Comments on: The Purity Myth, Jessica Valenti

By: The Literary Horizon: Wimp Factor, The Purity Myth « The Literary Omnivore

The Literary Horizon: Wimp Factor, The Purity Myth « The Literary Omnivore — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 02:29:02 +0000

[…] Jenny at Jenny’s Books agrees with Valenti, but thought she was too dismissive of counter-arguments; Heather at Book Addiction enjoyed it, but thinks the tone is aimed a little young. […]

By: Vasilly

Vasilly — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 04:22:42 +0000

If the author’s arguments are that bad, I definitely don’t need to read this. I’m pretty good at disagreeing with people but I HATE it when people decide they need to act like an ass to get their point across, then it becomes personal. Luckily that doesn’t happen very often, so it’s discussions are usually “agree to disagree”.

Father-daughter purity balls give me the creeps too. 🙁

By: Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:51:45 +0000

In reply to Iris. Can I recommend Hanne Blank's Virgin: An Untouched History? It doesn't cover all the same territory, but it touches on a lot of the same issues; and as well, it's a really interesting history of the concept of virginity. I loved it.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:45:20 +0000

In reply to Nymeth.

I don’t even necessarily mind that she’s disrespectful of the groups with whose opinions she disagrees–I’d feel happier if she weren’t, but it’s not my main objection. I think mainly I’m bothered by her failure (well, refusal) to engage in any meaningful way with the standpoints of her opponents.

By: trapunto

trapunto — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:23:19 +0000

In reply to trapunto. I was kind of noticing a lack of offended conservatives in the comments section...

By: trapunto

trapunto — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:18:19 +0000

In reply to Jenny. I so believe this! Now they will have to do studies to find out what actually *does* make people change their opinions. They've done one with music that proves people start liking kinds of music based on exposure time.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:02:08 +0000

In reply to Jenny. We're in DC proper about 6 blocks from the White House. Outside of work and the once in a while obligatory cocktail/smooze things, you can escape the politics all the time discussions. No matter what C-SPAN broadcasts, we don't all sit around talking about Congressional committee hearings. At least I don't. :-)

By: Iris

Iris — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:07:57 +0000

Hm, I’m interested in the topic, but after reading your review I don’t think Valenti is the place to start.

By: Nymeth

Nymeth — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 07:27:04 +0000

You’re not the first to tell me that Valenti makes no effort at all to be respectful of those with different opinions, which is really a pity regardless of how abhorrent those opinions can be. It’s especially a pity because that’s likely to make people get defensive rather than listening to all the good points she’s making. I have a feeling I’d also find this disappointing, though like Amy said maybe it’d work for someone finding these ideas for the first time.

By: Teresa

Teresa — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:42:47 +0000

In reply to Jenny.

I technically don’t live in DC, but I can almost see it from my house, so I guess that sort of counts. There’s more political engagement than I’m used to but not as much as you might think. Everyone has political opinions (more so than where I’m from), but not everyone is actively involved in politics. None of my close friends are, and I’d have to go pretty far down my list of acquaintances to find even a lobbyist.

It’s actually a nice place to live. Lots of theater and Ethiopian food.