Juliana

Juliana Peng Essay Proposal

For this argument unit, I plan to write about the cultural resistance of performance activism, focusing on the particular case of “The Vagina Monologues.” “The Vagina Monologues” is the name of an episodic, off-Broadway play that consists of stories and monologues performed by women. These monologues explore female sexuality and strength through stories that all somehow relate to the vagina. For example, some topics investigated are sex, love, rape, menstruation, mutilation, masturbation, birth, orgasm, the variety of names for the vagina, or simply the vagina as a physical aspect of the body. Throughout all of these monologues, the recurring theme is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, an embodiment of individuality, and a stance against violence against women. Essentially, The Vagina Monologues are written to “celebrate the vagina” and being a woman, but most importantly, to end violence against women.

While this seems to constitute a good cause, there exist many controversies concerning this play. The main controversy is the question of whether or not it should be shown at all. One perspective of this controversy highlights the play’s inappropriateness, claiming that the monologues contain emotionally charged subject matter and graphic language. Also, the stories can go from funny to sad, graphic, or horrifying. Some say that the play’s message is damaging to young women, as it “reduces the full potential of a human person to a single body part and encourages college women to be sexually promiscuous.” Others argue that the play offers a negative view of sexuality and an anti-male bias. Still others support the anti-violence message but not the vulgar way in which it is conveyed. On the other hand, the opposite perspective to this controversy is that the play’s anti-violence message justifies its performance. Many performances donate proceeds to anti-violence charities, such as rape crisis centers and women’s shelters. In addition, the V-Day anti-violence group that was founded helps to launch campaigns to end violence against women. Many people argue that theater is a great way to reach people and get them talking, as it allows them to engage in dialog. They find this play an effective way to act and respond to these problems.

As I write this paper on The Vagina Monologues, I want to explore the ways in which the information in the play is presented and see if different methods yield different views of the play. Also, I want to ask if the fact that the majority of the audience consists of women has anything to do with the fact that men feel there is a bias against them. Does the graphic nature of the play contribute to its success? Would it get the same message across otherwise? After all, the truth is not always pretty, and sometimes we need to show the whole truth to reach an audience.

In order to explore this debate more thoroughly, I plan to search for more articles discussing The Vagina Monologues and the different sides to the controversy. Also, I want to search the library databases and see if I can find any scholarly articles relating to this play specifically or simply feminist activism in general. In addition, I plan to watch video clips of various monologues of the play, focusing on what is said, how it is said, how everything is acted out, the overall tone, etc. By examining and analyzing these aspects, I can better understand how this play creates the differing opinions it does. Watching parts of the 2002 movie, “The Vagina Monologues,” would be beneficial as well. Another strategy I plan to employ is perusing the discussion boards of the movie and reading what other people have to say. Their opinions can help me form my own stance on the controversy.

i think your topic is very interesting, but what does the the graphic nature of some of the stories say about femininity itself? Do the stories ever shine a negitive light on the vagina itself while trying to empower women? i also wonder do the stories make women out to seem loose or (for lack of a better word) whores? Moira K

How are the vagina monologues different from men talking of women in the same text or men talking about men? How effective is the style of performance and what is the message they are trying to send? Do the VM serve their purpose or further reinforce gender differences? Women are suppoded to be quiet and not take up space, and since women watch these more often then men, how would men view the VM, would they brush it off or take it serously?- david

Does the graphic nature of their performance increase the curiosity and intrigue amongst men as well? Does the name have any effect on its success and controversy? What are men's views on this? -Kelly

Juliana Peng Mini-Dialogue Assignment

People 1) Me 2) Mary Beth Marklein, author of USAToday.com article, “‘Vagina Monologues becoming college phenomenon’” 3) Rachel Kranz 4) Actress in clip of The Vagina Monologues, “The Moans”

Me: So “The Vagina Monologues” has become a big hit over the years since Eve Ensler first wrote a draft of it in 1996. How do you guys feel about that?

Marklein: I think it’s great, although I know some people may disagree. I think it has grown especially popular among college students, as many productions are being shown on college campuses nationwide. The play’s main goal is very respectable, which is to send out a message about violence against women and get people aware of the issues going on in the world today. Hopefully as these plays grow even more in the coming years, more people will work to end the violence.

Kranz: I agree. I think the fact that The Vagina Monologues has grown in popularity over the years illustrates the way this play is impacting people, men and women, in ways nothing else ever has. This play is making a difference, I believe. Ensler’s work is unlike any other’s because she is the first to create narratives for the vagina. This not only demonstrates women’s experiences with the vagina, but also how these experiences operate in the world.

Actress: I think much of the play’s success is owed to the way in which the play is shown and the monologues are presented. Everything is clear-cut and to the point…there is no way to talk about the vagina without being straightforward. You can’t try to be discreet or modest when it comes to this subject matter. And this is what makes the play so great—because everything is so blunt, the audience realizes the reality of women’s experiences, and this spreads awareness of the issue.

Me: That’s true, but some say the bluntness of the play is the exact thing that people disapprove of. For example, a lot of critics of The Vagina Monologues point to the extremely graphic nature of the play, often calling it inappropriate or unnecessary. Do you believe the play is too sexual and graphic?

Actress: Not at all. I think the sexual nature of the play is needed. After all, it is called the “Vagina” Monologues. The play simply shows the truth about women and their vaginas. The things that we talk about happen to every woman… It’s just that not everyone talks about it. The Vagina Monologues gives women the opportunity to show people what women really go through. Without the play’s graphic parts, the whole truth would never be revealed.

Kranz: Exactly. I don’t think the play is too graphic at all. Showing women’s experiences with their vaginas, sexual or not, and saying the word “vagina” calls attention to the fact that problems like these do exist. You can’t hide from them; you can’t deny that they happen. So why bother? Being open about it will lead us to acknowledge that these issues go on in the world, and then we can create change and make these bad things stop.

Marklein: Okay, I agree with you two that being graphic shows the reality of the situation. But many people believe the subject matter and the graphic language is damaging to young women. In some ways, the play reduces the full potential of a woman to a single body part. Also, the topics can sometimes come off as encouraging women to be sexually promiscuous, such as the monologue where the various types of orgasms are demonstrated. I just think the play can sometimes showcase women in a negative light, which doesn’t help when you’re trying to get support to stop violence against women.

Kranz: But then how do you explain the success of anti-violence groups? Or Ensler’s founding of V-Day? V-Day is an international movement to end violence towards women and consists of benefit performances of the show worldwide. The play must be doing something right, because these movements and organizations are making a difference.

Marklein: No, I know. And I agree. That’s why I’m torn on the subject. But you’re right. Groups that put on benefit performances donate the proceeds to anti-violence charities, such as rape crisis centers and women’s shelters. Also, the V-Day anti-violence group helped Amnesty International launch a campaign to end violence against women. Each year, the amount of money raised for local anti-violence charities keeps increasing.

Actress: Yeah, this play certainly sparked the success of many organizations that work to promote respect for women and end violence. I think it is so great that thousands of dollars are being raised for a good cause. We need all the help we can get to bring attention to the problems women face and make change possible.

Me: So I think we can all agree that The Vagina Monologues has both its good and its bad. There are controversies concerning the method in which it spreads its message, but the fact that anti-violence groups are growing and a lot of money is being raised for charities proves that in the end, the play’s intentions and goals are worthy ones.