When we think of the most important information of our life a few things may come to mind such as our name, our social security number or the balance of our bank account. However, the most important information of our life is our genetic code and we exchange this information through the language of sexuality.
As any other language, sexuality can be used to make expressions ranging from tender affection to scathing hatred. When this language is used in considerate and respectful ways, it can provide some of the most magnificent means of creating understanding.
Still, through a variety of myths, stigmas and downright shame this means of communication is seldom addressed in a candid fashion. That is, not until Dr. Ruth Westheimer.
Dr. Ruth has become a cultural icon. Everyone can recognize this tiny little lady filled with indomitable spunk who has the courage to address sexuality unabashedly.
In the play, Becoming Dr. Ruth, Debra Jo Rupp portrays this remarkable lady to reveal more about her life. This one-person play couldn’t be considered a monologue though. She addresses the audience directly and personally, just as Dr. Ruth addressed millions through her career.
Dr. Ruth, born Karola Ruth Siegel, is a holocaust survivor who had lost her entire family. After the war, she moved to Israel, and then to Paris and eventually settled in New York City. After receiving her doctorate, she eventually found herself on a midnight radio show that became immensely successful. People desperately needed someone to speak honestly about their sexuality. They didn’t need a textbook or magazine articles. They needed personal advice. Dr. Ruth provided this while combining her wisdom with her wit. She made us feel comfortable talking about our sexuality so that we could feel comfortable in our sexuality. Dr. Ruth taught us not to be ashamed, but to be responsible.
This lesson is becoming increasingly important for our species. With the human population increasing at a dramatic rate, the Malthusian cynics are poised for the last laugh. It is crucial that an honest means of addressing human sexuality be shared. It has been proven that an increased understanding of sexuality results in lower birth rates, while also improving our enjoyment of our sexuality and this directly affects our general psychological disposition. Sadly, younger generations are often exposed to sexuality through some of the worst means of exploitation, such as pornography. That is not a language that leads to understanding, but one that leads to abuse.
In the play, Dr. Ruth mentions the Hebrew phrase Tikkum olam – the healing of the world. As we have grown familiar with the ordeals Dr. Ruth endured through her life and the painful losses she suffered, we realize that she aspires to heal the world, and through this, she may find healing for herself. But the brilliance in her aspiration is that she finds this healing can only be achieved one person at a time through thoughtful, considerate and patient communication. And through her life and her career, she has taught us how we too may heal ourselves and each another one person at a time.
Becoming Dr. Ruth is playing at the Westside Theater, 407 West 43rd Street.
Garrett Buhl Robinson is a poet and novelist. His website is at garrettrobinson.us.
