Reading the book "Coming to Power" was definitely something different than what I am used to reading. The book explores many different themes and reading the book, I came to the conclusion that the purpose for the book was for women to explore their bodies and sexual fantasies that they may want to explore. In our society, there is a lot of controversy about lesbian/gay relationships, and for women there was a time when they were not allotted any rights, so for this particular novel being published, it showed how far women have come.
When I say that the book was for women to explore their bodies and experiencing things they may not necessarily have did before, and example of this is in the story "How many more" by Crystal Bailey, her friend Chris who had never experienced S/M was curious and would ask certain questions such as "Will you spank me? Will it hurt?(pg. 22)" shows her curiosity about her sexuality and S/M and wanting to get to explore that side of herself. Mandy who was supposed to be the "dominant" person even questions herself, for instance "Did I like the boss/slave part of the game? Did I really know how to push her and yet stay where there was a semblance of security for both of us?(pgs.23-24)". Basically, the novel reminded me of a individual person trying to figure out what pleases them sexually.
Although, I would have never read anything such as this novel on my own, it helped me not be judgmental and realize that we all at some point in our lives have to explore things that may please our lives and make us fulfilled.
About Me
- Quine
- My name is Quine and I'm a senior at Cal State Northridge majoring in Liberal Studies. The reason for this blog is for my class which is a Liberal Studies Capstone course. On these blogs we will be analyzing "The Politics of Violence" because there are so many forms of violence and by blogging it can help with different viewpoints of what violence is.
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Quine, just like you, I never would have stumbled across this book on my own (and so we have Prof. Barnard to thank for that!) And indeed, the book gives us a different perspective on things, specifically about sexuality or the expression of those sexual urges. Juicy Lucy in “Coming to Power” confronts her reader to “look around “and perhaps realize that S/M is not as perverse as it’s portrayed to be and even challenges the reader, “Do you see yourself?” (p.33)
ReplyDeleteDespite all the criticisms and attacks that the book have received, one of its undeniable strength is its audacity. Like you said, it’s about one’s attempt to figure out what pleases one sexually. It gives the reader a glimpse of how it is like to be engaged in that kind of sexual practice which is still widely considered taboo in our culture.
You correctly pointed out that there is a lot of controversy about lesbian/gay relationships in our society. I suspect part of that hostility is due to the tendency of human nature to be offended or fearful of things or behavior that we don’t understand. For instance, most of us are more comfortable with the heterosexual kind of orientation; the other kind—the one that destroys the cosmos, upsets the order of things—makes us a bit uneasy. But then also, part of that hostility may be due to envy. How dare you when I don’t dare. You have an experience that I don’t dare experience. How dare you!
So, yes, as you said, Quine, we can only hope that in our life’s explorations, we shall find happiness and fulfillment!
I definately do agree with you when you say that this book is unlike any you would have read typically. Although I personally found the text to be over the top, it did efficiently expressed the need to become one with your own sexuality and become aware of your wants and desires which is something many people struggle with throughout their adult life.Chris in "How Many More", reminded me of an inquisitive child that became annoying after the third question.I can honestly say that the book made me hopeful to one day have complete fulfillment over any aspect of my life as they have.Speaking on the subject makes me feel completely narrow minded but maybe its my own fear that's creating this shield.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of self exploration helps to understand this book a bit further. When looked through that angle it is clear to see how much we fear feeling emotions and thoughts that we dare not even ponder for they have been condemned by society. All those restrictions put on our bodies may affect negatively the way a person relates with others. I do agree with you when you say that it was a huge step for the lesbian group that decide to perform S/M. I had never read a book like this either and it was quite shocking having to read porn and to get an inside view at what they thought and how they felt about it.
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