> >
>
> This is really amazing to read, because, again, as an outsider it
> just seems so contrary that someone who was through being ashamed
> about her sexuality and physicality, and who was ready to claim her
> body as her own, would choose to pierce her genitalia with pieces of
> metal. It just seems, superficially, that bodily mutilation is
> something OTHERS do to one when one is not in control, or something
> one does out of internalized shame over one's body.
sure, like chinese women getting their feet bound...our clitorectomy in
africa...iron maidens etc......but piercing the labia is a very im in
control thing to do as far as the here and now. its quite empowering
really. i guess i cant verbalize it.
> The other thing that goes through my mind about this is how men under
> patriarchy have such a long history of piercing women's bodies
> against their will (that is, rape), and this is increasing, not
> decreasing, with old-fashioned rape but also new forms of piercing
> like caesarean section, breast implants, etc. So it is just
> difficult for me to see women piercing themselves as something new,
> different and empowering. It's difficult, but I'm listening as
> closely as I can! So if you feel like responding to any of this,
> please do.
>
interesting point, but i just dont see how you consider these things
reflective of male domination (beyond the fact that its a sexist world
that tells us we need to get these things done)..i mean breast implants
and piercing are things women do to improve themselves physically i
guess. but i dont feel them as related. see youre making these
connections straight from your head like a good academic should..but im
over here thinking "well i guess its lagic..but i just cant relate deep down"
maybe its just that youre a man and you dont get it. but im not saying
you cant wonder, i just dont know how to help you get it.
-anne
