RSS feed
| Cosmo Hates Jessica Alba |
 |
 |
 |
|
No, not really—she’s a typical fixture in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and generally represents what the magazine stands for (like shopping, and being sexy). However, that didn’t stop the editors from writing the phrase “Untamed Va-jay-jays” around the area where her actual vagina should be. It’s definitely eye-catching if not because it’s offensive yet cutesy than because it’s visually so white and bold. The “va-jay-jay” got its origin on a 2007 episode of “Grey’s Anatomy”(a medical drama) and was than picked up by Oprah. She adopted it into her lexicon, using it so often that gossip television started to make fun of it; there’s even a youtube va-jay-jay remix with over 24,000 hits. It was then featured on a 2008 cover of Cosmo featuring Rhianna, in which it was used to describe “your lovely lady parts”. In spite of this, the term “va-jay-jay” hasn’t made such an unapologetic appearance in the media for a while. Cue untamed Jess Alba. The va-jay-jay story is about the new trends in pubic hair, ranging from the au natural to the vajazzled (rhinestones adorn the pubic triangle, like underwear that won’t come off). Jennifer Love Hewitt is a staunch vajazzler, and talked about it on “Lopez Tonight”; look at the shock and dismay on George Lopez’s face when she tells him she’s currently “vajazzled”. George Lopez looks a bit the way I did when I saw the mag on the newsstand and than realized what was going on inside its pages—but I think my mouth was a bit more agape the whole time.
Worse than the shock over this issue, are the questions. For instance, why aren’t American women viewed as mature enough to handle the word vagina? Would a men’s magazine ever refer to the penis as a pe-nay-nay (under a photo of George Clooney)? Are people generally offended by the word vagina, and what does that mean for women? Are we still supposed to mask our sex and be embarrassed of it? Why do women feel the need to vajazzle, and why is female pubic hair a matter of public discourse? Hmph! Sorry, if that was all a bit too Liberal Arts school, but I figured these issues could be comfortably aired on BUST. Let us know what you think, so we can get to the bottom of the va-jay-jay debate. Trackback(0)
Comments (40)
  written by antislice, August 24, 2010
There's also consistently using the word vagina instead of vulva. Not only are we afraid to use a clinical-sounding word, we frequently use the wrong one.
written by Lisa Goldman, August 24, 2010
In typical media vernacular, we assign all sorts of cutesy monikers to women's body parts (tits, tatas, chi chis, booty, onion (that's Aussie for "ass"), coochie, etc.) and now Va-jay-jay. I liken this to adult baby-talk; da doo doo doo, da da da da, that's all I want to say to you (thank you, Sting, right back at ya). What strikes me is even more strange and compelling is the fascination with adorning your pubic area with jewels, etc..Are men "Pe-Jazzling" their Pe-Nay Nays? Why are we now so compelled to be self-conscious about a body area that is rarely seen (except by ourselves, our doc, and a significant other, or random "encounter" with a Vajayjay or a Penaynay)? Media, folks. Media. How else to make $$$$ off our collective insecurities. So now we can Vajazzle our Vajayjay while douching with god-knows-what, because god-Forbid we SMELL!!! (remember the flavored douche ads from the 70s???)...
I find the whole concept of this both alarming and depressing as we continue to find ways to dissect women's bodies into more and more money-making constituent parts...
written by Carolinamidwife, August 24, 2010
Thank you, antislice! That drives me BONKERS. I'm a midwife and even among fellow midwives I constantly hear the word vagina used to describe the vulva. It's so hetero-centric to me that rather than calling it by a name that includes the area of the clitoris, people tend to refer to it with name that only describes entrance (or exit, in my field.)
 written by debbie, August 24, 2010
i love pe-nay-nay! gonna start using it all the time now!
written by cellista, August 26, 2010
I literally laughed out loud and almost choked on my coffee when I read the sentence "Would a men’s magazine ever refer to the penis as a pe-nay-nay (under a photo of George Clooney)?"
Thank you for the mid-afternoon chortle.
written by tommynomad, August 26, 2010
*sigh*
We need more Jane Fondas. As in, women who say "cunt" live on Good Morning America. @antislice and Carolinamidwife: soooo with you on "vulva." Do many men refer to their vas deferens?
written by Carolinamidwife, August 26, 2010
Comparing vulva to vas deferens is apples to oranges. The vulva is the sum of the external parts so it actually makes more sense to use vulva than vagina when talking about anything that occurs exteriorly, like waxing. You don't wax your vagina! You wax your labia majora which is part of the vulva.
