The Constitution is a beautiful thing. It allows for a right to free speech, a privilege that extends to all, regardless of how popular – or unpopular – their opinion might be. That being said, students can say essentially anything they want, but need to be accountable for their voice.

Last week a poster posted in Pierce Hall became controversial. Even sitting here now, I still get speechless. The heading read “SAVE THE MALES!!!” and while I was anticipating a sense of sarcasm from it, I was not expecting the absolute asinine claims in it.

As a biracial woman, I find it laughable that males would view their mere existence as threatened. The fact of the matter is, patriarchy is alive and well, all around the world.

Look at the number of women in office – or even more, take a look at how women in power are treated compared to men. The media and general public refer to both Republican and Democrat figures in derogative terms, calling Sarah Palin “bangable,” or Hillary Clinton a sexually offensive term such as “dyke.” {Yet where is that same animosity for the men in office?} Women face an uphill battle, and not just in the political realm.

Unfortunately, the men behind this campaign of saving the males, lost credibility. While they were crying about the unfair criticism and stereotypes they faced, they stereotyped another demographic – or two: women and feminists.

Women are seen as frail and supposed to be seen not heard. And don’t get me started on feminists. This is 2015 and this word still continues to have a negative connotation. While I agree that there are radical feminists out there, are there not extremists, radials or fundamentalists in every group? It’s unavoidable. To judge an entire group based on the actions of a few, is unfair.

I don’t feel as if we are emasculating our males. And personally, I’m quite fond of a man who knows how to tie a tie, change the oil in a car, or shoot a gun. In fact, I went on a date last week and learned how to shoot and let me tell you, it was a fun experience. [Does this make you feel manly? The poster seems to support the attitude that doing “manly” things makes you more of a man.]

The poster also attacks “The Vagina Monologues,” a play which has raised money for domestic violence groups. Locally, First Step was one of those groups benefiting from ticket purchasing. First Step helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in 12 surrounding counties. These victims are women, children and men. For anyone who lacks knowledge of The Vagina Monologues, this is a performance that touches on a variety of subjects: sex, childbirth and rape for instance. In no way does it undermine men.

This poster has created an excellent talking point for society and the subject of gender/gender roles. However, it failed to promote the event. The message got lost.

Jasmine Jones is a political science graduate student.