To the editor:

As one of the few men involved in “The Vagina Monologues” (TVM) production, I have a unique perspective from which to respond to Fred Olson.

Like him, I admire John Adams and Ken Wilber. And while I do not know the context of Adams’s comment that the Constitution was only for a “moral and religious” people, I am sure it had nothing to do with theatrical productions. Nor were Eve Ensler or anyone involved in Whidbey Island’s production of TVM motivated by avarice, ambition, revenge or gallantry the vices Adams warned against. Perhaps he agreed with his wife Abigail, who observed “all men would be tyrants, if they could.” This potential tyranny, as expressed in misogynous attitudes and violence against women, underscores the message of Ms. Ensler’s play.

I am puzzled by Mr. Olson’s attempt to connect Ken Wilber’s concern about “Boomeritis” with TVM. While discouraging the adoption of a victim mentality, I believe Wilber would encourage enabling women to feel more complete, more whole, more able, more self-integrated. Certainly the story of his marriage, described in “Grace and Grit,” supports this concept.

As a man, I am disturbed by Mr. Olson’s contention that we need to revert to those “conventional sexual mores that historically have … made civilization possible.”

Exactly what mores does Mr. Olson have in mind — arranged marriages? Religious and cultural sanctioned polygamy and cliterectomies? Women as second-class citizens by being denied right to vote or own property in their own names?

I applaud Mr. Olson for reading the play. However, believing it is the same as seeing a production is analogous to thinking one knows how to drive because one has read a driver’s manual.

Whidbey Island is a healthy and safe place to live and raise children because of events like “The Vagina Monologues.” We want our daughters to grow up celebrating being female. We want them to know about their bodies, to oppose misogynistic and victimizing attitudes and people. We want them to be aware of pedophilia, not to accept violence against any women, or oppressed minorities. We want our daughters to grow up strong and independent.

While it may not be for everyone, in its own way, “The Vagina Monologues” helps women, young and old, to achieve this goal. I am proud to have been a part of this production and proud of Whidbey Island for supporting it.

Allan Ament

Freeland