Sunday, May 24, 2009

I Hate Being Disappointed

Back in the day, when I was a student and very engaged in academia and intellectual pursuits, I really appreciated the work of sexpert/educator Susie Bright. I thought that she brought tons of great stuff to feminist studies, and provided an alternative to all of the anti-sex junk that's out there.

I was really excited to learn that Susie B. was doing a podcast, called "In Bed With Susie Bright." I thought that it would be fun and thoughtful. The podcast is not free, but I had some extra audible credits, so subscribed. What the heck, right?

I was not impressed with the first few episodes. I found them a little dry and boring, but thought it was okay. Then, the third episode I listened to turned me off forever. Susie interviewed a man who wrote a book called (I think - her website wasn't easily navigated, so I couldn't find it) "Everybody Must Get Stoned" about sex & drugs in rock & roll. Sounded like an interesting bio book about the exploits of Iggy Pop, Mick Jagger, etc.

What really turned my stomach was the direction Susie took the interview. She and the author wanted to talk about how fantastic drugs like heroin, crack, and meth are when used as sexual aides. And that we've all been damaged by drug abstinance education in school -- using heroin recreationally does not an addict make. And how Amy Winehouse might look like a burn-out, but she's probably a tiger in the sack because of all the coke.

I can appreciate, in theory, the wild shit we do when we're under the influence. I think it makes for great stories. I can also find a book about the wild shit rock stars do under the influence interesting. What I don't find amusing is the advice like: attend "drug & sex" parties just to try it, and "try heroin" at least once, and "crack really makes you horny - try it."

I'm getting pissed just thinking about it. Unsub, stat.

2 comments:

Susie Bright said...

I'm sorry our take on it was so frustrating. I have done some very serious shows on the toll drug abuse takes on people's sex lives, and sometimes I "take for granted" people know where I'm coming from. I was actually curious to ask RU, who is knowledgeable far beyond the usual raconteur, what these drugs do to the libido. It's an aspect that doesn't get talked about much. I know that the physical pleasure of substances initially are very much part of the attraction, and I like to understand that attraction.

In any case, if you ever want to listen to a show about a different subject, let me know and I'll send you a freebie.

Susie@susiebright.com

EssBee said...

Susie, my feelings about the subject are influenced by the too-recent loss of a dear friend's husband who died ODing; not to mention too many others over the years. I just don't think it's a safe libido-boost (it = the biggies like heroin, crack, meth).

My blog post was not respectful enough of your work over the years. You have been incredibly influential on my feminism, and I love your work. I've read all of your books, and LOVED Bound.

Also, fucking wow. Susie Bright commented on my blog!