Friendship Quote by Augusten Burroughs
““Be glad you don't have a vagina," my friend, who does have a vagina, told me. "You have to have a special doctor. You have to have these awful exams where you basically get naked and then remove your dignity. And then the various parts down there can get cancer and have to get cut out. I'm telling you, having a vagina is like having a pet. Like a dog that's always chasing cars." When she described it this way, it did seem a blessing that I was born without a vagina. I mean, I can't even handle having a heart.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times, 2015
The speaker uses humor to highlight the physical and emotional challenges of having a vagina, suggesting it can feel burdensome compared to being male.
In simple terms: Having a vagina can be painful and humiliating, according to the speaker.
Key Takeaway
Recognize gendered health burdens.
Themes
gender
health
humor
body image
Mood
wry
reflective
Type
satirical
personal narrative
When to use this quote
- doctor visits
- health screenings
- gender discussions
- advocacy for women's health
Key Concepts
sexology
social expectations
medical stigma
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societal attitudes shape perceptions of women's health?
- What can be done to reduce stigma around gynecological exams?
A Different Perspective
The analogy may trivialize serious medical issues and ignore male health concerns.
![“[It] began to seem amazing how often it was assumed that having a vagina automatically meant I was less intelligent, talented, capable, and interesting than the world's least interesting human being who happened to have a penis.” quote by Francine Prose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/690/francine-prose-9354_essay_it-began-to-seem-amazing-how-often-it-wa_1700168.jpg)
