On Feb. 18, you published an article entitled “If your vagina could talk, what would it say?” It discussed the most recent production of “The Vagina Monologues” but unfortunately was riddled with mistakes and was an insult to those of us who take the show and its purpose so seriously.
When I first pick up any newspaper, I take a quick glance at every page, searching for the most interesting articles. Statistics, headlines and pictures are the eye-catchers, so they should be intriguing, big and colorful. It just so happens I flipped through to the Indulge section of the George Street Observer, and what did I see? A big, boring photograph of women in a line, supposedly all participants in Charleston’s “Vagina Monologues.” However, these ladies were not the stars of this year’s rendition. They were not even last year’s! I was perplexed, wondering how old this picture was, when my roommate pointed out the small writing on the side of the image: “Google.” Google?! Instead of getting a photograph from the actual performance, someone on your staff decided to search for images related to the monologues, which then produced this somber reminder that the GSO does not have any regard for those wonderful women who, as you say, “[brought] their vaginas” and created a spectacular interpretation of an increasingly popular play.
Rather infuriated, I decided to see if the article was at least acceptable. Sadly it was barely satisfactory. First, there was no “frenzy of ‘Vaginas! Vaginas! Vaginas!’” There was a concerned exclamation of “We’re worried about vaginas!” and a single, strong “Vaginas,” but no mad screaming. Also, the word cunt was censored though the article itself describes it to be “once-dirty and derogatory.” Not to mention in its usage here, it is part of a title, and it is no secret that the GSO is grammatically wanting. With no picture and a lackluster, and at times incorrect, description of the “Vagina Monologues,” I’m wondering if your journalist actually attended any of the three performances.
With that, I’d like to mention that there were three factual errors, two of which were rather grievous. A minor error occurred when it was reported that only one show transpired last year. In fact, there were two, but I can let this slide, for it is a minute detail. However, what cannot be overlooked is the misinterpretation of which organization actually sponsored “The Vagina Monologues” and where the money really went. True, the National Organization for Women (NOW) earnestly supports the mission of “The Vagina Monologues,” but the show was actually sponsored by Counseling and Substance Abuse Services. To completely ignore the role of Lindsey Barr and other associates is a severe rebuke of their intense efforts. This year’s production would not have been possible had it not been for Counseling Services. That oversight was unpleasant enough, but what irked me even more was that the GSO reported only a “portion” of the proceeds went to People Against Rape and The Center for Women. In fact, every single penny was donated to these organizations, which amounted to approximately $7,000! That’s no small sum, and it’s all for the betterment of women. We did not keep any of it!
Lastly, the article itself was quite bland. There was no excitement about vaginas, no anger over sexual crime statistics, no tears for the women and young girls of the world who are raped and beaten and slaughtered. It is obvious that the GSO does not understand the concept behind “The Vagina Monologues,” and if you cannot comprehend the terrors plaguing women, how can your readers be expected to? Who will care about the increasing number of sexual assaults if the community only knows that we put on a play one weekend? Who cares that some girls got on stage and screamed and cried and laughed if no one realizes why they scream, why they cry and why they laugh? The subject matter of “The Vagina Monologues” is not “heart-breaking,” as you put it. That is too cliché. It is disgusting, tragic and wrenching. We cry “Rape!” and “Cunt!” not for mere pleasure, but to eliminate the fear instilled in us and to empower other women. Your headline asks “If your vagina could talk, what would it say?” Well then, tell everyone what they say! Dear editor, it is difficult enough to make the community aware of these issues, so, please, use your clout to express our concerns, not to belittle them or continue to sweep them under the rug.