Oy-Vagina
Marissa and I work as editors for the "Love & Sex" channel of iVillage. It takes a lot to shock us. That's why it gave me pause last week when I told her I was going to see my future mother-in-law perform in the Vagina Monologues, and she replied, "I'm speechless."
Myrna told me and F that she was assigned a big role in the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) production, a benefit for V-Day 2007, a global movement to end violence against women and girls. She warned us that it required her to say the "C" word. Now, this is a very well-mannered woman, a conservative dresser who stands no taller than 5'1", one who would never in a million years say the "C" word -- not even in private. So just the idea alone made me laugh. I told Marissa and some other coworkers that this was going to be hysterical, albeit in a slightly uncomfortable way.
The show was Tuesday night, and hysterical it was not. And I didn't feel uncomfortable. I felt proud.
For any women out there who have not seen the Vagina Monologues, please put it on your to-do list. It is poignant and it is powerful. While it's definitely funny at times, I laughed out loud only once and it wasn't at Myrna saying the "C" word; I was too busy taking her seriously.
I have watched actors “own” their roles before, but this production was completely unexpected. The NCJW women aren't professional actors; they’re volunteers and activists. But their believability, Myrna’s included (perhaps especially, but granted, I’m biased), was a true testimony to the passion they feel for their cause: ending violence against women and girls.
Her monologue was called "Reclaiming C%#$.” It was about how society has made that word into one that’s considered vulgar and offensive -- when that wasn’t how it was originally intended. (I was surprised to learn that it was supposedly derived from the name of an Indian Goddess: Cunti, “mother of 700,000 Buddhas.”)
P&*#$ and C%#$, even Vagina.
They’re only words -- yet three honor students in a public New York City high school were suspended for saying “vagina” in this very play just this week.
They’re only words -- yet, here I am, the editor of the “Love & Sex” channel, afraid to even write them on a blog called “Sex on My Desk “
Shocking, isn’t it?
Well done, ladies. You're braver than I.
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I LOVE the Vagina Monologues!! I also remember the drama at my tiny, private, Midwestern college when a group of ladies wanted to perform the piece the second time (the first time the school didn't know what they were getting). Anyone who isn't able to get to a live performance should know that it is available on DVD. :-)
I was privileged to be part of the cast of the NCJW production of the Vagina Monologues,and had the pleasure of spending time with a fantastic group of women. It was very much a bonding experience. More important, we had the opportunity to inform, educate and inspire. Your future mother-in-law is one special lady. Her monologue will long be the talk of our NCJW section.
I was there too, and the message was loud and clear.
Bravo for the NCJW.
I too was a member of the Vagina Monologue cast and I cannot tell you how proud I am to have done it. It made me even more aware of the violence against women. We must continue to speak out and stop it. Bravo to all the people in NCJW for their hard work
I was also a part of this amazing castof dedicated women. It was the most powerful, enabling action I have taken in many years! Our message was heard and understood,not only by the women in the audience, but by the men as well,and they actually "got it!"
I am a life member of NCJW, and intend to work as long as possible to help improve women's lives! It's a great organization full of activists and us "divas" as well!
the women of NCJW are truly amazing!
Adding it to my to-do list, thanks Josey!
I can dirty talk with the best of them but the C-word is not part of my vocabulary. It makes me cringe when I hear it, probably because it was used against me when I was young. Recently, someone wrote it in the snow on the hood of my car and it made me cry.
Reclaiming it is nice in theory but I'd rather banish the word for good. The P-word is more positive for me.
I too was a privileged cast member of NCJW's production of the Vagina Monologues. Getting the message across to so many people via these stories of abuse against women,was paramount. I shall long remember this great experience and the amazing women I met in the cast.
Essex County New Jersey can be proud of its men and women. The community came together for two incredible evenings of real theater provided by the National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section. In presenting The Vagina Monologues this organization proved onced again that they are at the forefront of social change. We stood together to prevent violence against women, and social justice for all. The performances were sensational, the women daring and bold, the audience rapt. We all left wiser and more empowered to continue Eve Enslers crusade to bring attention to stopping violence against women.
I have heard nothing but good things about The Vagina Monologues. Friends of mine up north have said it changed them, moved them, left them prouder than ever to be women.
I am adding that to my NetFlix, I haven't seen it but have been interested in seeing it.
Way to go for your FMIL!
How wonderful that these ladies spread the word - women reclaiming womanhood!
And Jazz - how sad! Mean people suck!
I was proud to be a part of this. It was one of the best behind-the-scnes in theater I have ever participated in. I love all of these women.
It was a phenomenal night! The ladies were so professional, comfortable, strong... I was very, VERY pleased, and enlightened, believe you me!
What's sad is the girls who were in trouble for saying "vagina" during their play - even though the school board reversed its decision or whatever, it's still sad that to say "vagina" caused such a knee-jerk reaction like that.
I loved the vagina monologues. Enjoyed and was thoroughly captivated by it. My husband saw it with me and he came out with a different understanding of it. I urge others to please take the time to see it.