The Vagina Monologues
Alright. Great Day. All because of one conversation.
Ok - Now somethings been bothering me for quite some time, and finally decided ask someone about it. Basically, I've been thinking about the Vagina Monologues. Now, I was fortunate enough to see the show several times, including the off-broadway performance back in high school (2000-2001.) Now, heres the question I had: Do the V. Monologues actually serve the original purpose as intended? I went to Professor Hansen, an incredibly intelligent and feminist professor of philosophy, and discussed this.
We discussed whether or not the VM were becoming institutionalized, and the results around it. Now, she performed in the Vagina Monologues the first year that it was brought to campus (untenured, even.) Taken from her updated online blog, regarding our conversation:
"We spent weeks rehearshing, which involved more than practicing our parts. We spent time "consciousness raising": getting comfortable in talking about our vaginas, thinking about what each monologue meant, and spinning into conversations about how hard it was for so many of us to perform this piece. The cast was really bonded by the end of the show. In fact, I formed a kind of support group with some of the women in the cast with me after the production was over so we could keep discussing issues facing us professionally on campus.
But, in the years since our first production, the production of the show has changed dramatically. Now, the parts are doled out over email. There are only two or three rehearsals and very little discussions among the participants of what they are going through, why they are doing this, what this means for all women vicitims of sexual violence. It is perfunctory. Many of the students seem to take more pleasure in the provocative nature of this production: they enjoy participating out of a kind of sexual exhibitionism rather than a commitment to raising awareness about how sexual violence begins with the repression and widespread disgust with women's sexuality. Each monologue is really worthy of thoughtful discussion: rapes in Bosnia, the wonder of childbirth, hate crimes against transgendered people, incest, etc."
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Now, I thought the most provocative point she made, was the reason why she hasn’t gone in recent years. Most recently, she pointed out that she sees the VM in the same manner that Gettysburg’s Mr. Fraternity is held. Yes - there is a good cause, and a worthy cause to raise funds. But is the event actually happening for THAT reason, or a guise? As she put it,
“In both cases the performance is to raise money for a social cause, and yet, what is really the impetus for the show? Is the political message and desire to raise money for Domestic Violence shelters the real reason for the show, or is it merely a convenient, and thereby above reproach, justification?
If it is the case that V-day is nothing more than an institution, perhaps like Black History Month, then isn't it time we reevaluate why we do it? I am not saying we should get rid of it, but rather we should inspire some life back into this perhaps lifeless institution.”
Really interesting. But I think what made it better was a comment from someone that participated in the V.M. THIS year here at Gettysburg and that posted on Professor Hansens blog. To summarize:
“I was a part of the Vagina Monologues this year. It was my first time. While we were made aware of the fact that all of this was for a good cause, you are absolutely right about what V-day has become…We played a bonding kind of "have you ever?" game before our first performance, but it was to come together as a group of women. We did not discuss rape. We did not discuss sexual abuse or domestic violence. We did not discuss attitudes towards the alternate sexualities. We did not dicuss childbirth or hate crimes or any of it. We took from the monologues what an audience would, and that amount was dependent on our own mental involvement… As for the main purpose of V-day... well, hell if I could be a part of the monologues and miss, more or less, the entire point, then it is time we re-evaluate the thing.”
All In all, very interesting. Out of respect for Professor Hansen, I will not post her blog publicly. IM me and I’ll send you the link.
But the end result? Professor Hansen invited me to host a Socratic Club meeting regarding the VM and this discussion! J