By: Allison Waldbeser
Tired of seeing those period commercials that show us how absorbent their tampons or pads are from a blue liquid representing our period blood? (they’re SO OFF if they think our vaginas are producing that color). Okay okay, in all seriousness, I don’t think I’ve ever been able to relate to a single one of those period commercials, have you? If I’m wearing a pad and doing yoga at the same time, there’s absolutely no way I’m going to feel fresh and comfortable, and I’m definitely not all smiles during my period week! If tampon and pad commercials were honest, we’d be seeing what it’s really like to have a period. Come on advertising and marketing gurus, there’s GOT to be a better way to portray how real menstruating humans actually feel!
The issue at hand is, most people feel uncomfortable when someone brings up the “period” topic. In fact, I’m pretty sure people only talk about it with other menstruating humans, and in the comfort of their own private home. Non-menstruating humans, what are you afraid of? Unfortunately, having a period is often viewed as shameful, dirty, and “explicit” content. Something so natural, that happens to HALF of the population, and literally creates life, has a negative don’t-talk-about-it reputation, but how can we stop that? Content (photos especially) related to periods often get taken down from social media yet we feel more comfortable seeing images of women being objectified and sexualized. Please tell me how this is right.
It’s not.
The advertising world has made it seem like a fantasy girly-girl land if you succumb to a certain period care product that’s on television. If you’re feeling crampy and cranky during your period, then FEEL crampy and cranky – no one has the right to judge you. Just remember that you’re still a badass and your uterus does wonders ;) Our bodies go through a lot of changes in life, and it’s about time people (and the media) start realizing the truth about menstruation.
So, next time you feel embarrassed buying tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup at the grocery store, or someone gives you the “stink eye” when you start talking about your period, remember that without one that person wouldn’t be alive AND periods are AWESOME. Break the taboo and start embracing your uterus and all that it does.
Are you with us?
