While over 2,000 people saw the recent production of The Vagina Monologues in a packed house at Irvine, and millions across the globe have seen the show and are part of the movement, the Monologues were not unanimously well-received at Penn. Some refused to see the show while others were disappointed that they had, finding the material offensive or alienating.
In her recent column, (“Feminism without Extremity,” 2/15/10), Cyndi Chung called out the show’s publicity efforts and performance, writing that they were too extreme, hyper-sexualized, and anti-feminist. As members of the board of The Fword, Penn’s feminist literary magazine, we respect Chung’s recognition of the complexity of feminism; however, we disagree with her critique and defend the extremity of the Monologues as a means to entertain and raise awareness.
The Monologues is a piece of theater, an educational tool and a fundraiser. The performance inspires discussion and raises awareness about sexual violence. Beginning in October, the cast and crew meet weekly to learn about sexual violence in the United States and abroad. In the weeks leading up to the show, campus is plastered with sexual violence statistics and Locust Walk is invaded with shouts of the provocative V-word and yes, a life-size felt vagina.
The results? Over $30,000 to support Women Organized Against Rape, a close-knit community of over 70 women and over 2,000 audience members, including six sorority pledge classes and four fraternity pledge classes. College junior and former Delta Upsilon President Jared Fries wrote to the producers that the show “catalyzed discussion for at least the next hour over the status of women in society, the prevalence of domestic abuse, and the love of vaginas,” and that he “never thought that 20-plus fraternity men could be moved in such a way.” It seems like using “uninhibited emotions,” as Chung wrote, can be a pretty effective way to garner support.
Sure, the advertising campaign and the topics discussed in the Monologues are extreme. But remember, sexual violence is an extreme issue. Last semester alone, Penn had four reported cases — and likely countless additional unreported cases — of sexual assault. At least two of the reported incidents appear to have occurred in fraternity houses. The lack of participation and interest in the Monologues by most of Penn’s fraternities is nothing short of disappointing — they squandered a perfect opportunity to dispel the prevailing images at Penn connecting fraternities and college rape culture.
By empowering women to talk about sex and sexuality, the Monologues reminds men and women that they can discuss these issues in public. By portraying women who reclaim “cunt,” the show empowers women to transform the vicious word, rather than ignoring it. Furthermore, by sharing these stories, the Monologues remind victims of sexual violence that they are not alone and they can find a supportive healing community rather than trying to recover on their own.
While the Monologues effectively spark otherwise unlikely dialogue among men and women, the show is not perfect. Monologues creator Eve Ensler establishes strict guidelines about which monologues will be performed, limiting the creative liberty of individual productions. The show also fails to make space for more modest perspectives on sexuality, and its candid presentation of some explicit sexual acts may make people uncomfortable. However, it is those reactions of discomfort that Ensler hopes will motivate discussion among audience members after seeing the show.
Recognizing the limitations of the Monologues and in an effort to bring the conversation closer to home, members of several campus groups have joined forces to organize Get Down: The Penn Monologues, scheduled for mid-April. Accepting original submissions from Penn affiliates of any gender, this production will feature original stories of one’s own experiences regarding women’s issues (including, but not limited to sexual violence, sexuality and self-discovery). This event will be an opportunity for anyone with a more extreme, less extreme or completely new outlook on feminism or sexual violence to share their story.
We invite the entire Penn community to contribute to the Penn Monologues. While we cannot yet gauge the extremity of the event, we look forward to the continued feminist dialogue that will result.
Rachel Squire and Lindsay Eierman are College seniors and former editors-in-chief of The Fword. Squire is also publicity chair of the V-Board. They can be contacted at fwordinfo@gmail.com.
