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I met Andrea once. I was the Forums and Lectures chair at my college, and in conjunction with the campus Women's Center, I presented a lecture by Ms. Dworkin, after which an impromtu "Take Back The Night" march took place.
I went along on the march since I was responsible for Ms. Dworkin's transportation that evening. I was pretty freaked when the march halted at an adult bookstore that I frequented. I was praying that the clerk wouldn't recognize me.
Fortunately he was too harried by all of the noise and such that I was not pointed out as a regular.
Later, following the peaceful march. the campus police stopped my car with Andrea inside, and harrassed us for 20 or so minutes, before giving me a totally bogus traffic ticket.
I felt sorry for Andrea. She was a lightening rod. Some of what she said, I actually agreed with, however, she also displayed some meglomania qualities that I think were her downfall. She always went for radical'er than thou positions which drew critics to her like a magnet.
Like Andrea, I truly disdain the misogynistic and rape promoting aspects that some in the adult industry promote. On the other hand, I feel that adults should have the right to enjoy erotic entertainment.
In many ways, Andrea Dworkin was misguided, however like most of us she was shaped by her own personal experiences (raped and abused in her youth). Life is not great for all women. There is no pleasure in being raped or abused against your will.
I will remember Andrea for her passion. Although I never agreed with many of her positions, I respected her convictions.
Andrea is an easy target, but the words she spoke and wrote gave voice to many women who have suffered through abusive relationships and rape. For that she deserves some positive recognition.
RIP Andrea...
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