Just as Eve Ensler said, "it sounds like an infection at best, it doesn't matter how many times you say it, it never sounds like a word you want to say....such an unsexy word."
I have heard of The Vagina Monologues and always wanted to check it out but never have. Now, I definitely will. What a fantastic intro video to who this genius of a woman is and what her passion is and where it stems from. I really had no idea what V-day was and what her purpose was. I thought it was a satirical comedy or something and as it turns out I am a tad bit wrong. While comedy is there, her purpose really is to give the vagina a voice in issues more serious in nature such as violence, crimes, and inappropriate acts towards women. Why is the vagina so taboo anway? And where did that list of vagina nicknames she rattled off come from? Seriously! "Powder Box," "Pookie," and "Poopaloo," really?! And the list went on and on and on! Hilarious. Ms. Ensler did note, however, that once she opened the topic up for discussion women were on a roll talking about their vaginas. Story after story after story. She heard stories from a huge variety of women. Women from all over the world of different ethnicities, ages, and cultures. The stories could be funny, depressing, sad, gut-wrenching, entertaining, etc. It seems like what touched this woman the most was the number of women that lined up at her shows to tell their story about how their vagina, or womanhood, was beaten, gang-raped, mutilated, infected, and just abused. Eve Ensler went on to investigate and speak out against these topics. She has empowered other women across the globe (Ensler refers to them as "vagina warriors") to travel their villages and communities saving other girls, young and old, from potential tragedy to their vagina. Her movement has raised millions and millions of dollars, 75 to be exact, in an effort to end violence towards women and protect them from abuse. What began as a casual funny conversation about menopause has turned into to an international phenomenon encouraging women to embrace and protect their vaginas. It's an incredible movement. I love how she brings passion to the vagina and gives it a broader definition and purpose other than another part of the body, reproductive and sexual in nature, but rather a symbol of sorts for a woman's existence: mind, body, and soul. I can't wait to dive into The Vagina Monologues and laugh, cry, and discover. Somehow Ms. Ensler was able to draw a connection between balance at the center of the universe and the center and balance as a woman through the vagina, which happens to be located at the center of our body. Very thought provoking in so many ways. I encourage all of you to have a look at this!
V-Day link
http://www.vday.org/
Reference
Ensler, E. (2004). [playwright]. Eve Ensler: happiness in body and soul. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/eve_ensler_on_happiness_in_body_and_soul.html
Image copyright Google clipart
Hi Heather,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post. I definitely will take some time to view the link you provided. I too, like you, always suspected the "Vagina Monologues" to be a comedy based on female topics. I was unaware that it was related to issues of a more serious nature. It seems as if you enjoyed the video. I think that this movement is a great way for women globally, to connect on a deeper level. Thanks for the referral, I am excited to watch the video.
Martinetta
Heather,
ReplyDeleteI think Ms Ensler has found a unique method to express her voice. Her efforts to fight abuse against women around the world is an important example to everyone- that we should listen and act on the issues that present themselves to us in our everyday lives. I do wish we could her people when they speak in a soft voice in addition to when they become activist. I wonder how many women have expressed concerns over the abuse of women globally and not been heard by those in the media or power positions before Ms. Ensler chose to use the word "Vagina" to startle and tintilate their senses. It is a good lesson to realize that many around us suffer in silence and we need to listen for their voice whether soft or loud.
Hi, i never say that word and I never say a lot of words just because been from where am from everything is so different and no one can really be open about anything and defiantly nothing that have to do with sex or any words .
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