Kinsey, Feminism and The Vagina Monologues

Alfred Kinsey was born in 1894, and died in 1956. Kinsey developed some large-scale interview research which was not represented from the overall population but mostly from white/middle class people.

The following video clip is a trailer from the movie Kinsey (2004)

Once we had a chance to view a few clips from the film, we were given a question to answer:

What is Kinsey's view of sexual normalcy?

--> I believe that in Kinsey's mind there is no sexual normalcy. That everything is normal and everything is accepted. That it is normal to explore sexually, and normal to expand one's knowledge.

My Thoughts....

Is there really any normalcy about human sexuality? In my opinion no, there is no real view of what sexual normalcy is or isn't. In the bible there is, this normalcy is achieved by a man and woman, this couple is married. The purpose of sex for this couple is for the conception of a child or for the hopes of procreation. The bible does not mention homosexuals, bisexuals, asexuals or transexuals, only heterosexuals. Most religious faith groups or nationalities agree with the bible. Nationalities among cultures believe that any sexual orientation other than heterosexuality is not normal and otherwise not accepted.

Four Waves of Feminism:

1. Early 20th Century--> issue was with women not having the right to vote.

2. 1960's-1990's-->Women's Liberation Movement; broadening and expanding equal rights between men and women. Such as, education, politics and health care.

3. Post-Feminism-->Poster woman for this wave was Madonna, the thought for this one was that sexual representation was not degrading it was empowering.

4. Modern--> Spirituality/Faith Groups/Uniting People

The Vagina Monologues:

--> Women talking about their bodies freely and openly in a cultural environment that discourages it.

Of these monologues we watched:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPH6LzlED6I

Avtivity..

-How do you respond? This monolgue is very out-spoken and opinionated.

-How did the audience respond? The audience seemed to be enjoying and encouraging it by laughing and clapping.

-How can we support women in developing healthy self-concepts related to their sexual anatomy?

At early ages when kids are learning about sex and anatomy for the first times, maybe have the health and sex ed classes divided. This way the girls are in a non-threatening environment and are more willing to participate and ask questions.