Assiter, Alison. Enlightened Women: Modernist Feminism in a Postmodernist Age. London: Routledge, 1996.
Critique of much of the important postmodern feminist theory. Attempts to revive the woman in feminism and pull the movement away from "academic orthodoxy." Outlines a modernist feminist approach based on the community rather than the individual.
Brooks, Ann. Postfeminisms: Feminism, cultural theory, and cultural forms. London: Routledge, 1997.
Examines the state of contemporary feminist theory, by looking at cultural demands since the women's liberation movement that have changed the way feminism is practiced as well as perceived. Discusses feminist epistemology, theory, and philosophy, as well as popular culture, film and the media, and sexuality and identity.
Reports on the opening of The Vagina Monologues in Boston. Includes lengthy descriptions of Ensler's take on feminism and many of its misconceptions, as well as her experience with the women's liberation movement (which she describes as a "qualified success"). Also addresses the possibility of "male-bashing" in the play, and Ensler's utter refusal of any hatred or embitterment towards men.
Negative appraisal of the LA production of the show. Objects to the overwhelming focus on the vagina, contends that such writing, like pornography, separates a woman and her genitalia-"the ultimate dehumanization." Disagrees with the treatment of rape in the work, as well as its proportionally large amount of homosexual sex. Particularly concerned with the effect such a work will have on young women performing the play on various college campuses nationwide.
Reports on V-Day 2001 at Madison Square Gardens. Specifically addresses feminism and the actresses' feelings about the relationship between the play and feminism-not so eager to "label" it. Glenn Close says, "It's about something that's bigger than what I always kind of thought feminism was." Talks about seeing "sexiness as the source of a woman's power."
Chronicles Ensler's development of the piece, particularly her interaction with the women from whose interviews the play is based-emphasizes the idea that these are real women's stories. Addresses the College V-Day Initiative and provides a quote form a Colorado State U. student. Talks about her upcoming projects.
Includes a lot of dialogue with Ensler about Lesbianism in the piece, focusing on "The woman who loved to make other women happy." Comments on pro-women legislation, and activism on the college level. Discusses in detail her experience with sexual and physical abuse form her father and her later trouble with alcoholism. Also talks about her sexuality and her experiences with love. Addresses the need to break the silence, give voice to our secret "obsessions."
Positive critique of V-Day 2001 at Madison Square Gardens. Considers the role of The Vagina Monologues within the realm of feminism. Advocates "sexual self expression . . . [as] a crucial theme of the modern women's movement from the start." Meditates on the therapeutic power of feminism ("whether or not it goes by that name") and its ability to "transform women's consciousness."
Dezell, Maureen. "'Vagina' has hope, humor." Boston Globe 18 Mar. 2001. V-Day: Until the Violence Stops. 3 Apr 2001
Fleming, Anne Taylor. "All Vagina, All the Time." Los Angeles Magazine Jan. 2001: 109-111.
Lerner, Sharon. "Clit Club: V-Day's Charismatic Cuntism Rocks the Garden." Village Voice 20 Feb. 2001: 60-61.
Lewis, Andrea. "All About Eve." Progressive Mar. 2001: 39-40.
Ocamb, Karen. "The Vagina Monologues: Think Inside the Box." Lesbian News Dec. 2000: 28-29.
Pollitt, Katha. "Vaginal Politics." Nation 05 Mar. 2001: 10.