December 8, 2011
by Vanessa Christman
Comments Off on What a long, strange trip it’s been
First, there was the buildup. Then, Judith Butler was here! Now, she is gone. The College’s website bears witness to the actuality of her visit, but all those months of personal involvement with her appearance on campus now seem like … Continue reading
December 1, 2011
by Vanessa Christman
Comments Off on Overwhelming obligations, small acts
A couple weeks ago, there was a reception for Judith Butler in the Wyndham Alumnae House. Both excited and terrified that I might finally meet her, I asked for a glass of wine and engaged in enjoyable conversations with colleagues … Continue reading
November 17, 2011
by Vanessa Christman
Comments Off on Armchair Activist
I wasn’t able to attend Judith Butler’s second Flexner lecture in person; my body, at that moment, was in alliance with a dozen or so parents at the Haverford Township High School, where I hold a leadership position in the … Continue reading
November 10, 2011
by Vanessa Christman
Comments Off on Theoretical rock star or torch-passing prophet?
As at the circus There is excitement, glee, and, Of course, performance. What a thrill to enter Goodhart Hall for the first Flexner lecture last Monday evening. I had been reading and blogging in almost total isolation for a few … Continue reading
October 27, 2011
by Vanessa Christman
Comments Off on Inclusive Progress Includes Doubts
A new day has arrived (272). That’s what we were proclaiming this week when I moderated a student panel comprised of leaders in interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Speaking to a robust gathering of alumnae and other guests, the students described … Continue reading
October 13, 2011
by Vanessa Christman
Comments Off on Ask, Tell, Applaud
I spent the last week in a program comprised of participants from the Class of 2015 and sophomore, junior, and senior student facilitators. The program, Dimensions of Diversity, featured workshops on religion, race, country of origin, gender, and sexuality. With … Continue reading
September 30, 2011
by Vanessa Christman
Comments Off on First Do No Harm
I have said many times in these blog entries that I am fortunate. Of course, being fortunate does not mean you never experience pain. Pain fades, however, and a little hurt you can get over. Harm, on the other hand, … Continue reading
September 16, 2011
by Vanessa Christman
1 Comment
This week, I have been in several conversations dealing with visual images, perception and race. The conversations have been respectful and filled with the desire to learn and to do the right thing. Unlike the interactions between the defense attorneys … Continue reading
September 2, 2011
by Vanessa Christman
Comments Off on Reflections on my “Insubordinate” Youth
I am thinking about becoming a princess. It’s going to be harder than you might think. Raised Pennsylvania Dutch and Lutheran in the shadow of the women’s movement, I have always been self-reliant above all else. Since childhood, I scoffed … Continue reading
August 19, 2011
by Vanessa Christman
Comments Off on We’ve come a long way … still so far to go
When you live in a house with two teenagers, it’s easy to believe that identity is performative. You don’t have to read Foucault to know that a brow piercing is some kind of inscription of the soul on the body. … Continue reading