I'm still investigating the phenomenon. But here's where I stand on the issue:
- I find nothing exceptional about her except that she sounds like she might be the most compelling conversation on the planet right now. At this point, I'd pay for dinner just to discuss economics with her.
- She's obviously working with Second Wave logic as far as her justification for making this "indecent proposal"
- I support her generally.
- I support her entirely under particular conditions
- She disgusts me.
I'll explain: I don't think she's all that "gorgeous"--whatever that means--at least not 3.7million hott. I don't understand the appeal. Then again, she's not necessarily my "type." (as if i really have a type) But what I do know is that she has a Bachelor of Science in Women's Studies. I presume, since she is a virgin (taking her at her word), that she was "saving" her virginity for some reason or other. Most likely for marriage, but just as likely because she simply hadn't found anyone worthy of her flower. (this chivalric virginity-lust crap annoys me probably more than the vulgar bid) Nevertheless, she's giving it up after completing a degree in women's studies. Likely, she's studied second wave feminism--which happened to include a lot of discussion about sex, its meaning, its power and means for women to reclaim their bodies through it. (I haven't studied it much, but I have a working knowledge of the logic.)
I imagine that she, in part concluded that capitalizing upon her virginity was one way of reclaiming her sexuality since, no matter what the top bidder thinks, he hasn't claimed anything by his expensive conquest because she has retained her sexual autonomy in the exchange--as proven by profits; alternately, giving your virginity to your husband for the rest of your life, while a very romantic gesture, is meaningless unless the gesture is returned. It also is inevitably a means of sacrificing your sexuality to a person, and thus, a forfeiture of your body and your corporeal autonomy. More or less, by selling her body for a night, she is able to own it for a lifetime. The more they pay, the more proof she has that she has the power is in her hands since I imagine that there will be some sort of contract involved with some sort of legal limitations upon the highest bidders lust. (not to mention that there's a fairly decent statistical chance that the winner will be impotent, but that couldn't possibly be her luck?)
If, by some chance she's lying about her "plans to finance her graduate school education in marriage and family therapy from the proceeds of the virginity auction," and chooses to continue studying women's studies, she would, naturally, have more material than is reasonable to work with in regards to her graduate studies. She could re-ignite the flames of the second wave by herself! She could, hypothetically, launch herself to the forefront of the field simply by studying...well, stuff like what I'm writing now. If she were able to procure and analyze all of the media--including blogs and comments to those blogs--regarding her deflowering she could write an encyclopedia on women's sexuality in the new millenium. And she'd probably be a best seller when the book was published. And her memoirs! She'd make as much or more than Superhead.
Here's where she loses me: I think that she failed to anticipate the attention she's receiving from the media. Due to the reckless eyeball of the media, she's become something just short of a household name. She might, by accident, gain Paris Hilton notoriety and incidentally encourage young girls to take advantage of "the world's oldest profession" to turn a profit. There's nothing empowering in a copycat! By Natalie's actions, she runs the risk of further running the dreams of ambitious little girls into the gutter. Though I don't feel that it is Natalie's responsibility to care for the sexual well-being of the younger generations, she will have some impact. That's now unavoidable, whether she goes through with the auction or not. The most significant aspect for future generations will be the legitimacy of the bids; thus, stealing her rhetorical agency on the world stage. While she still has a chance at becoming a commanding leader in (feminist) academia, she has little control over where it will go after the deed is done. I am disgusted, not really by her, but by what the auction will mean in the future--speaking from a present when even children keep up on all of the celebrity sex tapes, and all of their idols are making one.
If Natalie Dylan just so happens to pursue a career in academia, rather than becoming a marriage and family counselor, as she bathes away the ripe stench of baptismal sweat from her newly liberated body in a golden bathtub full of rose petals, she will sincerely ask herself: Where do WE go from here?
I imagine that she, in part concluded that capitalizing upon her virginity was one way of reclaiming her sexuality since, no matter what the top bidder thinks, he hasn't claimed anything by his expensive conquest because she has retained her sexual autonomy in the exchange--as proven by profits; alternately, giving your virginity to your husband for the rest of your life, while a very romantic gesture, is meaningless unless the gesture is returned. It also is inevitably a means of sacrificing your sexuality to a person, and thus, a forfeiture of your body and your corporeal autonomy. More or less, by selling her body for a night, she is able to own it for a lifetime. The more they pay, the more proof she has that she has the power is in her hands since I imagine that there will be some sort of contract involved with some sort of legal limitations upon the highest bidders lust. (not to mention that there's a fairly decent statistical chance that the winner will be impotent, but that couldn't possibly be her luck?)
If, by some chance she's lying about her "plans to finance her graduate school education in marriage and family therapy from the proceeds of the virginity auction," and chooses to continue studying women's studies, she would, naturally, have more material than is reasonable to work with in regards to her graduate studies. She could re-ignite the flames of the second wave by herself! She could, hypothetically, launch herself to the forefront of the field simply by studying...well, stuff like what I'm writing now. If she were able to procure and analyze all of the media--including blogs and comments to those blogs--regarding her deflowering she could write an encyclopedia on women's sexuality in the new millenium. And she'd probably be a best seller when the book was published. And her memoirs! She'd make as much or more than Superhead.
Here's where she loses me: I think that she failed to anticipate the attention she's receiving from the media. Due to the reckless eyeball of the media, she's become something just short of a household name. She might, by accident, gain Paris Hilton notoriety and incidentally encourage young girls to take advantage of "the world's oldest profession" to turn a profit. There's nothing empowering in a copycat! By Natalie's actions, she runs the risk of further running the dreams of ambitious little girls into the gutter. Though I don't feel that it is Natalie's responsibility to care for the sexual well-being of the younger generations, she will have some impact. That's now unavoidable, whether she goes through with the auction or not. The most significant aspect for future generations will be the legitimacy of the bids; thus, stealing her rhetorical agency on the world stage. While she still has a chance at becoming a commanding leader in (feminist) academia, she has little control over where it will go after the deed is done. I am disgusted, not really by her, but by what the auction will mean in the future--speaking from a present when even children keep up on all of the celebrity sex tapes, and all of their idols are making one.
If Natalie Dylan just so happens to pursue a career in academia, rather than becoming a marriage and family counselor, as she bathes away the ripe stench of baptismal sweat from her newly liberated body in a golden bathtub full of rose petals, she will sincerely ask herself: Where do WE go from here?
Posts
3 comments:
Genеrally I dοn't learn post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me to take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, quite great article.
My weblog ... tens units
Generally I dοn't learn post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me to take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, quite great article.
Here is my web-site ... tens units
Also see my webpage :: tens therapy units
Excеllent post. I ωаs checking continuouslу this blog and I'm inspired! Very helpful information specifically the final section :) I maintain such info much. I used to be seeking this certain info for a long time. Thanks and best of luck.
Feel free to visit my web-site taxi irving tx
Post a Comment