Barberella and the Seven Noble Truths

  One lovely autumn day back in the late 20th century, I was, as usual, slaving away behind the counter in the café at Bored With Books and Music on 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. My life changed the moment a very cute but cocky guy showed up in line.
   James Gore, would later become one of my very good friends, was ridiculously good looking, confident and nice. I, of course, was not able to access my inner nice person and became hostile to him from the get-go.
  This didn’t stop James from being the handsome, charming, confident man he was born to be. One morning, James finally brought down my walls of Jericho when he showed up for his regular cup of coffee and then proceeded to address me as “Barbarella,” every day, for the next two years.
    HUH? Wasn't that the movie with Jane Fonda; the one where she gets naked and has sex with everybody? That's all I knew.
  After being christened "Barbarella," I purchased a copy of said motion picture. It was mind-blowing, eye-opening and extremely cheesy… but, to this day, it remains one of my favorite films. In the course of my watching, and then re-watching Barberella over the past decade, I have discovered seven revelations that I wish to share with you:

I.    Be comfortable with your body.

     Remember the infamous striptease that marks the opening sequence of the film?  Remember the conference between Barbarella and the President of Earth, sans clothes – on her part? I think he was wearing a fur-lined robe. Remember the sex negotiations between Barbarella and the Catchman–and then when he removed his furry outfit, he was just as furry on the inside as out?!
       Jane Fonda is a fitness guru. She was only 28 when she starred in Barbarella, and it was fashionable back in the late 60's to be blasé about matters like casual nudity. However, a healthy and respectful attitude toward one’s body, no matter how toned or flabby, is the cornerstone for building confidence.
       This is why I'll always be in love with my rack!

II. It's perfectly acceptable to change your clothes and your look to suit your circumstance and your mood.

       I count – at least – five costume changes in Barberella, along with several episodes of stocking shredding.
       Every time I get frustrated over the state of my wardrobe, I remember that, if Barbarella can pull off a skunk stole mini-dress ensemble, I can wear a short skirt with knee-high combat boots.

III.  Live in the sexual moment.

 

    This one is easier said than done, but, consider how fluid life is and the uncertain times we live in.
     If one accepts this axiom and applies it to her everyday life, then it can enhance those intimate encounters. The enjoyment and the memory are less likely to be marred by jealousy and resentment, especially when that "someone" puts him/herself back into circulation.
       Again, this is easier said than done. For the record, I'm not advocating irresponsible sex. Remember; in the year 40,000 A.D., sex was something you engaged in after making sure you were
scientifically compatible, and then the act was accomplished in just under five minutes with some pill popping and hand clasping.

IV.  Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

      Look at what happened to the inmates of the city of Sogo, to the Great Tyrant when she became trapped in her Chamber of Dreams, and to Durand-Durand and his Positronic Ray.

       Need I say more?

V. Demonstrate compassion to others and it will often produce positive results.

     Barbarella's encouragement and sexual favors gave Pygar, the last of the Ornithotropes, the confidence to fly after he thought he’d been grounded forever.

VI.    Love is the future. Love conquers All.

     It's the year 40,000 A.D. People greet each other with open palms and the salutation/pledge  "Love." How cool is that?

VII.   It's more fun to watch Barberella with a buzz.

     I never thanked James for getting me in touch with my inner "Barberella." It helps me on occasion when my Great Tyrant is on the rampage.