I'm sorry, I know I've already posted about the wacko responses to my book (excuse me, my book cover), but I just came across this and I just couldn't help myself.
Ericka Andersen at LadyBlog has written a post that has brought intellectual dishonesty to a new low. She even starts off lying:
For some thought-provoking reading, check out Jessica Valenti's "The Purity Myth: How America's Obsession with Virginity is Hurting Young Women." Cassy Fiano's post on the book today lead me to check it out for myself.
Thought-provoking reading...really? You checked it out for yourself, did you? May I ask how? Because the book isn't going to be released for another five months. So, Ms. Andersen, if you've somehow stealthily broken into my apartment or hacked into my computer, I'd really like to know.
I grew up in a Christian environment where sex before marriage was frowned upon but never was the act of sex condemned. I was never told women don't like sex as much as men or that we were supposed to use it to get husbands. I doubt Jessica has really been in the midst of this environment but as someone who has, I can tell you women and men were both encouraged to be disciplined in their sexual urges. And...I've never once heard a church leader say you were a slut or a whore if you did choose to have sex. This is an assumption Jessica makes. (Emphasis mine)
Right, I make a whole book full of assumptions. Women are never ever told they're sluts or sullied or or less than or diseased if they have sex. I must be making stuff up!
But here's the part that had me screaming to my poor boyfriend about what fucking liars people are.
The real purity myth is what Jessica is telling women: that sexual consequences be damned as long as you feel good. God forbid you have guilt. Girls Gone Wild is better for young women that purity rings, she claims, but I doubt many people would sign up for that argument.
Sexual consequences be damned? I've spent my entire writing and feminist career advocating for young women to have medically accurate and unbiased information about sex so they can make the decisions that are best for them. I have never, never, said that Girls Gone Wild is anything but a fucked up organization run by a rapist. For people like Fiano and Andersen to warp - and just lie! - about this work that I do, it's just beyond disgusting. I understand that they have no actual argument to make (being that, you know, they haven't read the book), but simply making stuff up to suit their theories is not only dishonest, it's stupid. Because I'm not going to sit quietly and let people lie about me, about feminism, about this blog, or about The Purity Myth. Every time someone publishes some bullshit like this, I'm going to call it out. Welcome to my new post series, Pure Lies.
So bring it, assholes.
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LadyBlog, really? You always know when someone starts calling women "ladies" they're about to unload some serious sexist BS on you.
Please do keep posting about the lying "christians' already worked up about your book.
And though I know it makes you mad, you have to realize, if your book is already getting this much attention, it will be YOU that benefits in the end. No such thing as bad publicity, etc. etc. I used to work in a bookstore...people came in all the time, see a book they remembered hearing about, and picked it up. They don't remember WHAT they heard, just that they heard the title before. And then, at least some of the time, you get a sale. It's awesome.
Yeah, you're right emjaybee, totally. It's just so incredibly infuriating. But def true about the publicity. I'll keep that in mind the next time I'm ready to pull my hair out. ;)
Jessica, just thought you would want to know that there are 4 comments on LadyBlog and they are all in support of you!
alicialynn, I just saw that! Feministing commenters rawk.
We've got your back, jessica!
We've got your back, jessica!
Anderson should be grateful that, largely due to feminism, it is much less acceptable for pastors or anyone else to publicly slut-shame women who dare to have pre-paper contract sex.
By the way, purity rings are creepy. And I'm willing to bet condoms are more effective at preventing STDs and unwanted pregnancies. Just sayin'.
Oh yeah, and I suppose that my decision to stay a virgin was made COMPLETELY IN SPITE of the comprehensive sex-ed and feminist education I am fortunate to have had.
Clearly, they are disappointed that they could never achieve the transplendent feminist womanosity that is you. Well, maybe after the mother of all paradigm shifts. Here's hoping they all read your book and get there.