The vas deferens is simply the duct that carries sperm... not a relevant comparison.
written by jeryllynn, August 26, 2010
we live in a world where not even our vagina's are safe, articles like that make us so self conscious on how our VAGINA"S look! here we are trimming and dyeing, now bedazzling, when it comes down to it it's still a VAGINA!!!!!! I find it appaling that women actually get surgery to "correct" their VAGINA'S.
written by feathernorth, August 26, 2010
My guy and I are deeply enamoured of my vajayjay, my princess pocket, my cooter, my pinks and furries, my poon, my velvet envelope, my pussy, and my cunt. My vulva and vagina I keep for my gynecologist.
And I would love to see George Clooney's pe-nay-nay highlighted on the cover a men's magazine. I'd like to see his pe-yay-yay pretty much anywhere, actually. I understand that no one should be dictating the state of our delicates, but it's this kind self-righteous humorlessness that makes too many women not want to call themselves feminists. Lighten up already.
written by rizzle, August 26, 2010
who the hell wrote this? bust uses cutesy slang and euphemisms for just about every conceivable part of a womans anatomy. so why are you getting up cosmos poop shoot about it?
subscription envy???? and i'm with Antislice on the vagina/vulva debate. get it right bitches!
written by Flamestitch, August 26, 2010
I don't use the term because I think it's stupid, so it's fitting that it lands on the cover of Cosmopolitan so often. If I hear someone use it, I just think that she watches too much daytime TV, and that she is also stupid, which just means that we can't be friends. I don't care what people call their junk, so long as it doesn't identify them as a nineteen-year-old asshole.
written by beee, August 26, 2010
Well it's better than it being completely unmentionable. And if the article is about embracing pubic hair then that's good too. I'm tired of women thinking they have to look like a hairless plastic doll or prepubescent to be sexy. Pity that we had to wait for Cosmo to announce it as a "Trend" though (which implies it's sexy until it is replaced by the new "Trend" which will be arriving with the next issue). But male pubic hair is increasingly a matter of public discourse too. I would be interested to compare this to an article about "manscaping". I don't think it's cosmo's fault- it's a cultural problem that there really are not good words to describe women's genital area. Vagina and vulva are both too precise and anatomical. Pussy is just as infantilising as va-jay-jay and has been reconfigured as a slur. The C-word has it's offensive connotations that I think are slowly weakening, but it's still a no-go word for many women. At least va-jay-jay represents an attempt by women to name their bodies in an affectionate and positive way that hasn't been hijacked as a term of insult. Yes we haven't quite found the right word yet, but at least we're trying. And in any case, it's not like terms for male genitalia are so value-free either.
written by Kenziejane, August 26, 2010
I don't use the term because I think it's stupid, so it's fitting that it lands on the cover of Cosmopolitan so often. If I hear someone use it, I just think that she watches too much daytime TV, and that she is also stupid, which just means that we can't be friends. I don't care what people call their junk, so long as it doesn't identify them as a nineteen-year-old asshole. [2]
written by Veggiepants, August 27, 2010
My ex was saying "Va Jay Jay" in 2004. Grey's Anatomy in '07? PLEASE! (Also - this was not at all offensive. Men don't say "penis" in a hip way. At least we have an alternative phrase.)
written by OpenVaJayJayInsertFoot, August 27, 2010
I feel so oppressed because Cosmo referred called my pink taco as a va-jay-jay.
PS - The term was created way before 2007, and most likely before the writer of this was born.
written by pinkmoon, August 27, 2010
I'm with feathernorth and beee. While I would be super stoked to see the word "cunt" flying proud on the cover of Cosmo, it seems America isn't that hip,yet. And Va-jay-jay is a hilarious word! How can you not love it just for the laugh-factor? It's nice to have feminism with a sense of humor (part of why Bust is so great).
I think it shows progress even for cutesy euphemisms like vajayjay to appear on the cover of Cosmo, compared to times when the mere subject of vulvas, vaginas, or cunts was too taboo to mention, let alone emblazon in bold letters in front of Jessica Alba's crotch (and I give Cosmo kudos for that). And the fact that they're openly discussing pubic hair is pretty forward. It's high time that women's magazines addressed the idea that women can reclaim more natural hair. I, for one, am well sick of the porno/ pseudo pre-pubescent look as the standard. And while I find vajazzling completely bewildering and a waste of money, I can sort of see how it would be fun if you had the extra cash. Like a mani-pedi, but for your cunt. As long as we're doomed to be a society of consumers, why not glitter up your vag, I guess. In fact, it kind of reminds me of one of the poems from For Colored Girls...so hey, whatever tickles your fancy. Oh, and re: feathernorth, I like your term pe-yay-yay even better, than pe-nay-nay,esp. in regards to Mr. Clooney...yay indeed. I think you should make pe-yay-yay a fad.
