Church of Great Rain’s joke wasn’t very funny | Letter to the Editor

Published 4:24 pm Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Chuch of Great Rain’s last performance was terribly marred by a hurtful, sexist remark — a reference to a virgin coming backstage at intermission and making the (all-male) band happy. As long as a remark like this can be said out loud, and get some audience laughs, women are not free and are not safe.

I was outraged to the point of nausea when this happened. I felt like boycotting COGR. It is this attitude toward women that makes it possible for women to be hurt, abused, raped and disrespected in our culture. If COGR is a community project, then this remark and this attitude must be dealt with immediately and thoroughly.

First step, apologize and articulate that you understand sexism and misogyny and care about ending those things. Second step, donate your entire proceeds for the next show to Vashon’s DOVE project, working to support victims of domestic violence.

Is it 2012? Or is it still 1960?

— Clair Englander