New York Post
Pussy is a word, I've always hated. I don't like the way it sounds, I don't like the way it feels when I say it. Some believe there is a psychology behind that. If you want to dig deeper, I would recommend; The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window Into Human Nature, by Steven Pinker.
But mostly, I dislike the word, because so many use it in reference to a vagina. It's a word that is highly favored within pornography and pornography turns me off for a myriad of reasons, all stemming from the strong arm of patriarchy. "Do this to my pussy, do that to my pussy." In mainstream porn a woman's pussy belongs to men.
But when it comes right down to it, pussy is not a sexy word. It's childlike, and if a child were to say it, he/she may actually be referring to a cat. Or, in this day and age, a child may actually have the vague understanding that some adults call vaginas, pussies.
Pussy, is also used to cut down those who are perceived as weak. It is an insult most often hurled at men by other men. Don't like sports? You might a pussy. Maybe you like sports but you missed that shot? You might be a pussy. Are you afraid or hesitant about anything? Are you gay? Pussy, pussy, fag..or pussy.
Women also buy into patriarchy. That is how ingrained and influential patriarchy is. There are plenty of women who believe that what they perceive to be a weakness in men, essentially means that they are pussies.
As of late the word pussy has been used a heck of a lot, within the media. If you are utilizing this word lately, you might be doing so with much passion, gusto or a whole lotta kick!
Most of us are aware of the story surrounding the Russian punk band, Pussy Riot. The band consists of about 16 women, but it was five who decided to protest against the rule of Vladamir Putin; all knowing that the consequences could be dire. Three of the female quintet have been sentenced to two years in prison for the 40 seconds of mayhem they caused in the church that they used as the venue for their scene. Only three were arrested as it was supposedly difficult for authorities to identify the women, as they wore brightly colored balaclavas.
Aleshkovsky Mitya/ITAR-TASS Photo, via Corbis
News papers all over the world, and news broadcasts all over the world, are freely using the word pussy. Pussy Riot has prompted a high acceptance of the word, although I imagine it is temporary. The word is used in context.
A word that some see as crude and vulgar, or sexy, or patriarchal, has now become acceptable; daring; awesome. I find this to be interesting. I've never been one who fancies the art of reclaiming language. It is a subject that has come with much debate within sociopolitical forums. To do it or not to do it. Okay or not okay.
There are those who try to reclaim many words which are often deemed offensive and ridden with oppressive histories. Nigger, faggot, and bitch, are a few.
As a woman, I have never sought to reclaim the word, bitch. There are plenty of feminists who make this effort. Efforts via day to day conversation and efforts via the media.
For instance, Bitch: A Feminist Response to Pop Culture, is a magazine which reflects said effort. I find it to be a good magazine that aims to, "forge connections between the messages we get through the media and pop culture and the commercial agendas of the corporations behind them." Although, they've received a lot of flack over the years, they remain true to their belief that bitch, is a compliment and representative of a strong female force.
Another example that comes to mind is the vibrant and bold energy that is, musical artist, Bitch. Bitch, formerly of Bitch and Animal. Bitch and her Animal (Animal Prufrock) used to perform a song, entitled Pussy Manifesto, which was a favorite among fans.
Just yesterday, I watched one of my favorite films; Chasing Amy. Those of you who are familiar with the 1997 Kevin Smith film starring Joey Lauren Adams and Ben Affleck, may recall a scene where Alyssa is asked to sing before an audience at the lesbian club, (which is no long open) Meow Mix, in New York. Her friend who asks the shy Alyssa to sing, demands in a loving and sassy way, "Get up here and sing, bitch!"
I'm sure you can think of a zillion and one examples of your own.
All over the world, women and men, gay and straight have been chanting pussy. Fellow musicians such as Paul McCartney, Bjork and Madonna, have been backing the women of Pussy Riot.
I think the point that the majority of us get, is that it's not about Putin and it's not about girls kicking ass. It's about freedom of speech. A right that we all have and one that cannot be taken away. But some governments will make you pay their price.
It doesn't matter if you like or dislike the word pussy. Pussy Riot must be free.
I imagine that pussy will continues to leave a poor taste in my mouth (no pun intended). It's a word I do not embrace. To some a word may just be a word. To some I may be a pussy for allowing a word to get to me, or for being uptight, or some other form of weakness that is perceived from whomever uses pussy in an attempt to cut down.
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova wears a shirt that is now being sold on Cafe Press.Photo credit unknown.
I may not embrace some of the sentiments and belief systems behind the word's execution, but I do believe that we all have the right to say it.
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