The University’s Center for the Study of Women in Society held a screening and panel discussion of “The Purity Myth: The Virginity Movement’s War Against Women” as the first of a series of events Wednesday night in Lawrence Hall.
The film is based on a book by Jessica Valenti, founder of the site “Feministing” and named one of the Top 100 Women in 2011 by The Guardian. The film and discussion largely focused on the sexualization of women in popular culture and politics, questioning why women have continually been characterized by, according to the film, what they do with their bodies as opposed to their intelligence and compassion.
“I thought the event was really interesting,” said Deborah Green, a professor from the department of religious studies. “One of the things I really liked about this event is that CSWS brings in different perspectives.”
Carol Stabile, CSWS director, journalism and women’s and gender studies professor, invited three professors from various departments – April Haynes (history), Priscilla Yamin (political science), Peter Laufer (School of Journalism and Communication), as well as Planned Parenthood activist Kamala Shugar to discuss issues the movie brought up. Talk ranged from historical women’s rights and abolition movements to conservative, right-wing radio shows.
Stabile highlighted that the “The Purity Myth” was especially important to screen because it targets college-age women and the sexualization of young women in general.
“It’s important for us to provide different viewpoints so people have tools to criticize myths,” Stabile said.