written by Mais, August 27, 2010
Oh man, I cant get over Pe-nay-nay...I really hope I dont slip one day and order Pe-nay-nay instead of PENNE...
written by Leonore Tiefer, August 27, 2010
I hope some of you will be interested in coming to a one-day conference in Las Vegas, Sept 26, 2010, "FRAMING THE VULVA: GENITAL COSMETIC SURGERY AND GENITAL DIVERSITY" It will deal with a lot of these topics!! http://newviewcampaign.org/conference3.asp for details.
written by Colleen K, August 27, 2010
"I don't care what people call their junk, so long as it doesn't identify them as a nineteen-year-old asshole."
That just says you do care... so much so that you end up profiling a whole person based on a tiny slice of vernacular.
written by vdl, August 27, 2010
Thanks for writing about this. I think that so many women are used to being infantilized that many don't even think of the implications of this word - or other childish terms used to refer to us or our bodies. I think its fine if other commentors are not offended, but it is disturbing how willing women are to groom themselves to a man's liking when it is rarely the other way around.
written by kimn, August 27, 2010
Feathernorth - I couldn't agree more. In fact, it's this type of humorless view-point that's actually got me thinking about canceling my BUST subscription. There is somewhat of a valid discussion being hinted at here: Why are women bedazzling their pubes? And, yes, in some cases, some women are too shy about calling their lady bits by their correct names...
But, really, when it comes down to it, if some chick wants to glue some sparkles to her pubes, that her business. Maybe it makes her feel sexy, maybe it's b/c she's insecure. We'll never know. But, it seems to me, that in the world of feminism so long as it's coming from a place of empowerment, then it's okay. But if, god forbid, your insecure and doing it, well, those are just all the wrong reasons and it must be that society and the men in it are making you that way. Everyone is insecure about something...and yes, media and advertising prey on those insecurities. It comes down to individual responsibility for one's self. You have to just be aware of all the bullshit that's out there, and what works for you and what doesn't. And you can't just automatically say, "you don't see men out there bedazzling their pe-nay-nays," b/c of course you're not going to -- they're men. But lots, and lots of men do "manscape" and, who knows, maybe some dude out out there somewhere is in touch w/ his feminine side and gluing jewels to himself right now. I just fail to see how the comparison really has any validity. As for the nicknames, so what? I joke around and call my pussay whatever fun nickname comes to mind sometimes - but know when it's appropriate to call it by it's real name, just as all women should. And when I saw that on the cover of Cosmo, I just laughed, I mean, come on "Untamed Va-jays-jays" -- is it impossible to think that the folks at Cosmo were also having a go laugh? Are European women's magazine putting the word vagina on their covers? Are European women worried about what vajazziling "means" to our rights as women? I just perhaps we're over thinking the small stuff a bit. Maybe we should focus more on true issues of equality.
written by Tim Bannock, August 27, 2010
Not to be all hoity-toity, but the term "vajayjay" did NOT originate on Grey's Anatomy. Two instances of it's use long before then are described below:
From Mike: "It was either the summer of 2001 or 2002 when I was hanging out with a friend of mine (Doug), and I met a good friend of his (Damien). Damien said quite repeatedly over the course of several days that Doug, 'had sand in (his) vajayjay.'" From Adam: "...I was introduced to the term by MC Paul Barman in his song "MTV get off the air, Part 2" which was released on his album back in 2000 and was originally recorded in 1999." Sorry, Emilie!
written by Flamestitch, August 27, 2010
"That just says you do care... so much so that you end up profiling a whole person based on a tiny slice of vernacular."
You are right, I do care, and as I mentioned, I think it's stupid. That's what the qualifier, "so long as" means.
written by feathernorth, August 27, 2010
@kimm this is the kind of conversation that actually reminds me why I need to renew my bust subscription--who else is going to have an open forum on vajazzing that is thoughtful and unsheepy?
written by Fibretrim, August 28, 2010
what am I if I want to friggen eat jessica alba out in my dreams but in reality I am soo attracted to the male. Like I like her personality and looks, and I feel that way about some special girl friends that i have, but I am sexally attracted to the males.
written by Regina II , August 28, 2010
Honey, you haven't lived until you've put an AFRO Sheen Blow-out kit on your pubes.....BIG, PUFFY & SOFT !!! Maybe we should write an updated Broadway musical...instead of "HAIR", let's call it "PUBES" ....and celebrate it!
written by replica handbagss, August 29, 2010
this is something i have been very interested in lately. thanks.
written by Rachel B, August 29, 2010
I am mostly in love with the term pe-nay-nay now. Also, I prefer to use the term "mons pubis". It makes people way more uncomfortable than the term va jay jay.
written by rastapasta, August 29, 2010
Pe-nay-nay would be so confusing. Every dancehall reggae fan knows that punani is for the lady parts.
written by mag, August 30, 2010
I would have much preferred if the title on cosmo was something along the lines of "Wild and Crazy Cunts" or "Rampant Twats"...but thats just me...