This veers slightly off-topic, but I don't get this about a lot of Christian churches (the purity ring thing). I went to a Presbyterian church during high school, and we had church-sponsored sex ed classes that were really good and educational. Learning about the consequences from a honest and factual viewpoint is probably what was in the back of my mind as a stayed a virgin until I was 21. SO THERE. :P
You kick ass, Jessica.
Slut? Never heard of it.
In all seriousness, Doesn't she feel GUILTY about lying like that? GOD FORBID YOU HAVE GUILT.
Slut? Never heard of it.
In all seriousness, Doesn't she feel GUILTY about lying like that? GOD FORBID YOU HAVE GUILT.
Jessica, you are a role model. If you check back, there are even more comments to that terrible blog in your support! Give 'em hell!
Jess, you and the classy laydeez at Feministing are my fucking heroes.
Another thing: Miss Ladyblog may have never heard a church leader say that a woman is a slut if she chooses to have sex (I kind of doubt that) -- but I have, and I didn't even grow up in a religious or conservative house. I heard it from pastors at friends' churches, I heard it from other kids at school, I heard it from a few teachers (one of them a biology teacher who willingly taught creationism, might I add). I even heard it from a boy I was dating. I saw it every time I watched a horror film in which the "sexy" girl got knifed while the "innocent" girl went free. I saw it newspapers, in TV shows, in music videos. Unless she lived with blinders on, Miss Ladyblog is either lying or in deep and terrifying denial.
In any case, really, Jessica, you rock.
*Breathe*
It is fear of the truth. The people against you are afraid that somehow you might be right, especially when all they can do is look at the facts of how their movement is failed.
I grew up in the purity movement and at the age of 13 had the common sense to know that I did not have enough information to make a rational decision about staying a virgin before marriage. I did eventually succumb to the pressure, but eventually snapped out of it and I suppose I'm probably a slut in the eyes of the "right".
Never mind, rock on Jessica, I'm happy you have written the book. Another good read for all of you is Dagmar Herzog's "Sex in Crisis". I've worked for two of the women she cites, and I can tell you that she is accurate in her conclusions, just as I expect Jessica's to be.
Onward to Amazon.com to pre-order!!!!
secretinsidegirl, we already know she is willing to lie so why would she stop at lying about reading the book when she could lie about everything in her argument? :)
Jessica, I read Full Frontal Feminism and LOVED it. I am looking forward to this new book (in five months :) time). With any luck, all this stupidity will actually end you up on the Daily Show or Rachel Maddow. Now, wouldn't that be cool!
Love.
"Ericka,
We realize who cuts your checks, and empathize with the idea that you have to regurgitate what you’re being fed. But, if your hackery weren’t so transparent, it’d make it far easier for all to swallow.
You’re reviewing a book to which you can’t possibly have legal access.
From your previous writings it’s obvious that you’ve got a grayed relationship with the concept of “objective fact.” For example, inferring Planned Parenthood is racist — ignoring the possibility that they might be helping those communities who need their services the most.
I agree, it’s much easier to write this fluff when no one capable of critical thought will read it. Why invite anyone to critique your work, when you’ve got an army of like minded people begging for the red meat you’re happy to dish out.
And, perhaps you’re in fact prophetic… With the sweeping Democratic victories in November, there will be a lot of demand for mindless conservative angst.
Finally, while I understand Human Events would like to bolster your obviously thin resume, you might want to remove your MSNBC appearance from your miniature biography.
For those who might not have caught it, when it was originally broadcast, feel free to enjoy Ericka getting her argument inverted and stuffed back at her by Jon Soltz. By the by, you really should have just walked straight off the cliff and suggested that not only is it possible that Osama Bin Laden is in Iraq — but, the America hating Democrats know he’s in Iraq and want to bring our troops home so he’ll never be caught.
http://www.truveo.com/Veterans-launch-ad-opposing-McCain/id/80849603
Cheers,
SPiHC"
even better, you can support your local feminist bookstore, if you are lucky enough to have one, or order from the many that have online services, like www.womenandchildrenfirst.com.
