femminista: thoughts of a feminist rhetorician

For the past couple of weeks I've walked through the Stewart Center while on my way from teaching to my next caffeine dose.  (Today I took that route to avoid the cold for a few minutes)  And each time I walk through, I note the weary looking protesters and wonder a few things:  Have they been there for the entire time, without break, and if so, do they have the support of their professors?  What about the bathing issue?  How long can someone maintain a hunger strike without causing physiological damage?  And, perhaps most importantly, why does the administration refuse to discuss change?  Is this a we don't negotiate with terrorists thing?  Refusing to deal with sweatshops constitutes sound and ethical business practice.  Doesn't this seem like something that the university should want to do without having to be pressured by the student body?  Hmm, deep thoughts.  For more info, check out the Purdue Hunger Strike website hosted by a Purdue student.