From an essay by Jessica Valenti, author of the book The Purity Myth, on the Powell's blog:
And that's really what the myth is: this lie that women's sexuality has some bearing on who we are and how good we are. The purity myth is ensuring that young women's perception of themselves is inextricable from their bodies, and that their ability to be moral actors is absolutely dependent on their sexuality. Because whether it's delivered through a virginity pledge or by a barely dressed tween pop singer writhing across the television screen, the message is the same: A woman's worth lies in her ability — or her refusal — to be sexual. After all, when young women are taught about morality, there's not often talk of compassion, kindness, courage, or integrity. There is, however, a lot of talk about hymens (though the preferred words are undoubtedly more refined — think "virginity" and "chastity"): if we have them, when we'll lose them, and under what circumstances we'll be rid of them. While boys are taught that the things that make them men — good men — are universally accepted ethical ideals, women are led to believe that our moral compass lies somewhere between our legs. Literally. Whether it's the determining factor in our "cleanliness" and "purity" or the marker of our character, virginity has an increasingly dangerous hold over young women. It affects not only our ability to see ourselves as ethical actors outside of our own bodies, but also how the world interacts with us through social mores, laws, and even violence. ("Good" girls need to be protected, and "bad" girls need to be punished — even today.)
Weird ... I JUST read a Jessica Valenti essay in this month's American Prospect before reading this.
Posted by: Sara | April 22, 2009 at 03:18 PM
I'd never even heard of her before this, but I'm intrigued.
Posted by: Valarie | May 19, 2009 at 09:17 PM