Those comments made me smile. Every one of them is on your side Jessica aside from one who was calling us all a bunch of whiners (coincidence it's the same person who emailed you that really sexist email a few weeks back and is mad because you posted it on here for us to laugh at). I especially enjoyed the comment someone made about how Anderson kills homeless people. Very humorous. Anyway, go Jessica! Can't wait for the book!
That's how conservatives are. They can't win on the truth because they're wrong, so they have to lie. It's sad, really. You'd think that being so wrong would inspire them to change their opinions. Instead, they become liars.
Jess - I need you to know that your courage inspires me daily. This site is a lifeline and a source of strength and sanity for me and so many other women coping with life.
I completely empathize with you as you deal with these fucktards on a daily basis. Their lies about your book mean jack shit. The truth that you speak is more powerful and infinitely more captivating. I believe that people will be drawn to your honesty and candor and great writing, and not to the misogyny, hatred and brutal dishonesty of these people.
Thank you for all that you do and all that you are.
I can't wait to read your book, though I might be a little jealous that you wrote it before I could. :)
I feel led to apologize on behalf of Christians (and thanks for your comment, Lelah, which is what I lead at my church, too) - but - at the risk of sounding judgmental (too late!) - there ain't no way that blogger is a Christian. (Not the way I define Christian, anyway.)
Anyway, I don't always agree with everything I read on Feministing, but I lovelovelovelovelovelovelove this site and community and I'm (breathe, Aerin, breathe) sorry you're having to deal with all of this, Jessica. I think that's why God created merlot, but hey, oreos work, too.....
Jessica, I'm so thankful you're out there to point out the utter absurdity of these people. You're so much braver than me because you're out there loud and proud under public scrutiny. Love your work!
After reading this post and the comments, I spotted this "headline" on CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/10/09/tf.friends.with.benefits/index.html
"The proper way to be friends with benefits". Hmm. So when will the right-wingers start bombarding CNN with hate? Obviously, Jessica is really the head of the media elite conspiracy group, shaping the MSM to her evil slut-promoting ways. /snark.
We'll be keeping our eyes open. Yeah, an honest review or opinion is one thing, but not even reading it and then just inventing things? Deplorable. I can only imagine your frustration.
PS: I luvs this community. Cyber hugs to all.
Wow, this is hilarious or offensive. I can't quite tell.
Either way, there is definitely going to be a lot of interest drummed up for your book by the time it's released. I can't wait to read it, and it looks like I'm not the only one - the good part is that I'm not writing any reviews just yet. ;)
The only reason everyone on here has your back is because the moderator takes off all the negative comments. Oh... and didn't this sexual revolution happen in the '60's... and isn't it already not a big deal for you to go sit on any cock you like? No one cares anymore. You're stuck in the 50's hun... all of you are. Go find something worth fighting for, because, even though you'll sell some books to a lot of pissed of teens that have intelligent parents that don't want their 14 year old to get pregnant, you're not furthering society in a positive or negative way whatsoever. You're not doing anything but selling some books.
Actually, most feminists DON'T want 14 year olds to get pregnant - which is why we advocate comprehensive, fact-based sex ed and not slut-shaming abstinence-only education.
As for the rest of your post... Not even gonna bother. Bye, troll.
Are you that dense? Did I ever say you, or any, feminist wanted 14 year old girls to get pregnant? Read before you bleed. I said 14 year old girls will buy this drivel. Probably because they haven't been out in the real world long enough to realize that it's not a big deal, which it isn't.
I can't help but giggle at jcwhite's whining. At least he was lucky enough to not send the e-mail from an address revealing his identity a la Alex Kochno. He just has to filter his mail, get a new address, or wait it out. What's the big fucking deal?
Buy what drivel? Have you read the book? Did you read that chapter where Jessica says "hey everyone, have lots and lots of unprotected sex because it's empowering"?
