we won't eat peanuts, or anything else for that matter

Normally at this point in the year we are all focused on consumption.

Presents for our various wintry holidays.

Warm holiday meals.

Christmas-themed music on malls.

So why am I hunger striking?

Last semester our president, Catherine Bond Hill, said that the layoffs that are happening now would make what was going on last semester "look like peanuts." And she stayed true to her word.

I could say something about how the actions (and discourse) of Vassar's administration has made me lose my appetite. But that isn't true at all, and if only it was. The problem is that I could easily stomach the firings of members of my community, and that's what makes me sick. How easy it could be for me to be apathetic, to not give a shit, or worse: to go focus on bigger issues.

So I find myself prepared to put my body where my mouth is. What is all that theorizing for without praxis.

I'm not eating until I know people can celebrate their holidays without worrying about putting food on their families' plates.

-RD