Today, as I was handing out flyers for The Vagina Monologues in front of the Science Center, I received a mixed bag of reactions. As my frozen un-gloved hands waved flyers in the air, and I shouted “VAGINA MONOLOGUES, COME SEE THE VAGINA MONOLUGES,” some people laughed and turned away; some enthusiastically pocketed our flyers and mini Luna bars; others made no attempt to hide their disinterest in attending. “Oh no, that’s not for me,” one guy said. “Maybe my girlfriend would like it if I did, but…no…” Another, a student who tends to broadcast her conservative religiosity by the posters she puts in her window, gave me a cold glare and lengthened her stride.

So to those people who expressed ambivalence or disinterest: five reasons why you should come see The Vagina Monologues, no matter what campus you’re on or who you are.

 

1)                   It’s funny. The Vagina Monologues doesn’t hold back from awkward situations, bizarre sexual encounters, or amusing anecdotes. The Vagina Monologues doesn’t preach or lecture about genital anatomy. It tells stories: sometimes they’re sad, sometimes they’re touching, and you’ll be rocking in your seat from laughter more often than not.

2)                   Even if you have a vagina and think you know all there is to know about vaginas, you probably don’t. A woman’s vagina carries with it all of her sexual encounters, or lack thereof. Do you know what it’s like to be loved? To experience rape as a violent act of war? (These aren’t the funny parts referenced above, just to be clear.) To bear a child? To fear your own vagina? To wish your vagina looked differently, or felt differently, or didn’t exist at all? There is value and entertainment to be had in others’ experiences with their sexuality, vaginas, and bodies.

3)                   You get to hear the word vagina a lot. A lot. In fact, at one point in the show, audience members are invited to say “vagina” with the actors on stage. Now for some, I’m sure this would be a turn off. But give it a try. The Vagina Monologues asserts that “vagina” needs to be said more often, and with more confidence. Men talk about their penis, balls, dick, to no end. Are we afraid of talking about vaginas? If you are, don’t worry; no one will force you to utter “vagina” if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. But attending The Vagina Monologues is an invitation to act out against arbitrary social boundaries that should have been destroyed long ago. 

4)                   Your ticket money will benefit a good cause. Performances of The Vagina Monologues the world over value philanthropy and empowerment, as well as entertainment. Although the international cause of V-Day 2010 focuses on women in the Congo, individual productions may focus on more local needs. The production that I’m involved with, for example, will benefit the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, as well as the V-Day Haiti Fund. 

5)                   For men, seeing a performance of The Vagina Monologues is a good decision any way you look at it. First, it will likely lend you a better understanding of how women understand themselves, express themselves, and relate to their bodies. It will help you know what not to say regarding women’s bodies, and maybe even give you a few tips on what women want to hear or feel. Plus, having attended The Vagina Monologues will give you a great pickup line. What woman doesn’t want to get involved with a man who is interested in women’s stories? And who knows: there may even be a cute, single performer on stage (hint hint).