The F-Word Live Poetry Slam creates a dialogue worth commending
Let’s talk about the F-word.
Not the four-letter word that first comes to mind, but another important term in modern society — feminism.
On Thursday, the University of Idaho Women’s Center will host the annual F-Word Live Poetry Slam in the Vandal Ballroom of the Pitman Center. The goal of the event is to reduce the stigma attached to the subject of feminism, while also providing an outlet for survivors of sexual assault to share their powerful stories.
The event stands as a highlight of the university and its efforts to be open and inclusive for students of all backgrounds. The poetry slam includes not only topics and perspectives of feminism in the modern world, but it also addresses a range of other issues related to gender and racial equality.
Thursday’s occasion marks the 10th anniversary of the poetry slam on the Moscow campus, with the event originating in 2006 under the now-dormant Feminist Led Activist Movement to Empower. The longstanding tradition of the poetry slam in Moscow is something to be proud of, because it shows that student efforts on campus can truly create a lasting impact for the university and community.
The poetry slam does not only pertain to students, but to prominent faculty members as well. Associate Dean Traci Craig of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences is signed up to co-host the event.
Feminism advocacy is a topic that often garners unwarranted criticism, usually because of a lack of understanding surrounding the topic. The UI Women’s Center hopes to use the event as a way to combat stereotypes and educate those who may be unfamiliar with issues related to feminism and gender equality.
While the touchy content and requirement of a mature audience might deter some from attending the event, those familiar with difficult topics such as sexual assault should understand the need for occasional explicit language during the poetry slam.
This event gives community members an opportunity to share experiences with their peers and colleagues. It allows Moscow to recommit itself to encouraging dialogue and addressing real issues. The F-Word Live Poetry Slam is one of dozens of equality-driven events that make UI a place worth celebrating.
— JG
