to cup testicles while a male student coughs?
"You mention the possibility of going to the City County Health Department for the free alternative to female exams and I ask you this: Have you ever been to the City County Health Department? I have and it is NOT an alternative. The time I went I was accosted walking into and out of the building in what appears to be a neighborhood that cops won't even drive through. I was actually worried that A. I could be caught in gun crossfire, B. I could be sexually assaulted, or C. I could contract some horrendous disease from the homeless person next to me hacking up some unnatural colored phlegm. Will you be providing transportation or should your female students then be forced to take the City County Bus? I have never ridden it myself, but my male friends have taken it once before the fear for their lives inspires them to find an alternative mode of transportation.
"I conclude this letter by asking you: do you really think it is fair to single out one sex from the other? Do you think that I should be taxed for my cervix? And, if you truly believe your own suggestion of CCHP, do you think my life is a reasonable payment for my health?
Regards,
Emmy Noether"
I am not quite sure why I felt so inspired to write this. In hindsight I'm not really as upset as I sound in the letter. I'm kinda annoyed, yes, but raving mad? not really. I sent it to the campus newspaper - and wasn't particularly surprised that they did not publish it.
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