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News

Women's center takes a look at the other side

Chicken wings, video games bring together both genders to participate in discussion, watch film

by CATALINA OTALORA
The Daily Cougar

The Women's Resource Center opened its doors to the other side Thursday, taping over the letters "W" and "O" in its name and posting a sign that read "Equality is every gender's concern" as part of Men's Day.

Men, and some women, gathered to celebrate by eating chicken wings, playing video games and watching a film.

In between the food and games, participants had the opportunity to watch Tough Guise, a film that examines media's portrayal of masculinity as being violent and tough.

"The film was great," Benjamin Phoenix, Spanish sophomore and a regular volunteer at WRC, said. "It's very difficult to step from that condition to be the tough guy." 

Anthropology junior Darelle Daniels said the film presented issues that struck home.

"I loved the film," he said. "It made me think about the stuff I have to go through. As a gay man, I have to think about masculinity and what it means to me. In the end, masculinity is being an adult and taking care of (one's) own life."

Darelle is also a regular volunteer in the WRC.

Men weren't the only ones participating in Men's Day, however.

Psychology junior Stephanie King said she attended for the benefit of her young son.

"I have an 11-year-old son, and I want to do whatever I can to help him grow up well," she said. 

For Yemi Lekuti, a psychology sophomore, participating in Men's Day was entertaining.

"I was the only girl in the group talking (at one point.) It was fun," she said.

The main draw of the day, however, appeared to be the event's chicken wing meal, WRC Director Beverly McPhail noted.

"At the most, I think we had about 20 people here at the high of the (chicken) wings moment," she said.

McPhail said she was pleased with the event's outcome.

"I think we had a good turnout," she said. "I think we might want to make it an annual event." 

Darelle said he is looking forward to Men's Day next year.

"It's free food and videogames," he said.

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