By the way... who advocates this "slut-shaming" that you speak of? I'm pretty damn sure that sex education is standard in an EXTREMELY high percentage of all public schools. And it's NOT a feminist view. It's a view that most people have. I understand that you're an extremist, so you like to fight extremists, but extremists are extreme. Look to the middle. NO ONE CARES. You have your bible-beating "slut-shamers", as you call them, and you have their feminist counterparts... then you have the other 90% of this nation going on about their lives not giving a damn what either of you are babbling about. Water's fine, you should jump in.
Isn't lying about someone in a public space in order to discredit them called libel? I'd like to see some of these LIARS taken to court.
I never said anything about having unprotected sex, either. Respond to what was written, not what you want to argue about just because you're angry. Here, I'll give you something to respond to that'll be more up your alley.
I can't believe us all-powerful and superior men ever even let women learn how to type. This is what we get when a bunch of feminist man-hating unprotected-sex-loving-bisexual-slut-monger-bleeding-axe-wound-having-constantly-on-the-rag-liberals can have their own little blog. It's kinda cute though. I like to see you're trying. Keep trying and maybe one day you'll be a REAL writer! You girls are SOOO CUTE!!
Now, there's a target. Thought I'd make it easier for you.
I never said anything about having unprotected sex, either. Respond to what was written, not what you want to argue about just because you're angry. Here, I'll give you something to respond to that'll be more up your alley.
I can't believe us all-powerful and superior men ever even let women learn how to type. This is what we get when a bunch of feminist man-hating unprotected-sex-loving-bisexual-slut-monger-bleeding-axe-wound-having-constantly-on-the-rag-liberals have their own little blog. It's kinda cute though. I like to see you're trying. Keep trying and maybe one day you'll be a REAL writer! You girls are SOOO CUTE!!
Now, there's a target. Thought I'd make it easier for you.
Can't someone ban this worthless piece of dog sh*t?
Men would confront me... women, well. SO CUTE!!!
Shrug.
I'm not anything you mention, feminismissexism, besides feminist and liberal. A 21-year-old straight virgin is all for Jessica's book. It's really too late for confrontation, anyway. :)
Jessica - You're intelligent and you know that. Your book will be excellent, much like your last one. These people will say what they will, but that doesn't change any of it.
Hope I don't get too cute here for anyone's sore ass, but these morons come here looking for a fight, not information or debate. They have nothing better to do on a Thursday but surf feminist websites and tell us that we're cute. Please, please, please don't pay any attention to these slime balls. Save all that amazing energy you have for your work, not working to defend yourself to empty, vapid arguments. They're like stray dogs, if you stop feeding them they go away.
And then we can all get back to business.
Okay - This irritated the hell out of me enough to come out of lurking. Jessica, I love what you and your badass team are doing for women.
Having all of this preemptive "criticism" is ridiculous and you still have months to go before it goes to press. It is the intellectual equivalent of assuming Catch 22 is about guns. There have been plenty of occasions where my academic work was hijacked in this way and I feel that you are handling it with great finesse and resilience.
Moreover, I would tend to agree with the emjaybee. All of this attention may get more people to read that otherwise would not be compelled. The chatter surrounding your new book speaks volumes about the influence you have as a writer. You have arrived.
We are waiting to see what you come up with next.
/rant
Side note: I wanted to say hello to all the feministing supporters that have made me laugh for months now, thanks!
Awwwwwwwwwww, looks like somebody's got the grumps! Did the womenfolk go and get some rights and just ruin your lil patriarchy that you work working so hard on, Mr. Feminismissexism? Aw, is someone gonna pack up his toys and go home? Don't worry, we think YOU'RE cute, too! I'd just pinch your adowable widdle cheeks if I could!
But don't let this little tantrum get you too worked up, I find that naps are very effective for toddlers, so I would imagine they'd also be helpful for those with the mentality of one. I'm sure Jessica will put you to bed soon, and you can think about what you've done. Kisses!
