It’s time we take ownership of the P word. For far too long, we’ve allowed the male patriarchy to dominate the conversation and define a part of our anatomy that deserves more credit than it’s receiving.
If some men are to be believed, a pussy is timid and cowardly. Somehow, the possession of a vagina is considered a weakness. The word possession in this conversation is troubling in itself. Why do men continue to control the narrative on this topic? Arguably it’s because many of them still consider the vagina to be a possession or something to be acquired.
Recently, the rapper T.I. went on a podcast again tried to defend the mysogonistic control he so infamously put on display last year when trying to retain a control he doesn’t really possess over his daughter’s virginity. Already an adult at 18, he disgustingly bragged about bringing her for yearly hymen checks in his effort to control her ‘purity.’ While those problematic opinions were widely slammed, few lessons were learned. He recently described spending quality time with his daughters as ‘the prevention hours.’ The argument I suppose, is that if she weren’t hanging out with her Dad she’d be filling that time with endless hours of wanton sexual promiscuity. Seriously?
Six years ago, the New York Times and other media outlets couldn’t even agree if printing or airing the word pussy was appropriate. Then of course, the Trump recording of him bragging about ‘grabbing them by the pussy’ became part of the everyday vernacular, albeit still defined by negative male associations.
Misguided celebrities aren’t the only ones to blame. Corporations continue to market feminine deodorants to women and have lowered the bar further by launching recent media campaigns to impressionable teenage girls. Somehow getting their period makes them unclean and in need of harsh chemicals to disinfect themselves beyond basic bathing protocol? Fact, the vagina is perfectly Ph balanced and is self-cleaning. You can keep the deodorizers to yourself, thanks.
Dr. Jen Gunter, author of the ‘Vagina Bible,’ is shining a light on predatory medical practices and corporations that are targeting vulnerable teenagers in their misleading marketing practices. This book, and her forthcoming ‘Menopause Manifesto,’ should be required reading for women the world over.
It’s mind boggling that in 2021, we still need to have this discussion. The power of the vagina is to be revered, not diminished. Labor and delivery is arguably one of nature’s most magical and awe inspiring of experiences. Let’s stop reducing what our vagina can do as cowardly. I cannot think of another part of the body as brave as this. Next time you’re called a pussy, thank him for the compliment.