Become a `Vagina Warrior'
Letter to the Editor
Vagina. It is not really that hard to say once you have acclimated yourself to the word. Soon you may even be using it in everyday conversation and not blushing when somebody mentions a woman's "privates." In fact, you may feel that you are empowered or feel some sort of reassurance by saying the word. You feel more in control of your body and that you finally belong to a sisterhood, if you didn't before.
This is the type of effect that the Saint Mary's C.A.R.E. and Feminist Collective tried to accomplish in last week's performance of Eve Ensler's "Vagina Monologues." Many people may not have heard of the Vagina Monologues, but I am sure that everyone has heard of domestic violence. The Monologues were written a few years ago by the playwright Eve Ensler in hopes of making women and men more aware of women's bodies and the issues that surround them everyday. The Monologues, contrary to what many may think, were NOT meant to exploit women, but rather to spur informed dialogue and debate among people of all ages and races all around the world. First performed in New York as a one-woman show, the Monologues have hit hundreds of college campuses around the country, including Saint Mary's, trying to spread its message and create dialogue by, about and for women.
All of the proceeds garnered from each performance are then donated to organizations that support women in various capacities and try to put an end to domestic violence.
On Feb. 16, Saint Mary's welcomed a new era of sisterhood to the campus. We, the members of C.A.R.E. and Feminist Collective, would like to extend our great thanks and admiration to all women and men, who supported us in a variety of capacities.
By simply saying the word "vagina," you broke a social taboo, most especially Catherine Pittman, Katie Sullivan, Kelly Ignatoski, the counselors from the CDC, S.O.S., the YWCA and all of the volunteers. We could not have made it without your help. And to all of the wonderful, beautiful, talented women who were not afraid to stand on stage and be a voice for all of those who were never given one, words cannot express my gratitude.
So the moral of the story is that the next time you see someone walking by with a t-shirt that says "Can you say VAGINA?" take the time to ask questions! Where would be if no one had ever asked WHY?
Celebrate Women and never be afraid to be a Vagina Warrior!
Sara Salazar
Senior, Annunciata Hall
February 24, 2000
All Viewpoint Stories for Friday, February 25, 2000
