S.C.U.M Manifesto

S.C.U.M. Manifesto
(Society for Cutting Up Men)

Life in this society being, at best, an utter bore and no aspect of society being at all relevant to women, there remains to civic-minded, responsible, thrill-seeking Females only to overthrow the government, eliminate the money system, institute complete automation and destroy the male sex.

-Valerie Solanas

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The very last Tiwari's "Other" Movie Night of the year introduced me to I Shot Andy Warhol. Really, an amazing movie. Well, I thought so. In the discussion after the film, it became obvious that not everyone shared my point of view. Of course, to say that I have been interested in every aspect of sexuality is far too insubstantial. Rather, say fascinated, for this is more accurate, veracious.

There were two scenes that I found incredibly striking:

• Valerie Solanas (who describes herself as "a butch dyke") throws Candy Darling (a pre-op transsexual)down on a bed. Valerie is furious and Candy is terrified. As they struggle, as Valerie yells and hits and Candy cries, it is obvious who holds which gender role, and neither role agrees with the genitalia.
• Valerie is no pretty girl, but she lets Candy dress her up for an important business dinner in which a writing contract will be discussed. Her hair is curled, her face made up, and she dons a lovely red dress (I'd be lying if I told you I didn't want the dress for myself). However, it is too soon obvious that you can't turn a butch dyke into a lipstick lesbian with a little powder and silk. Valerie is out of her element and unable to hold herself like a woman. You see, Valerie is not a woman. Candy Darling is more of a woman than Valerie.
  

After the title deed is done, Valerie torments Andy for his remaining days. She is locked away in a state hospital, but he never fully recovers.