The purity myth

In this brisk video adaptation of her titular 2009 book, feminist author/speaker Jessica Valenti makes the case that the American virginity movement of recent years is symptomatic of increased efforts to restrict hard-won women's rights, courtesy of conservative politicians and evangelical Christians who counter science and fact with superstition and blinkered gender stereotypes. Viewers won't have to agree with Valenti's politics or perspective to acknowledge the opportunism of merchandisers and public speakers that has risen in the movement's wake, the ignorance of pursuing purity pledges and taxpayer-funded abstinence-only education (since proven to be both ineffective and leading to high-risk sexual activity), and the creepiness of girls and young women pledging their virginity to their fathers, as they do at formal dad-and-daughter "purity balls." VERDICT Although Valenti and company make clear which side of the argument they're on, The Purity Myth is edifying, challenging, and worthwhile. Sexual content makes this film suitable for teens and up; strongly recommended for general collections and essential for those that focus on women's and gender studies.-J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., NB (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.