Who’s Afraid Of Wolf’s Vagina?

More sharp writing from Helen Razer on Naomi Wolf’s new book:

I am looking at the phrase “Goddess Array” and I cannot look away. I am looking at the phrase “Goddess Array” and I fear that if I look any longer, my vagina might permanently close for shame.

I am looking at the phrase “Goddess Array” in the work that contains it and considering the possibility that, instead of a work of serious feminism by Naomi Wolf, I have in my hand a day-spa menu whose copy was commissioned by someone called Anthea who enjoys “eastern wisdom” and holidays in Ubud.

You know the place; one of Enya’s bastards continues the perverse tradition of pan-pipes and whining on the sound system. There’s a Buddha next to an oil-burner next to a display of take-home “botanicals” as used in the “Goddess Array” facial which promises to balance your oily t-zone and chakras as never before. There are almost certainly some ornamental references to Bali, here. And Japan. Definitely India. There is a treatment named in the honour of Deepak Chopra.

This is the place where pseudo-science meets selfishness. Welcome; here is your robe. And, welcome to Naomi Wolf’s Vagina.

The “Goddess Array”, by-the-bye, is not the name of an actual day-spa treatment. Although it should be. In fact, the array is orgasm accoutrement. These are all the items needed for us to experience pleasure Wolf-style. And, let me tell you, Wolf has some pretty specific sexual aspirations…