Hahaha... funny. You obviously didn't read all my posts. I only said what I did because when I actually tried to discuss another side of this issue, I wasn't responded to at all on the basis of what I was saying, just on the basis of what people wanted to hear. Read, then respond. Same advice I can mayfly. What she wanted was someone to yell at, someone to fight with, so i gave it to her. You're as dense as she is.
oh, and you all haven't gotten any new rights in a long damn time, because there's nothing further to gain. it's over, go to bed. why don't you read Christina Hoff Sommers, Camille Paglia, or Warren Farrel... real feminist philosophers. you radical's are funny for only so long.
oh, and patriarchy that i've been trying to establish??? I'm a fucking liberal law student, not a domineering old man from the 50's that likes to work hard, play hard, and demean women hard. in my family, my mom wore the pants. she's ordained in the fucking episcopal church... that's not easy to do, and it took a lot of red-tape cutting, and we supported her the entire way. my dad worked too. we all made it work without your brand of radical feminism.
But, you are right about one thing.. naps are effective for curing temper tantrums, even at my age... I may take one. thanks. and i'm glad you think i'm cute :)
Feminismissexism,
If "NO ONE CARES", then why do you care so, so much?
BTW, no one thinks you're cute. You need a sarcasm hearing aid.
everyone thinks i'm cute... you think i'm cute... or maybe YOU need a sarcasm hearing aid? you really think i think I need a nap? by the way, I about YOU because I love you, and I don't want to see you getting hurt while playing with fire.
First of all, Jessica, what you do is awesome. Second, I'm not sure what site I found this comment on but I know it was in response to some uber conservative dribble.
"If anything feminists have championed healthy sexual relationships"
There, how do you like them apples?
First of all, Jessica, what you do is awesome. Second, I'm not sure what site I found this comment on but I know it was in response to some uber conservative dribble.
"If anything feminists have championed healthy sexual relationships"
There, how do you like them apples?
what i meant to say above is that i "care" about you, but i left it out. was a freudian slip i think, but you probably subscribe to the jungian school. i think it's called a jungian slit.
feminismissexism, maybe if you specified what your problem is instead of making unsupported assertions and name-calling, people wouldn't get you wrong. What's so radical about this site? What is it that is bothering you? Be specific please. Support your answers. You know, like you should have learned in school had you not failed.
You said that pissed teens with parents who don't want them to get pregnant at 14 will buy this book - why did you say that? What were you implying about the book?
"You're all a bunch of radicals... nobody cares...blah blah blah..."
Do you know anything about the woman who wrote this book and her philosophical stance on feminism? If you don't, then maybe you shouldn't be here. I'm operating on the assumption that you fucktards (i put that name in there for you) know who you are championing. What you're supporting, stevey-boy, is a radical feminism that, in the end, tears down more people than it helps to lift up.
Get 'um, grrl! "Bring it, assholes." I love it!
Temper tantrums devoid of facts, reasoning and basic communication skills are just too pathetic to take seriously. Honestly, I get a sense of superiority when I read such drivel. But don't engage the creature. If he was really serious about what he was saying he would take the time to do some research, devise a solid argument, and present it in a way that would attempt to promote understanding of his world view. Chances are he doesn't actually believe in what he's saying, and is only interested in drama. Until he can learn to communicate like an adult, let him scream till his face goes red.
I wrote the 14 year old comment because the only people that are involved with the purity issue right now. If you think otherwise, then that's fine. I oppose the book because in the past Jessica has twisted pop-topics in such a manner as to further her own radical agenda. I see no reason why she'd change that now. Anyway, does it strike you as odd that your the first person to talk about the content of what I wrote without having a knee jerk reaction? and you're a man?
and i don't even matter, i don't know shit about this chick or her book, and i won't ever be on here again... 'cause i've got law school to worry about and bitches to fuck. peace.
^ I am so excited about the future legal scholars of this world.
yawn.
"I can't believe us all-powerful and superior men ever even let women learn how to type. This is what we get when a bunch of feminist man-hating unprotected-sex-loving-bisexual-slut-monger-bleeding-axe-wound-having-constantly-on-the-rag-liberals can have their own little blog. It's kinda cute though. I like to see you're trying. Keep trying and maybe one day you'll be a REAL writer! You girls are SOOO CUTE!!!!"
