Editor, The News:
Re: Strip-a-thon ready for another year (The News, Dec. 4).
If we’re OK with women undressing for strangers, we have to be OK with poverty.
Every year I find it unsettling how much publicity the CaddyShack gets for promoting an event where we attempt to fight poverty by putting women on a stage to be objectified.
I can see how my position appears short-sighted considering the Strip-a-thon raises more money for the Christmas Hamper Society than any other event in town. The numbers the event draws in both people and donations are impressive.
However, these numbers should make us stop and think.
What does our community stand for?
What kind of state are we in when having women undress for strangers is the best way to raise money for the poor? I believe that promoting this type of behaviour perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
Yes, a lot of money is raised for a very important cause. But money doesn’t solve every problem. Building human dignity into our society solves problems.
Strip clubs, unfortunately, will continue to do business, but making it into a fundraiser does not redeem an act that marginalizes women. I hope that businesses and individuals will participate in the constructive ways of giving.
There are many other ways to give and make a difference in Maple Ridge while promoting dignity and real solutions for poverty.
Marilee Hare
Maple Ridge