GRGR(8) Discussion Opener

[Joe Varo]

On Tue, 14 Jan 1997,  Paul Mackin wrote:

> Thanks to Sean for understanding what I was saying re the C-word
> question.
> 
> I don't GET Bonnie's reaction. For one thing it doesn't
> sufficiently distinguish between the original question (discussion
> opener) and the attempt by yours-truly to supply a humble
> answer. Don't know if she's lighting into me or Joe. Probably
> both. Sean helped lift THAT kind of confusion by quoting only MY
> part (see below). Wish Bonnie would clarify further. 

Yeah, I wasn't sure who (if anybody in particular) Bonnie was lighting
into either.  At first blush, I took it as her reacting to the question
from the aspect of the very *asking of the question* perhaps being an
instance of the sterilizing/sanitizing effect of some previous topics
which have been discussed on this list...and I'm not even going to name
those topics, for fear of more debate [flaming] on them.

> 
> Incidently, unlike Joe, I don't remember anyone (female or male) 
> ever objecting vigorously to the word "cunt" in  the way Pynch
> uses it. They wouldn't want to be CALLED one, of course (synecdocean
> usage). Might not even have liked its LITERAL usage being tossed
> around in an aggressive and reckless manner.
>
> [...]

It's not that I know of anyone who objects to the word as TRP uses it, but
that I know some females who object to it in *any* way it might be used.

I agree with Bonnie that any of the other slang names for the female
genitalia, used in this context, indeed would have sounded stupid.  The
other terms (pussy, quim, muff, etc) would have sounded almost childish
and to use the term "vagina" would have detracted from the sensuality or
sexuality of the passage.

But still, one must admit that "cunt", like all of the other
"four-letter-words" does have a harsh sound to it, whether it be the
result of socialization or something innate, I'm not sure.

I just threw out the idea as a discussion opener.  Seems to have served
its purpose, and perhaps redeeming somewhat a rather shoddy overall
GRGR(8) Discussion Opener.

Joe