Walk this Way

UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – Gentlemen were standing a bit taller, if perhaps slightly more unsteadily, at Delta College on March 19.

About a dozen men donned high-heeled pumps and strolled around campus as part of a Walk in Our Shoes event, sponsored by the Women's History Committee, to raise awareness of gender equity issues.

"I feel unbalanced and uncomfortable, but it's for a great cause and they match my pants," said Michael Bean, coordinator of veteran services as he tottered in silver pumps and gray pants.

Bruce Faccio, associate professor of welding, said, "I want to see society realize the struggles women have to dress to be professional.”

Faccio wasn’t worried about what the onlookers thought of his klutzy gait.

"Embarrassment is not in my vocabulary," he said.

Aurelian Balan, assistant professor of astronomy, had trouble striding in the heels.

"Women's shoes are OK,” he said. “But they are hard to walk in. High heels are the worst."

Nathan Blecke, math professor, jokingly weighed in on the invention of high heels.

"How did anyone decide this was a good idea?" he said as he briskly walked down the hall in heels.

"This event does not necessarily impact equality, but it does make my sympathize with women wear high heels on a daily basis,” Blecke said.

Steve Witzke, director of Public Safety, reflected on the message behind the visual gag.

"I really have respect for what (women) do and what they are forced to do,” Witzke said. “They are forced into a mold. It's kind of an expectation to dress a certain way and look a certain way."

Other men in the group walked with canes and one wore a helmet. Another wore a sign that said "Unstable load."

Barbara Handley-Miller, professor of communication, watched the men strut off from their starting line near the library, and approved of what she saw.12