Is this like one of those therapy exercises, where you find a stranger and vent to him or her about your deepest fears, frustrations, and yearnings? I imagine Jessica would read this statement, sip her coffee, crinkle her brow thoughtfully, then draw a circle around you on the transparent whiteboard of her heart -- thus bringing you in for all eternity and feeding you with her joy. I fight fire with passion, you sweet ball of fury, so keep burning your hate-incense to the quick and you will only inflame my desire to love you right out of your anger pants. Together, we will take those exclamation marks you so cherish and turn them into parentheses. Why? Because they hug.
cheers kitten
/snark
For a liberal law student, you've got a lot of time on your hands.
Ode to trolls: (In the spirit of Dr. Suess)
Oh Troll, Oh Troll
Why are you so sad?
Do you need the attention
that you may never have had?
The net is so big!
Thousands of places to choose
Why settle on one
That opposes your views?
We berate you!
We fight you!
Such angst and derision…
Dear troll, are you engaging in…
…Troll masochism? >; )
Go be with your own,
Run off and play
Stop sitting and stewing
In Mom’s basement all day.
And we must all remember
To focus on our goals
Although it’s so tempting
Stop feeding the trolls!*
*This is my last time, I swear.
Although, Lilly's post was the most exciting thing I've read in a while....LOL.
I can't resist those cute little bastards either. Like fish in a barrel. ; )
Sweet Dreams from the Coast!
This one's my fave:
Shadowen Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Listen, Liar McLyington, you’re lying through your lying teeth about having read Valenti’s book (it’s not out yet), as well as what the probable content will be (you think she supports Girls Gone Wild? Are you stoned, you liar?). Isn’t lying, oh, A SIN?
Liar.
@Lelah and anyone else who is interested:
Sex education at churches in the United States differs along denominational lines. The more liberal mainline Protestant churches, such as the Presbyterian Church (USA), which makes up the vast majority of Presbyterian churches, the Episcopalians, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America all tend to have sex education for the youth. Keep in mind that these are all denominations who ordain ordain women and are at least discussing the gays (I am actually being unofficially gay married by a Presby minister next spring).
I grew up ELCA and had a similar experience to Lelah, and then when visiting friends at the Southern Baptist church or at a nondenominational church, we heard more of the "God will smite you DOWN if you have sex." They were never blatantly sexist, but there was always the implication that the girls would be more slutty than the guys if they had sex, mostly because these discussions were usually followed up by women submitting to men or some such.
Also purity rings. A lot of my friends had them; I did not. I refrained from the sexing the longest out of everyone, till I was twenty-two. Of course, I didn't figure out I was gay until I was nineteen, so that could have had something to do with it.
At any rate, I personally feel like I was well-educated and not slut-shamed at my church, for what it's worth.
Also, the Andersen is remarkably full of shit, and Jessica's response is fabulous.
@ JKayOh
Loved the ode to trolls! Thank you for that.
@ Jessica
I discovered this site maybe two weeks ago but I now make it one of daily ports of call on the net. The posts are thought-provoking and informative and I am always left with several points to ponder.
I'm sure there are many women like me, who might not always comment, but who nevertheless appreciate the debates, information and news we get on sites like feministing.
There will always be the trolls who think they can prescribe to us what we should think, read and say but I believe it is every woman's duty to resist them and assert her right to her own opinions, thoughts, actions, etc.
It makes a difference in my life that through sites like these I have access to women like you.
@ JKayOh
Loved the ode to trolls! Thank you for that.
@ Jessica
I discovered this site maybe two weeks ago but I now make it one of daily ports of call on the net. The posts are thought-provoking and informative and I am always left with several points to ponder.
I'm sure there are many women like me, who might not always comment, but who nevertheless appreciate the debates, information and news we get on sites like feministing.
There will always be the trolls who think they can prescribe to us what we should think, read and say but I believe it is every woman's duty to resist them and assert her right to her own opinions, thoughts, actions, etc.
It makes a difference in my life that through sites like these I have access to women like you.
