Editor,

I bought myself a “Critical Thinking University” sweatshirt recently, proud to know that I attend a university which promotes intelligent thought. Sadly, I am not seeing much intelligent thought coming from some critics of the Vagina Monologues. I find it regrettable that some criticism is coming from people who have never read or seen the Vagina Monologues. They are discrediting the merit of the production because they perceive that the aim is simply to shock people, or because it contains words that are considered “vulgar”.

We are no longer living in a 1950s world, with women in the kitchen and their vaginas hidden safely away. I highly recommend that critics read the Vagina Monologues. If, after doing so, they are still offended by Ensler’s vocabulary, at least we will be able to engage in some educated “critical thinking.” On top of that, it is my hope that anyone who reads the Vagina Monologues would come to understand that Ensler’s goal is to celebrate women’s experiences, not to offend the audience.

Liz! McCollum