Blisters, wobbles all for a good cause as men 'Walk a Mile in Her Shoes'

By Megan Roe

April 8, 2005 | Sparkly pink satin pumps leading only to hairy, muscular legs. Two-inch high-heels with big white bows . . in size 14. Strappy, white platform sandals with un-pedicured toes sticking out.

Drag queens?

No. Men with a cause.

About 30 men strapped on women's shoes to "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" around campus Wednesday to raise money to inform men about rape and sexual assault.

The coordinator of USU's Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office, Rachel Hickman, opened the event by telling everyone about the importance of getting men involved.

"It's important that, not only women get involved in rape and sexual assault awareness and prevention . . . but it's critical that we have men take part and be part of that solution," Hickman said.

Wearing shiny black pumps, Matt Bunnell said sexual assault is an issue that is not talked about a lot, but needs to be addressed. He thinks it is important to educate men on what to do if a friend is raped.

"Most guys' reaction, if their friend is raped, is to beat the crap out of the guy that did it, but that's not the best way to react," Bunnell said. "The best way to deal with it is to be understanding, supportive, and be there for her."

Rob Zakrzewski, an intern in the counseling center, went all out in women's attire, with a red sleeveless dress and chunky, white platforms. The counseling center director said she would pledge more if he would wear a dress in addition to the shoes. He soon found that others would also pay more if he wore the dress. Zakrzewski said he ended up with about seven pledges and just over $100.

An estimated $700 was made in pledges and cash, but the total amount will not be known until Wednesday, the deadline for donations. Money raised will go to programming sponsored by the Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office and an up-and-coming program called One-in-Four, that will teach men about sexual assault on campus.

Some participants seemed a little concerned when they tried on their shoes.

Eric Wright said he was feeling pretty wobbly.

"It's gonna be pretty intense. Hopefully I'll make it," Wright said.

Starting at the Taggart Student Center Patio, some men jokingly tripped as they took their first high-heeled steps of the mile. About 30 minutes later, the men staggered through the TSC hallway to the finish.

Levi Phippen, who walked the entire mile in bright red 2-inch mules, said his left foot hurt and he had blisters developing on his pinky toes.

The director of the Student Health and Wellness Center, Jim Davis, walked the mile and said his arches and calves hurt but it was for a good cause.

"I think it is important to draw attention to sexual assault and violence on campus," Davis said, "and I think it's a good way to raise awareness and a little bit of money at the same time."

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