” ‘No one spoke the word VAGINA'”

One of the luxuries of a long summer vacation: having the time to read the Sunday New York Times. The ultimate buzz-kill to my otherwise enjoyable reading indulgence: Peggy Orenstein’s frustrating piece <> on p. 11 in The New York Times Magazine.
Orenstein brings up the crazy phenomenon that is “Toddlers and Tiaras,” and I can’t help but acknowledge how commercials for the same show make my stomach churn.
She claims that young women are acting out their sexuality instead of experiencing it. The article was also quoted on Jezebel <>saying:
“Sexualizing little girls – whether through images, music or
play – actually undermines healthy sexuality rather than
promoting it. Those bootylicious grade-schoolers in the
[“Single Ladies”] dance troupe presumably don’t understand
the meaning of their motions (and thank goodness for it), but,
precisely because of that, they don’t connect – and may never
learn to connect – sexy attitude to erotic feelings.”
I understand where she’s coming from and can appreciate a valid argument when I read one, but something didn’t exactly sit right with me. I think there is a fine line between halting premature sexuality in young women and simultaneously encouraging freedom of expression and individuality.
I also take an issue when Orenstein stated in her conclusion:
“I find myself improbably nostalgic for the late 1970’s, when I
came of age. In many ways, it was a time when girls were less
free than they are today: fewer of us competed on the sports
field, raised our hands during math class or graduated from
college. No one spoke the word ‘vagina,’ whether in a
monologue or not.”
Call me crazy, but I feel lucky to be a 20-year-old woman in the year 2010. Why would anyone want to celebrate being “less free?” I LOVE my freedom. I also love my ability to play sports if I so choose (thanks Title IX), speak my mind in math or any other subject matter, and receive the same level of education as my male counterparts–and nothing good comes from being afraid of the word vagina. Vagina, vagina, vagina.
Is it just me, or does anyone else think that’s kind of fucked up?