'Vagina Monologues' brings laughter, tears

My mother always said the best movies were the ones that could make you laugh and cry. While it isn't a movie, "The Vagina Monologues" did both for me. \n"The Vagina Monologues" was held last Friday through Sunday in the fine arts building to raise money for Middle Way House, Girls Incorporated and the Comfort Women.\n'Comfort Women' were young women of various ethnic and national backgrounds who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese government during World War II from 1932 to 1945. There were between 50,000 and 200,000 women estimated to have been 'comfort women.' \nToday the surviving 'comfort women' are between 70 and 90 years old. Their wish still remains for an official apology from the Japanese government. However, the Japanese government still denies legal responsibility and has recently removed crimes against women from their history and textbooks. \nAfter learning that my $10 was going to support such worthy causes, I decided it was definitely worth it.\nThe monologue "The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy" was the funniest of all. I applaud Tema Sall for having the courage to roll around on stage moaning and touching herself in a fit of imitated intimacy. Everyone in the audience, nearly 100 people Friday night, laughed hysterically.\nWhile many of the monologues were humorous, some were also sad. "My Vagina was My Village" reminded me of the tragedies, like rape, that befall many women. I believe every man should see "The Vagina Monologues." Men are taught to love their penises, while women are taught to hate and avoid their vaginas. Women and men alike are afraid of vaginas. If more men understood the secrecy attached to vaginas, they could help break the cycle of silence and misunderstanding. \nThe auditorium was sparsely sprinkled with men, most of whom were either slouched in their seats, having been lugged by their girlfriends, or attended only because they were receiving extra credit for class. It is important that men realize they too can stand for women's rights, support the women they love and be a part of the solution. \nIt is important for women to understand their bodies, celebrate and love them. After seeing the women on stage laugh, scream and, at times, cry about their vaginas, I left the auditorium feeling empowered. Every woman should know that feeling.