<p>I’m done with my homework, so hey, why not: a few thoughts…</p>
<p>I know that this thread was intended to be a discussion of Oberlin and not of transgender issues, but given that the only concrete criticism the OP has raised (repeatedly) is that of “boys in dresses”, it seems like that’s worth addressing. First of all, none of the students on this thread have “confirmed” that “young men go to classes in dresses”. The only thing anyone has stated is that there are trans women on campus who sometimes choose to wear dresses or skirts. A trans woman is not a man in a dress; that’s a remarkably offensive insinuation. If you view the acceptance of trans people as an indicator that Oberlin has gone too far, then be prepared to level the same charges against the Ivies and most top-ranked LACs in the country.</p>
<p>Second of all, I doubt many students would mind if a male-identified student wore a dress to class - some would be amused, maybe, but not deeply upset or offended. For the same reason, we’re not bothered by students who unicycle around campus, or have industrial piercings, or want to join communes, or take a year off to work on a farm. Not that these things are in the mainstream, but they’re accepted without issue. Oberlin’s culture is not a deliberate rejection of decorum, but a critical examination of whether it is meaningful. We don’t have a problem with behavior that doesn’t harm others, regardless of whether it’s in accordance with social norms. People come here because they value that, and people who don’t feel that way don’t have to come here.</p>
<p>It seems short-sighted to imply that the climate at other schools is somehow more normal or representative of real life. Every space is a haven for particular social groups. When I was looking at colleges, I visited a lot of schools that seemed to serve as “super tolerant bubbles” for people who didn’t want to think about trans people, racism, class privilege… That, to me, is a lot more upsetting than the thought of a man in a dress.</p>
<p>ctyankee, whether intentionally or not, some of the things you’ve posted seem to demean a culture that Oberlin cherishes. From the tone of your posts, it seems like you’re here to demand an explanation or force a confession. The bottom is line that everyone is looking for a different college environment, and Oberlin is where some of us fit. Of course not everyone would be happy here; but the same is true of every other university on the planet, and I don’t think it represents a fundamental problem with the school.</p>