What is the purpose of this year's "The Vagina Monologues"? Some say it is to be controversial (e.g., practicing reverse racism), original or creative. Others argue it is to react to the white oppressive and patriarchal system in which we live. However, if you ask the directors and producers - Lauren Whitehead, Molly Raynor, Kelly Sheard and Jillian Steinhauer - they will tell you that it is to focus on the voices of women of color - voices that have been silenced.

Women of color have been centralized in this year's show in order to address an issue that has been overlooked for far too long. The marginalization, tokenization and decentralization of women of color has both isolated and alienated them from important women's issues. This is especially true on campus, where women of color have historically had little to no participation in the larger women's movement and its organizations. The polarization that exists at the University when it comes to women's issues is real but avoided.

This year it was the directors' decision to draw attention to this divide by attracting women of color. They chose to do so by expressly inviting women of color and asking them to "wake up." They directly encouraged women of color to join the movement and be a part of a production that needed their voices.

Although the intentions of the directors and producers were to encourage women of color, it concurrently discouraged many other women. The lack of communication and incomplete media accounts created an environment that was considered hostile and controversial to many. Unfortunately, the wrong message - that not every woman was welcomed - was sent. This perception is incorrect and against the values and purpose of this year's production.

With a campus as large as the University's, it is difficult to reach everyone. Between the original e-mails and the coverage in the Daily, an expectation was created that no white women would be cast in this year's monologues (Monologues' looks for all-minority cast, 11/14/2005). This happened due to the constraints of being completely open and honest in a needlessly polarized environment. By being more transparent from the start, the conflict, hurt feelings and divisions would have given way to meaningful discussions of why the actual decisions were made and what they mean for all of us.

When it comes to race, our society and University community struggle to fully grasp its significance. The 2003 affirmative action cases made clear that racial distinctions must be for a compelling state interest and be narrowly tailored. We now know that race can be used as one of many factors - in other words, when you view race as part of the whole person. Beyond this, it is up to each person and organization to figure out what this all means.

V-Day this year took on a challenge: How to walk the line between artistic expression and nondiscrimination. To include voices without silencing others and falling prey to discrimination is a rare achievement. The complaint filed with the Central Student Judiciary (Law student files complaint against 'Vagina,' 02/10/2006) questioned if the methods V-Day used slipped along the way, in order to make sure that future efforts unambiguously reached their goals. Ultimately, we faced not a violation of rights but a lack of awareness and sensitivity of how decisions impact this campus.

Each one of us is a member of the larger University community. Every student group faces challenges. We must acknowledge that we are all learning as we go along. We must be sensitive to each other's goals and understand their underlying intentions. We cannot sit complacently as events take place. We must take risks and challenge what the world assumes is correct.

"The Vagina Monologues" took this opportunity to address a faulty script, the lack of inclusion in the fight against violence and the assumptions we take for granted. Those involved accept criticism and critiques and are genuinely looking for a way to do their work better. Different, sometimes impassioned viewpoints can clash. Through collaboration we can achieve more.

This year "The Vagina Monologues" has not only brought an issue center-stage, but it has also focused on women of color. It is this connection that makes this year's show both specific to the University and important to support and believe in. The best way to understand this year's purpose is to see "The Vagina Monologues" on Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Power Center.

Alvarez is an LSA junior and V-Day spokesperson. Beckham is a Law student who had filed a complaint over "The Vagina Monologues" with the Central Student Judiciary.