I have numerous issues with this cover. 1. The term Vajayjay is stupid. Lets call our lady parts as what they are, vaginas,vulvas,clits, breasts...these are not "Clinical" terms, these are accurate, non-cutesy, straight-up phrases. We shouldn't feel the need to cute up our vaginas. Think about the difference in the type of slang that refers to womens parts and the types that refer to mens parts. Women: flower, vajayay, taco, hoo-ha, pussy men: dick, cock, schlong, sword How come they get all the hard,(no pun intended)forceful names and we get botanically influenced, cute names??...just seems a little twisted...And when we do use names that are equally forceful and gripping, like snacth, cunt and twat, it is considered vulgar and in bad taste? 2. why the obsession with altering the way our vaginas look? why do we need to encrust them with jewels or wax them bald? and why is this a matter of fashion rather than personal taste? I feel like some ladies feel the need to "makeover" their parts so that they are more aesthecally pleasing, which is fine and all, I like a good brazilian as much as the next chick, but doesn't this constant upkeeping imply that there is something wrong with vaginas as they are naturally? Although some may argue otherwise, our vag's are not man eating, vagina dentata's, so perhaps we should stop treating them as "befores" to some elusive "after" picture. Listen, Call your crotch what you want, decorate and design it however you like but lets be ashamed of what we have by hiding behind sparkles and fluffy names.
written by feathernorth, August 31, 2010
"I like a good brazilian as much as the next chick?"
I am a human female, not juvenile poultry. I'm not offended or degraded though, because I know to say you like a hairless vagina as much as the next human female is awkward and overly formal and not what you really meant to say at all.
written by mag, September 01, 2010
feathernorth,
Im glad you are not offended by my sarcasm because yes I did mean that vaginas with or without hair are acceptable. and that I dont believe in infantilizing lady parts with silly names like princess pocket. If you dont want to use "medical" terms at least avoid names that echo baby talk and use terms a little less sheepish and demeaning.
written by AAsh, September 03, 2010
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
"I call mine roast beef sandwich" Dude, Seriously the funniest responce to any article I have read all week! HAHAHAHAHA And all you ladies ( I'm one too) Let your sisters call it whatever the hell they want!!!!!!! Stop bitching at each other.
written by Allene, September 06, 2010
People who have responded to this article as "humourless" are missing the point, I think. With regard to pubic adornment, here absolutely is a double standard for men and women: kimn commented "of course [men aren't decorating their pubic areas] -- they're men", which is EXACTLY case in point! Why is being "men" the reason? Because we've been trained over decades and decades that prettying up is what "women" do, and being naturally attractive is what "men" do. It's not human nature to be putting jewels on our crotches or whatever, we've been convinced and conditioned to believe that this is "attractive"! While we all make our own decisions as to whether or not we agree that it's attractive and therefore whether or not we want to subscribe to popular beauty standards, articles like this one remind us that we're being told what's attractive by moneymaking corporations. Somebody has to be "humourless" because so many women accept the beauty myth without giving it a second thought.
As for the use of the word "va-jay-jay", I agree that it's not necessarily offensive, but it's sad that we wouldn't flinch over seeing the word "penis" in bold on the cover of a magazine, but "vulva" or "vagina" would turn lots of people off. Oh, and feathermoth - I think the thing that makes many women not "want to call themselves feminists" is their not being educated enough on the subject. What seems like a lack of humour on the surface is actually an educated and earned anger toward everything that is still broken in our world.
written by lacuna1982, September 13, 2010
"vajayjay"= "acceptable" word for vagina
"vagina", therefore, is unacceptable, and/or dirty yet the male anatomical reference, "penis" is completely acceptable, as the article states. The dilemma ties into gender norms, roles, and oppression. Through using language like this, we implicitly state which gender is superior, and which is to be regarded as inferior.
Write comment
|
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Men have sooo many nicknames for their penis; it's about time women had a few too. Women vejazzle because it's fun. And what's wrong with it being discussed in public? That's actually pretty cool that people are able to talk about it so casually and comfortably.