Rating: 
Summary: Bold and articulate
Review: My first reading of Pat Califia's work was in PoMoSexuals, a collection of essays where she was one of the contributors. Her writing was so eloquent and coherent that I sought out her books. In this collection of her essays, Califia challenges the muddled thinking and hyperbole so prevalent among feminists (especially Andrea Dworkin) about pornography and sexual "deviance." Califia's knowledge and arguments are stated clearly with humor and compassion. Many quotable quotes such as: "It is true that pornography is marketed for a male audience, but there are women who enjoy it. I do not think it sufficient to say these women are brainwashed by the patriarchy, since women are socialized NOT to use erotic materials." (p. 109)[about teen interest in sex] "Any attempt at independence and autonomy by a young person is seen as wickedness, rebellion, and evil." (p. 80) And: "It is adult outrage and shame over such perfectly normal activities that give young people the idea that there's something wrong with sex or nudity, and intimidates them out of asking the questions they need to explore their own erotic natures." (p. 81) "Instead of praying for extraordinary talents, we should pray for the good sense to fully use the talents we have been given." (p. 259) I found this book informative and very thought provoking and recommend it for anyone with strong feelings, pro or con, about the rights of sexual minorities. ~~Joan Mazza, author of Dream Back Your Life; Dreaming Your Real Self; Things That Tick Me Off; and Exploring Your Sexual Self.
Rating:
Summary: Pat Califa is Goddess of Truth
Review: Well, that might be a little much, but she certainly is a dissonant voice of reason. I discovered Pat Califia when my women's studies friends were pasing around her book of dirty stories "Macho Sluts" (yuck! disgusting! misogynist! ooh, nice!) and was one of the few to actually read the introduction. Wow, I thought, this woman is a genius and a slut. Which I have since considered a sign of genuine feminine maturity. Califia isn't just "emotional and lusty" - she's sharply aware, grounded and logical. Califia's work tells us to speak from our loins and we can't go wrong. And she's right.
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