Jessica Valenti, who has written three books on modern feminism is promoting her new book The Purity Myth. She stopped by the Today Show this morning and it was a very, very sad display of feeding the message on the part of Kathy Lee and Lakita Garth (who wrote a book promoting abstinence).
You should really take a look at the video. Almost nothing Valenti said seemed to matter and although I don't always agree with her and haven't yet read her newest book, I think her point is valid here -- While sexuality is indeed important, it is not the most important thing about being a women and we should spend less time forcing our little girls to focus on their "purity" and more time promoting their personal qualities.
Just listen to some of the phrases said "girls who sleep around," and "prostitots." Scary language that could only in the most awkward way be applied to boys.
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i haven't watched the today show interview yet, but i have read valenti's book and i loved it. it's more serious than full frontal feminism, but without sacrificing her voice. it's well written and well argued and while many of the things valenti talks about, like purity balls, already creeped me out, she certainly pushed me to think beyond just those aspects of the "purity culture". i'm sure i'll have more to say once i watch the interview...
ReplyDeleteIt's on my list of stuff to read and I will certainly get to it soon. Jessica (and Courtney Martin) is on the advisory board of the nonprofit I mentor for and I'm hoping she'll be at the Spring gala! :)
ReplyDeletePurity balls freak me out as well. I just wish she they would have listened to her on the Today Show!