thanks for these thoughts. i have some questions about what you've written. first, i've heard a few times the idea that in prehistory we were unaware of the connection between vaginal intercourse and baby-making, and i find this hard to believe. it seems such a rudimentary connection, so basic, that it's being a discovery in relatively recent human history strikes me as very odd. can you share where you've heard this as well? i would say some of the dynamics you point out could still exist even with the knowledge of the procreative process.

i think women are viewed as bearers of life and death in a way because they are not as expendable reproductively as men are. men are not as vital to the continuation of life. men can come and go, but with just one you could still create many babies theoretically. also of course women give birth to all of us, though they truly cannot do so without a male contribution, aside from modern technological means.

in a sense it seems to me that you are naturalizing patriarchy as a necessary by-product of reproduction, which i am hoping is not true. i'd rather think that a greater and honest appreciation of male fertility and sexuality might help men feel less expendable and anxious, for one thing. women who have sex or sell sex without reproducing ought not to represent a threat. there are plenty of babies, for one thing! also, sex can be fun and safe and not tied with reproduction. more education about this difference could help things along.

that being said, i agree with you, that whores threaten insitutions of female dependence on male's providing for a family. i think that in this world where female opportunities still lag, that this is a major part of its radicalism.

Men have perverted the necessity and seperation between a "Whore" and the Sacred Prostitute for two thousand years now (i.e. The Magdalene, Mother Tiamat, Kleopatra, etc.).
In the "Bible" The Magdalene is described as a harlot who was nearly stoned to death for adultery, when most men of the time commonly had 3 or more wives. Thus confirming in womyn's minds "It's ok for us to do it. But God forbid you are not satisfied with your husband's toddler penis and look elsewhere!!!"
Mother Tiamat has been slandered for two thousand years as "The Whore of Babylon", mainly because she represented the power and strength..but most of all Sexual Freedom that is a Womyn's Goddess Given Rigth as creator and nuturer. Thus confirming in Womyn's minds for all time, "Embrace your right of freedom and passion and be destroyed like Tiamat and labeled a whore for all time!".
Kleopatra Tryphanae VII, last of and greatest not only of all Egypts rulers, but of the entire Ptolomaic line, was battered and slandered by "Caeser" Octavian Augustus after her noble suicide. According to historical FACT she was married twice and only had 2 lovers in her life, Julius Caesar and Marcus Antonius. However, she stood up for the rights of her people an dgave freedom and rights to Womyn of Egypt and stood against the armies of Rome on more than one occasion. Thus embedding in Womyn's minds eternally, "stand against male opression and be labled a whore, seductress and the downfall of an entire civilization!"
The world needs more intelligent, outspoken and brave Womyn. You have my respect Sister.