Response to V-Day

Thanks for the great subject matter, Edith.  A few years ago my alma mater banned the V. Monologues from being performed onstage, although the work was still permitted to be read in class, so as not to jeopardize academic freedom (even at a Catholic institution), which I respected.  We were one of the first colleges in the country to do so, and I'm proud to have been there when the decision was made.  Of course it was controversial, and many women genuinely argued that silencing their performance would only contribute to the neglect of the horrible abuse that so many of God's daughters endure.  

If only it were a play that truly did justice to presenting the reverence and awe of womanhood which should be protected and safeguard in its carefully crafted and delicately constructed physical structure by God.  I understand the concept (at least in a postmodern world of literature and philosophy that we live in) of focusing on the physicality of the woman and locating the center in the place in which violation dreadfully occurs but when the vagina is speaking FOR the woman, then all of Edith's concerns ring true.  

Violence against women might be better prevented by cultivating wonder of our mind and body's gifts and all that we bring to the table.  I'm not sure if the Monologues are actually accomplishing this when the most intimate part of the female body, which is something so special around which we should remain reticent, is exposed in front of an audience.  It seems so counter-intuitive.  

Let's pray for all of the victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, especially some of our friends and family.