In one of the most classic comic plays of theater history, Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" is one of the first works in which a band of women defeat men—with their wiles. Lysistrata herself and the women of Greece band together to stop the war between Athens and Sparta by refusing sex to their husbands. This week in my Theatre History class, I was asked a question: Could this strategy work today?
According to Ronnie Oldham, “Lysistrata’s scheme to force the men of Greece to the peace table could never have been successful. Property concerns, gender roles, and the sexuality of Athenian men prevented Athenian women from exerting the necessary political influence.” But with property concerns and some gender roles no longer an issue, and homophobia in men a big issue, could it be successful in 2016?
1. Cheating
Online cheating has become an epidemic. According to Daily Mail, there were at least 12,000 registered users on Ashley Madison alone. Therefore, the idea of a man’s wife withholding sex from him may not phase the men as it did in "Lysistrata." Sex is easier to find in 2016.
2. Rape Culture
In "Lysistrata," Kalokine asks “What if they drag us into the bedroom? What if they slap us?” to which Lysistrata replies: “You know there’s no fun for men when they have to force you.” But in 2016 we can see that this sentiment is not necessarily true. One in five women are sexually assaulted in their lifetimes, and 78 percent of women who were sexually assaulted knew their attacker. It is more true than ever that some men do find it more satisfying and fun to force women into sex so therefore Lysistrata’s sentiment is null and void.
3. Sex Toys
Now for the big issue: sex toys. People have been using objects for sex since the beginning of time, but the sex toy industry has made quite a few advances. Some examples of sex toys for men include dolls in the shape of humans, “pocket pussies” and anal vibrators. Even men’s magazines such as Men’s Health have posted articles such as "11 Best Sex Toys for Men." The sex toy industry is everywhere for those who cannot find partners, choose to participate with their partners, or do not enjoy sex with a partner and are easily accessible. Once again: strategy null and void.
4. Anti-Feminists
It is completely ridiculous to believe or assume that every woman in America would band together to refuse sex to men—and this isn’t just about what women want. Some women may see it as blasphemous to refuse a man anything due to religious beliefs.
So as great as it may be to think about every woman banding together to fight for a cause, it’s just plainly impossible. That’s why women must still fight with their brains, words and sometimes fists, not their genitalia.