Feminisimissexism -
Your mother clearly either doesn't know or hasn't told you the history behind women's ordination in the Episcopal church. Without radical feminists like Carter Hwyward forcing the issue by participating in an illegal ordination (later confirmed by the hierarchy), women would not have been ordained for several more years, if ever. "Red tape" didn't have a thing to do with it. The feminist movement did.
You owe Rev. Heyward and the rest of the Philadelphia Eleven an apology.
I doubt he'll apologize- he's got law to attend and "bitches" to "fuck."
His mother must be proud.
Well, I was going to suggest someone innocently ask if she's read the book already, "because on Amazon it hasn't come out yet," but lots of people have pointed out that she hasn't read the book or the site on the page itself (and, thankfully, the first comment is awesomely worded).
Secondly, again I ask: Is it too late to add a chapter about stuff like this to the book? I think the premature freaking out over the idea of a book that with the subtitle "Why the obsession with virginity is hurting girls," coming to the conclusion that it MUST mean you support wild, wanton sex and Girls Gone Wild-ness, illustrates your point very, very well and may convince people of it more effectively than "Ever notice the sexy girl gets knifed first" and talking about a patriarchy most people take for granted and don't notice.
I'm wondering if your publisher has distributed any advanced copies of the book. It's fairly common practice to do this to generate hype and reviews before books come out. Granted, these copies aren't generally released half a year before a book is released, but it is possible that if any copies have been printed, that the book has been "leaked."
MissE, the book hasn't even been sent to the copyeditor, so I can guarantee you that no copies have been released. We def are going to send out advance copies, but that won't happen for another month or so.
Flippy, there's no more time for me to add a chapter, but I think that sentiment is in there anyway. :)
Ishtar, AlexM, Lily, Jill, and (wow there are too many of you to name!) everyone else - thank you SO much for the kind comments. They made my day.
Oh, and I got rid of the troll. :)
Yikes! the powers of self delusion at work for the conservative right...there's a new one.
Anyhow, I think it's funny how scared she got by the prospect that you were confronting her belief structure. See if a girl wants to wait till marriage , I think "hey it's her decision" but when even the idea of someone challenging your so called decision makes you spill into a lying shitstorm of stupidity, it makes you wonder if it was choice or brainwashing. I wonder what the psychological implications of creepy quasi-incestuous self-hating purity mantras have on female growth?
That’s why this book will sell. It’s provocative, smart, and rings true. I’m glad you decided to write an entire book on this subject---I thought it was one of the greatest points you made in “Full Frontal Feminism.”
It's been interesting to read all the comments -- here and on my blog -- and I'm glad there's a conversation. I might have clarified that it was the book's title that lead me to the website. My blog was more about things I ran across on feministing.com than the book -- which I obviously haven't read. I should have clarified that point more solidly. That aside, I plan on reading the book when it does come out and will do so with an open mind. I look forward to posting about it then as well.
MissE, no offense but I think you're giving conservative ab-ed fucktards WAAAAAY to much credit.
Jessica- Once again I love what you're doing with your new book, and I just want to express how much it means to me. I can't wait to buy it when comes out! You're such a role model for me and other women. Keep on keeping on!
She doesn't say anywhere on that blog post that she's read the book at all. Could you quote the bit that mentions the book or its content? She seems to only refer to Feministing (and says so explicitly, in fact).
Jeez, late to post. Listen. This is some damn bullllshit. Jessica, isn't it great that these people can be so easily called on their bullshit due to the fact that the book hasn't been released? Hooray! I say we celebrate everytime you can rub their noses in their poop.
Ithika - "For some thought-provoking reading, check out Jessica Valenti’s “The Purity Myth: How America’s Obsession with Virginity is Hurting Young Women.” Cassy Fiano’s post on the book today lead me to check it out for myself."
In case you need a refresher on sentence construction, the last "it" in that direct quote from Ericka's blog refers to the book that she mentions immediately before that, which she calls "thought-provoking reading." Now, if that "it" referred to Feministing (which had not been mentioned yet on her post) then your assertion would be correct. But she CLEARLY refers to Jessica's book as something she has read and encourages others to read.
