Lysistrata

When I started reading Lysistrata, I knew something was a little different from the first page. Words like "dildo" and "dick" started appearing and I had to check the cover of the book to make sure I wasn't reading the transcript of a 16 year olds online conversation. After the shock of seeing overly descriptive explatives in an assigned reading wore off, I found myself legitimately interested in the plot.

As we already know, past possesses the present. Perhaps Lysistrata is where the idea of using physical desires as elements of manipulation first began. Regardless, I found the reaction of the men, when robbed of their sex lives, hilarious and completely applicable to the reactions of present-day teenagers. Words like slut and rancid hag are still muttered with disgust by rejected 16 year olds all the time when their first attempts to "circle the bases" inevitably go astray. Even fully matured adults are still subject to sexual manipulation. Ever seen that Miller Lite commercial with the two beautiful women wrestling in a fountain? In short, I don't think I will ever forget "Great taste" or "Less filling" for as long as I live. The theme is prevalent in movies as well. Titles like "40 Days and 40 Nights" and "American Pie" show the extreme power physical desire has over the consciousness of humans. Thanks to Lysistrata, females understand this power and in my biased opinion use it to their benefit frequently.