Vox Clamantis
By Eliana Piper '14
Published on Monday, February 20, 2012
To the Editor:
In a recent column, David Brooks asks whether the piece “The Little Coochi Snorcher that Could” in “The Vagina Monologues” is supportive of V-Day’s campaign to end violence against women (“A Controversial Monologue,” Feb. 13). In this monologue, a homeless woman, whom I will be portraying in Dartmouth’s production, recounts her memories of violence, rape and finally a sexual encounter with an older woman that seems to condone illicit sexual activity.
I disagree with Brooks’ assessment that the experience recounted by my character constitutes sexual assault. My character consents three times to the incident in question, and her ability to think on her feet quickly indicates that she is able to make rational decisions. It is for this reason that I stand by my previous statement to Dartbeat that she becomes a willing sexual being (“Eliana Piper ’14: ‘The Little Coochi Snorcher that Could,’” Jan. 29).
Brooks criticizes what he calls the “celebratory and justified tone of the assault.” Regardless of whether this event constitutes rape, relating the experience is not condoning it — it is simply sharing it in its entirety. “The Vagina Monologues” are about experiences — with violence, pleasure and everything in between. It does not justify these experiences, but rather encourages us to grapple with the issues they raise. I applaud Brooks for examining these issues — afterall that is the purpose of V-week. However, I find fault with his equating “defending” the “Coochi Snorcher” monologue with expressing an opinion different from his.
This monologue increases awareness, revitalizes the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations and creates dialogue about violence against women. So no, the Coochi Snorcher is not “at odds” with the goals of the production.
Eliana Piper ’14