By Jennifer McKean
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 23, 1997

Cross Over

Arizona Daily Wildcat Jennifer McKean

My fiancé and I packed our bags less than six weeks ago, loaded up the U-Haul and set out for what will become one of life's profound adventures for us, the Wild West. Born and raised in upstate New York, I was constantly flabbergasted at the social variances from one time zone to another and the mutation of Eastern mentality as we made our move across country.

I was hoping the university might be real "cutting edge," but instead I got country music and a significant shortage of Gap stores. Fashion trends in Tucson can be up to five years behind those in NY. And what's with the unbelievably high number of women wearing clothes that don't fit them, not even close to fitting them? Do you know that your shirt is three times too small for you, as well as your skirt too short, and your shorts too tight? I pray this insanity is temporary, for your sake.

The alternative wanna-be's on this campus seem to be trying desperately too hard, but I laugh in my head because they are all striving for a "look" that is no longer alternative. Others have only a limited imagination: bleaching hair, tattooing and piercing beyond all recognition.

Skateboarding on campus is another tough adjustment, because it has become virtually obsolete back East since the early '90s. The "skaters" where I come from are usually 12 or 13 years of age and considered an annoyance by most.

The point is that there are differences. Visit the Big Apple or even the Eastern countryside and you'll agree. I have noticed that Tucsonans tend to be much more sweet, where as the "New Yorkers" can be somewhat bitter. The environment that I am accustomed to consists of more racial, sexual and social conflicts.

I was flooded with e-mail messages, letters and general comments of shock regarding my last two columns. I keep asking myself, "Why are the topics of male sexual dysfunction and female genital mutilation so controversial with these people?" They are issues that millions of people deal with daily around the world and should definitely be written about.

Some students really blasted me, insinuating that because I was a female, I know nothing about the "exclusively male problem" and had absolutely no right discussing it in my column. I was accused of spending too much time doing other things besides studying. What does that mean? I have been called stupid, idiotic and clueless all because I explored a topic that some men find particularly sensitive. I was challenged by men who compared a female researching male sexual dysfunction to a man giving an opinion on feminine itch.

I do not write to provoke controversy. I speak my mind. I of course do not suffer from premature ejaculation, but one out of every three men does. I hoped that my column would enlighten at least one person to understand what is going on with his body or in his relationship. I have not been subjected to female genital mutilation, but 6,000 little girls are every day. I don't have to be an expert in every field that I write about. That is what is so fresh and intriguing about commentary - it allows for the university to see a variety of personalities.

At the University at Buffalo, I was editor of the university magazine, where articles about lesbian and gay sex, rape stories and other "sensitive" topics are written about regularly. It is the norm.

I am not saying that one style of living is better than any other. I strive to understand the distinctions in complex thought. Are those living in the Southwest more conservative in their values? Are they more inhibited or afraid of exposing harsh realities? No problem is exclusive to only one gender or race. Societal issues affect all of us, whether we choose to face the issues or hide behind them.

I would like to see more published material of that "sensitive" nature. A great number of people who read my column on FGM viewed it as another sexual issue. It's a women's rights issue, a moral issue. These generally false assumptions are either deriving from a lack of meaningful interpretation or the diverse culture that this university encourages.

As an Easterner sometimes out of her element, I think it's crazy how people run around campus and cross major intersections barefoot every time it rains. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a family of four shopping barefoot at Albertson's. Flip-flops everywhere. It's strange for me to see so many professors and professionals dressing down for work. The bikers drive me nuts when I'm walking and the walkers drive me nuts when I'm biking. I don't think I'll ever get used to the "fake" grass and the lack of changing seasons. It's unbearably hot here, and there are way too many young women, who I seriously doubt passed their driver's test, sporting brand-new Jeeps and trucks. I could go on forever, but you get my point.

The differences are endless, but I manage to adapt to the sometimes awkward changes while still being open enough to enjoy my experience here.

Who am I to you? You don't have to like me. I am the creator of a column that you may or may not read every Tuesday. I challenge you all to open up your minds. A narrow mind is an empty soul.

Jennifer McKean is a junior majoring in journalism.