And Jessica, as so many others have said, I'm glad to be here (de-lurked) and a little miffed you took my book idea. Great site, and I can't wait to (actually) read your book!!
Welcome to my new post series, Pure Lies.
Yar! I'll totally be there. I'll even bring cookies.
The fact that people are trashing it before they could have ever read it, whilst tsk-tsking you regarding your assumptions, is delectably ironic. Don't let it get you down. At least if people say the same lame crap post-release, you can point out that they are echoing the negative assumptions of critics who never even so much as read the liner notes. I.e., anyone who later wants to make the same (ill-informed, already-tiresome) arguments you are seeing now is going to immediately look like a Grade A, blue-ribbon asshole.
@Jessica: Something I just noticed is that she actually QUOTES YOU insinuating that you do not endorse Girls Gone Wild in any fashion, then somehow comes to the conclusion that you love them. What the hell?
@Ericka Anderson: While you claim to have perused Feministing, you must have just been perusing, as I don't see how anyone could actually read/comprehend the site's material and still come up with the conclusions you did.
It kills me (cracks me up) that the main problem of her post (there was no book) was so quickly swept under the carpet...
Christina Hoff Sommers is a feminist philosopher? Sorry to hear about the shit Jessica but maybe we can help you stir it up again just before the book is released and sell some copies!
Christina Hoff Sommers is a feminist philosopher in the same way that the KKK works for racial equality.
I'm looking forward to reading Jessica's book! And I'm sorry (but unsurprised) this ridiculous shit is already being written.
While I can understand how enraging it must be to see completely distortions about you and your work on the internet, I can't help but see this whole thing as a giant example of feeding the trolls. I see these conservative bloggers as pretty insignificant, with probably only a fraction of the readership that Feministing has. (I may be wrong - they may be more powerful than I give them credit for.) But honestly, why give them so much play?
This is the spin they will place on your book's perspective, whether they read it or not, because they've got ideological stuff at stake. Anyone in possession of a brain, respect for intelligent writing, and of course, a level of feminist understanding will recognize these posts for what they are: not worth our time.
This was fun.
It's like a troll war where one side uses arguments reliant upon logic and the other hurls pejoratives.
You know whats fun, constructing and abusing logical dichotomies.
http://culture11.com/blogs/ladyblog/2008/10/09/is-purity-a-myth/#comment-1606
Cheers,
-SPiHC
And this is what makes me SO I-want-to-hurt-these-people angry: these motherfuckers have the gall to co-opt a less repressive view of sex and suddenly feminist = whatever the f*ck Joe Francis is selling.
The willful ignorance--that "feminism" is essentially "pro-smut" and all "sexual liberation" is the same (that is to say, cheap, dehumanizing, licentious...it makes me so fucking angry.
It's like that ad John McCain used trying to paint Obama as a pervert...b/c he wanted to give "sex ed" to kindergartners (sex-ed that would help them avoid/speak out about MOLESTATION).
Pieces of shit.
The really funny thing is, someone else on LadyBlog has taken Andersen and Fiano to task for misrepresenting the book, here.
I feel a little bit weird about the response from feministing readers to the post on Ladyblog. Obviously I agree with where they're coming from but and I love feministing but I'm finding it hard to reconcile feminist beliefs with the behaviour of a lot of the commenters over there. Any thoughts? A lot of name calling, ganging up, personal attacks. I'm not sure it's something I'd like to think my fellow sisters would do to another woman. It seems really disrespectful. I'm questioning when fighting fire with fire is just lowering yourself to their level in the beautiful and incredibly dangerous anonymity of the web.
What do you guys think?
a new book? seems like i've been gone from feministing for far too long.
i really hope i have money by the time it comes out. its hard keeping money in my pocket with no job and spending tons of money on college.
and its pretty darn pathetic how people waste their time talking trash like that, specially when they dont have their facts right.
you tell 'em jessica!