A campus ‘disease’

Re: Jean Worried Over Rape Culture, March 7. Michaëlle Jean, now chancellor of the University of Ottawa, and university president Allan Rock are right to be concerned about a “rape culture” on Canadian university campuses, but what is the best way to address the problem?

While Ms. Jean talked of rape culture being a “disease,” Mr. Rock talked of a task force “on respect and equality.” Though the term “disease,” might be understood as metaphor, the issue here is not illness. Though the term “equality” might be understood as conformity, the issue is not one of sameness. The fact is that personal responsibility cannot be excused because of a disorder, nor can it be fulfilled by declaring that unique individuals all the same. Gordon Watson, Rocky Mountain House, Alta.

Why should I put any more stock in what Ms. Jean has to say about a complex social issue than my neighbour hanging out the laundry? Obviously, this type of sky-is-falling mentality is alive and well in the nation’s capital.

Douglas L. Martin, Hamilton, Ont.

I find it totally irresponsible for Ms. Jean to imply that there is a rape culture on Canadian campuses. In reality, we are talking about a few isolated incidents and this sort of rhetoric does nothing to ameliorate the problem. More emphasis on mutual respect in our homes and learning institutions is what is needed.

Larry Comeau, Ottawa.