Ryan ChartrandThe definition of objectify is to “make impersonal or present as an object.” The content of “The Vagina Monologues” consists of personal stories of sexuality, sexual assault, and violence; some are individual accounts, others use literary devices to illustrate the issues.
They are not objectifying anyone’s vagina. they’re doing the opposite by appealing to the emotions of the audience with real stories to personalize the issues for them. Have you ever watched the performance? It’s about raising awareness, as the official V-Day Web site says: “By raising money and consciousness, it will unify and strengthen existing antiviolence efforts. Triggering far-reaching awareness, it will lay the groundwork for new educational, protective, and legislative endeavors throughout the world.”
The whole purpose of “The Vagina Monologues” is to educate everyone to be aware of the problems of sexual assault and violence towards women, and use this awareness to encourage advocates to push for “tougher laws,” just like Brian Eller wants. It also doesn’t “condone” rape. Unless I’m missing something, I’m pretty sure that a production created for the purpose of stopping violence against women doesn’t ever condone rape (obviously). It just gives another viewpoint on the subject of sexuality between women.
Eller says women aren’t the only victims of violence, which is true. But oh, guess what. 99 percent of sexual assault victims are women, according to SARP. So, having a play about violence against women is justifiable to say the least.
But regardless, Eller’s criticism is unfounded – there are monologues about the whole spectrum of gender: men, women and everyone in between.
Jessie Holzer
Social science senior