Anatomical Jewel

by Libby Kelly

Daily Lobo

Cunt is one of the most despised and venomous words in the English language. However, this word was once a term of reverence. Inga Muscio, author of the book Cunt: A Declaration of Independence, attempts to reconcile this grievous mistake.

But don't give Muscio the preachy "feminazi" label so many feminists are branded with. Through exploring the word and the "anatomical jewel," Muscio delves deeply into what it means to be a woman and what should be done with this power. The text is used in some women studies courses at UNM.

Although she's on tour, Muscio took time out of her busy schedule to participate in an e-mail interview with the Daily Lobo.

Daily Lobo: What's your definition of feminism?

Inga Muscio: In the context of anti-racism, anti-imperialism, indigenous rights and trans/homo rights, I define feminism as a crucial aspect of revolutionary, radical resistance to the white men who are killing the Earth for profit.

DL: What were some of your influences and why?

IM: My influences pretty much span my entire life. From my mother raising four children on her own, to my Aunt Genie who's leg muscles rival those of a linebacker, to my Grammy, who never took any shit from anyone. By the time I was old enough to discover the world of feminism, I had already had years of feminist theory taught to me by these three ladies, only they never called it "feminist theory."

Other influences include the work of Diamanda Galas, Barbara G. Walker, Audre Lorde, Maia Linn, Remedios Varo and the punk rock band, Crass.

DL: How was feminism discussed in your family?

IM: It wasn't. It was a lived reality that was never named. I saw the women in my family in action. I think this is true for many women, especially women of color and I also think it is why many women do not identify as "feminists," even though they were possibly raised with feminism as a huge part of their lives.

Strong women who are busting their asses to raise their children live feminism, though they may not read the books or identify with the history of the feminist movement.

DL: What was the main thing that made you decide to write your book?

IM: I wanted to exact vengeance on the two men who raped my mother when she was nine-years old. Since I had no way of finding these men and (beating them up), much less making them understand the impact their action had on my entire family and upbringing, I decided to focus my rage in a book instead.

DL: Was the impact of the book what you expected or wanted?

IM: I just wanted people to like the book. I had no frame of reference. I did not know what happens after one pours their heart and soul into a book. In this way, I truly had no expectations, I just hoped people would read it.

So you can perhaps imagine that it came as a huge shock to me to find out that my book has become something of a "bible" for many young women. It has saved the lives of rape/incest survivors. It has inspired women to learn history, to read, to act, to believe in themselves.

To this day, this reality blows my mind and humbles me in a profound way.

DL: Has society devolved or evolved from the time you wrote the book in issues concerning feminism?

IM: At present, we are experiencing a massive de-evolution. Since Bush became "president," the collective white supremacist masculinity of this society has risen to horrific, possibly unprecedented proportions.

But, and this is a huge, magnificent "but," which I choose to focus on almost obsessively, this is the kind of thing happens right before massive, unprecedented changes occur. I feel the consciousness of people shifting.

For many, perhaps this does mean embracing their identity as a loud-mouthed, "patriotic," born-again asshole, but for most people on the planet, it means listening to their dreams, being unable to deny the psychic, auspicious circumstances that arise in their lives everyday.

The tide is turning, so goes the phrase, but when I look at the times right now, I see a wave. Right as a wave builds up to crash upon itself and jettison to the shore, the underside of the wave sucks up all the water it can.

This represents the de-evolution we are experiencing. In order to go forward, we must be pulled back. So to answer your question, society has to devolve to evolve.

DL: In the chapter "Acrimony of Cunts," you brought to light the competitive and sometimes hostile attitude between women and that most women feel this way subconsciously. Any suggestions on how to get the point across?

IM: It is very important to be gentle with oneself. We were raised in a brutal, hateful, racist culture. This has impacted our identities in millions of ways. The trick is recognizing these traits in yourself and putting them in the context of our cultural indoctrination.

One way to do this is to pretend like you love everyone. I know this sounds corny as hell in this society, but I stand by it nonetheless.

DL: Some women are opposed to feminism because they believe that men are stronger than women and therefore more powerful. What would you say to them?

IM: I would say, "You have not examined the historical and lived realities of women in the world, and remain at the mercy of a very mean-spirited cultural indoctrination which has shaped your identity and your mind.

It would be very interesting to continue this discussion with you after you have read the following books: Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur; Krik?Krak! by Edwidge Danticat; Almanac of the Dead by Leslie Marmon Silko; Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolpho Anaya; and a trilogy by Eduardo Galeano Faces and Masks, Century of the Wind and Genesis."