Each Wednesday many of us on campus open the Daily Nexus to the opinion section, eager to read this week’s Wednesday Hump. Last week we devoured the column, delighted with it right up until the very last sentence. Yes, that’s right, the one where columnist Dave Franzese used one of the most derogatory words for women: “bitches.” As in, “Hit those showers, bitches!” It could have been referring to both male and female readers; unfortunately, it was immediately preceded by a sentence regarding women. Some of us were shocked and even considered writing letters to the Nexus in complaint. However, we had seen good work produced by Franzese and desperately wanted to see it continue.

Unfortunately, our hopes were bitterly dashed this Wednesday. Franzese advocates sexual exploration, which we completely agree with. Franzese advocates trying out a fetish that we do not personally prescribe to, but, most importantly, view as a valid and rewarding sex act for those who find it fulfilling. Franzese, however, does not advocate obtaining consent from the other party prior to performing this sex act.

Being surprised during sex is sexual assault. Not obtaining consent is sexual assault and illegal. Whether it be groping, fondling, intercourse, oral sex or any other act you would care to dream up – without consent, it is assault. Franzese specifically refers to the act of urinating on a partner as “… the ultimate sign of sexual dominance, marking your territory… ” Perhaps one should first check to see if their partner wants to be their territory. “Now catch that look on their face!” The look on their face will not be one of submissiveness; it will be one of shock that they have experienced sexual assault. “Ignore all of that,” he says. If a person changes their mind in the middle of any sexual act, the sexual act must stop. There is no personal reflection time while you think about how you’ve dominated this person. If sex was about ignoring your partner’s protests and reflecting on your feelings, rape would be acceptable and perfectly legal. Fortunately, it’s not.

We write this letter not only to hopefully correct the mistaken impression given by Franzese but also to encourage him to rethink his views on consent and misogyny. Using derogatory terms for women and advocating dominance without consent only continues the rape culture in our society. David Franzese, please be a catalyst for change. We know you can pull off being the first male sex columnist with grace and eloquence.

Michelle Kuhn is a senior CCS literature major and Rachel Austinson is a senior zoology major.