Monologues about strong, real women

Nathan Carleton’s depiction of the Vagina Monologues as merely a series of sexually explicit, pointless and denigrating skits Feb. 17 column is trivializing and inaccurate. I sincerely doubt that Carleton attended the show with an open-mind, if he attended it all.

The Vagina Monologues is much deeper than the image Carleton’s words painted. It’s about freedom from the boundaries enclosing women all over the world. Thus, there’s a piece that addresses female genital mutilation, a cause that Carleton even admitted was worthy; a piece giving voice to women stifled by the traditions of some Middle Eastern countries; a piece about the detrimental, residual effects of rape, a worldwide horror; a piece about the natural beauty of birth. Why didn’t he mention any of this in his fiery dismissal of the show?

There’s not, as Carleton’s erroneously wrote, a single “anti-male” piece in the show. In fact, there’s a piece based on a woman’s wonderful experience with a man titled Because He Liked To Look At It. Remember that one?

Yes, the show discussed the VAGINA as a sexual organ and a possible place of immense pleasure! Yes, there was a Vagina Workshop that introduced women to new and different ways to please themselves and their partners! So what? Two Facts: People are sexual beings. Many people have consensual sex. Why not be vocal about women’s wants, needs and concerns?

Women deserve to be able to claim their sexuality as their own. We deserve to explore and enjoy our personalities, sexualities, spiritualities and more. We deserve all of this without the fear of alienation, or the anger of men, or other women, who find this uncompromising stance too audacious, threatening or, like you say, “anti-male”. The Vagina Monologues and the Vagina Workshop provided a safe space for dialogue about these issues.

The Vagina Monologues and the entire V-Day campaign are about love, freedom, laughter, healing and growth for everyone. You’re sincerely welcome to join us.

Florence Noel