What did you expect to find on a page called "Cunts"? If you were expecting wet naked babes, well... you came to the wrong place. If not, read on... (If you're Inga Muscio, can I kiss you?)

I've always been a feminist. It pisses me off to hear women say "well, I'm not really a feminist" like it's a dirty word. All of the negative associations that come along with feminism come from the people who feeled scared and threatened by the idea of feminine power. Well, feminine power isn't bitchy, it isn't emasculating, and it doesn't mean women have to act like men - or vice versa. Tangent: I had a lovely Latin teacher in middle school who always said "wicky wearsa", which is the correct Latin pronunciation of that phrase... personally I think that's much more fun. Feminism's goal is for all women and men and people in general to have the choice to do whatever they want (within reason, of course). We're not talking affirmative action, although that's a policy that has its uses; we're talking a reasonably level playing field... that is, for instance, women not making 74 cents on the dollar compared to men doing the same work. For me, feminism also hopes that men get family leave for births and childcare, that transgendered women and men feel comfortable dressing and acting as they please, and that mothers can afford to stay home with their kids, if that's what they want to do.

A brief history of feminism in the United States:

First Wave (Suffrage): Political power - the ability to vote, have our opinions heard, and work (sorta)

Second Wave (1960s-ish): Economic & social power - the REAL ability to work, get a decent eduction, be sexual, play sports, join the military

Third Wave (now-ish): Cultural power - the ability to choose to be oneself (that means choosing to be a sex worker, a stay at home mom, an abortion doctor, and identifying with a religion, race, sexual preference, or other culture)

So, cunts. "Cunt" is thought to be related to an ancient Indo-European word that means "priestess" (one of the many theories on the complex etymology of this jewel of a word). The word dates back to a time when women carried most of the burden of their cultures' spiritual needs and beliefs. And it turned into a word for the female anatomy (for rather obvious reasons). So why do we use it now as a curse? For most people, it's like the dirtiest word you can say. Well, I figure it has to have something to do with the masculine domination of religion and society that starts in early Rome (in the West). Leonard Shlain wrote a great book "Language Versus the Goddess" that takes a fascinating perspective on language & the shaping of human mind and society. Read it.

A year and some change ago, I picked up this book. As a testament to my me-ness, I actually picked it up because of the pretty red flower on the cover, but the title was pretty great, too. It was Inga Muscio's "Cunt: A Declaration of Independence." It's awesome. And one of the things I learned from her was that "cunt" was a word I wanted to reclaim. So, cunt it is. As a body part, it beats the hell out of "vagina" (Latin for sheath or covering of a sword, by the way). And it's a great thing to call your galfriends. Especially when they do something particularly cunty - powerful, spiritual, nurturing - define it as you will. Reclaim the word and you reclaim the thing.

Rant over. See the links below to read on.

• A dissertation on the etymology of cunt.
• Bitch Magazine: don't just read it on the web, go out and buy it!
• Check out the lovely body image happiness at The Body Objective.
• I also love Fabula.
• Order your copies of "Cunt: A Declaration of Independence" from Inga Muscio herself.
• Yes, fat IS a feminist issue. Tell fat-haters to fuck off and go get some self-love over at Marilyn Wann's amazing site.
• I have yet to find a great site about menstruation, but here's a nice page.
• Of course, there's always the Museum of Menstruation. I'm not sure why Harry does this site or this museum, but it's kinda neat.
• Feminism's not just for women, and the Men's Movement ain't just for the guys, either. James Hillman, Robert Bly, Michael Meade... amazing and inspiring men, all.
• This is a beautiful, amazing collection of stories about mothers, motherhood, and mother metaforms.
• And here's a useful, if rather unattractive feminism site.
• Personally, I'm a Ralph Nader fan. Among his beautiful traits: Winona LaDuke is a wild and wonderful cunt.
• My beloved childhood friend who shall remain nameless is also one hell of a cunt. She'll let you read her diary.
• Another wonderous cunt: writing, comic creating chica Mari Naomi. But she won't let you read her diary.
• The sex industry is another feminist issue. 'Eroticism is empowerment.' Beth will tell you how it is.
• Some chicks who call themselves "Princess such and such" are scary. Others are wonderfully cunty and make good poetry.
• Or you could find out more about South Asian women at this site.
• An interesting summary of feminist history from Camille Paglia.
• I love women! Here's Zoe, yet another very cool chica. Don't eat that frog!
• More women (and some great guys) are on my list here.