Question:

For Ensler, language is important. Why? What does it matter what we call body parts? What is the importance of language in defining sexuality, bodies, etc? Why do you think she asks those questions about what vaginas would wear, etc? What is she trying to do with that?

Response:

Ensler mentions in the beginning how when she was growing up the women who were present in her life referred to the vagina as the "down there." She lists off the various slang terms people have assigned to the vagina and I think people do this to avoid feeling awkward. Ensler is right when she says, "Vagina. Doesn't matter how many times you say it, it never sounds like a word you want to say." (Ensler, page 5). There is just something about the word itself that sounds uncomfortable.

I suppose it doesn't really matter what we call body parts. We all have our own personal choice, but in Ensler's opinion she believes that by using slang and refraining from using the word "vagina" then we are keeping distance from something that is really everywhere and unavoidable in some sense. We can clearly show the kind of person we are through the language we use. In the case of The Vagina Monologues - those who abstain from saying "vagina" come off as more conservative and uncomfortable as oppose to someone who may openly throw around the proper term and show no sense of discomfort in talking about it. We're all different and I really think that Ensler tries to emphasize this in the various monologues she has incorporated in her book.

Ensler also talks about giving the vagina its own name - not so much a slang name, but rather a real name...She wants people to treat it as if it were a person. Maybe not like a person, but she just strives to make people aware that it is there and you cannot escape it so why not just embrace it and get to know it. She believes that by giving it a name you can become more comfortable with yourself. I don't necessarily agree with this, but I can see where she is coming from with that idea. When you personalize something it makes it more real, more important.

Ensler dedicates this book to helping women (and perhaps men too) become more aware of the female body. She wants to promote the importance of stopping sexual violence and to also show the diversity among women, but the similarity they share as well. Sometimes when you think you're the only one experiencing something its nice to be reassured that you're not always alone. By using the language of humor, sadness and anger Ensler successfully engages an audience and spreads her message(s) worldwide.