mosie.baby

Tag: Period Activism

  • The Evolution of Menstrual Stigma: How Attitudes Towards Periods Have Changed in the Last 50 Years

    Blog Post:

    Menstruation, also known as a period, is a natural process that occurs in the female body every month. However, for centuries, it has been surrounded by stigma, shame, and secrecy. Women and girls have been taught to hide their periods and not talk about them openly. This stigma has been deeply ingrained in society and has had a significant impact on how periods are perceived and treated. In the last 50 years, there has been a gradual shift in attitudes towards periods, with more open discussions and a push towards normalizing this natural bodily function. In this blog post, we will explore the evolution of menstrual stigma and how attitudes towards periods have changed in the last 50 years.

    The 1960s – The Era of Silence and Shame:

    In the 1960s, periods were a taboo topic, and the shame and stigma surrounding them were at its peak. Women and girls were taught to hide their periods and not discuss them openly. Menstruation was considered dirty and disgusting, and women were often made to feel ashamed of it. This attitude was perpetuated by the media, which depicted periods as something to be hidden and not talked about. Ads for period products often used vague language and euphemisms to avoid explicitly mentioning periods. This silence and shame surrounding periods had a significant impact on women’s lives, as they were forced to hide their pain and discomfort and pretend like everything was normal.

    The 1970s – The Start of Change:

    The 1970s marked the beginning of a change in attitudes towards periods. The feminist movement was gaining momentum, and women were starting to speak out about issues that had been silenced for too long. This included issues related to menstruation. Women started to question the stigma and shame surrounding periods and demanded more open discussions about them. This decade also saw the rise of the women’s health movement, which focused on empowering women to take control of their bodies and health. This movement played a crucial role in breaking the silence and shame surrounding periods.

    The 1980s – The Rise of Period Activists:

    The 1980s saw the emergence of period activists who were determined to break the stigma and shame surrounding periods. They organized protests, started educational programs, and pushed for more open discussions about menstruation. One of the most notable figures of this decade was Gloria Steinem, a feminist and journalist who wrote a groundbreaking article titled “If Men Could Menstruate,” which highlighted the absurdity of the stigma surrounding periods.

    The 1990s – The Beginning of Period Positivity:

    at-home insemination kit with syringes and containers on a white background, featuring a holiday gift promotion.

    The Evolution of Menstrual Stigma: How Attitudes Towards Periods Have Changed in the Last 50 Years

    In the 1990s, there was a significant shift towards period positivity. Women started to embrace their periods and talk about them more openly. This was also the decade when the first menstrual cups were introduced, providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional period products. Advertisements for period products started to become more open and honest, using terms like “period” and “menstruation” instead of euphemisms. This decade also saw the launch of the first-ever National Period Day in the United States, which aimed to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and break the stigma surrounding periods.

    The 2000s – The Rise of Social Media and Period Activism:

    The 2000s saw a significant shift in the way periods were discussed and portrayed in the media. The rise of social media gave a platform for women to share their experiences and start important conversations about periods. This also led to the emergence of period activism on social media, where women shared their stories and pushed for more open discussions about menstruation. Menstrual products, such as reusable cloth pads and period panties, also gained popularity during this decade, providing sustainable and comfortable alternatives to disposable products.

    The 2010s – Menstruation Goes Mainstream:

    The last decade saw a significant push towards mainstreaming periods. Companies like Thinx and DivaCup started to advertise on mainstream media, and period-positive campaigns were launched by major brands, such as Always and Bodyform. This helped to break the taboo surrounding periods and bring them into the mainstream conversation. The rise of period poverty and the period tax also garnered attention during this decade, leading to important conversations about accessibility and affordability of period products.

    The Present – A Push Towards Normalization and Education:

    Today, there is a growing movement towards normalizing periods and educating people about menstruation. More and more companies are launching period-positive campaigns, and period activism is gaining momentum on social media. Governments around the world are also taking steps towards making period products more accessible and affordable for all. In recent years, there has also been a push towards including menstrual education in school curriculums, breaking the taboo and providing young girls with the knowledge and resources to manage their periods confidently.

    Summary:

    In the last 50 years, attitudes towards periods have shifted from silence and shame to open discussions and period positivity. The rise of feminism, period activism, and social media has played a crucial role in breaking the stigma and pushing for normalization and education about menstruation. While there is still a long way to go, these changes in attitudes towards periods have had a significant impact on how women and girls perceive their bodies and manage their periods.

  • Years of Period Pride: Celebrating Menstruation in Pop Culture

    Blog Post Title: Years of Period Pride: Celebrating Menstruation in Pop Culture

    Introduction:

    Menstruation, also known as periods, is a natural and normal part of a woman’s life. However, for decades, it has been a topic shrouded in shame and secrecy. Thankfully, in recent years, there has been a shift in how periods are perceived and portrayed in popular culture. From movies to books to music, period pride is being celebrated and embraced like never before. In this blog post, we will take a look at the evolution of menstruation in pop culture and how it has helped break the stigma and empower women to embrace their bodies and periods with pride and confidence.

    The Early Days: Periods in Pop Culture

    In the early days of pop culture, menstruation was rarely mentioned or discussed openly. Women were expected to keep their periods a secret and were often portrayed as weak or irrational during this time. One notable example is in the 1939 film “Gone with the Wind,” where Scarlett O’Hara’s periods are seen as a weakness and are used against her by her male counterparts. This negative portrayal of periods in pop culture only reinforced the taboo and shame surrounding menstruation.

    Thankfully, there were a few exceptions to this narrative. In the 1973 film “Carrie,” based on Stephen King’s novel, the main character’s periods are portrayed as a source of her supernatural powers. This was a groundbreaking and unconventional take on menstruation in pop culture, as it showed periods in a positive light rather than something to be ashamed of.

    The 1990s: The Rise of Period Pride

    The 1990s saw a shift in how periods were portrayed in pop culture. With the rise of feminism and women empowerment movements, periods were no longer seen as a weakness or something to be hidden. Instead, they were celebrated and embraced.

    One of the most iconic moments in period pride was the 1992 film “Sister Act,” where Whoopi Goldberg’s character, Deloris, gets her period and the nuns rally together to support and celebrate this natural occurrence. This scene was not only groundbreaking but also empowering, as it showed women coming together to support and celebrate their bodies.

    The 1990s also saw the rise of the “period-positive” movement, with books like “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant and “The Curse: Confronting the Last Unmentionable Taboo: Menstruation” by Karen Houppert. These books normalized periods and encouraged women to embrace and celebrate their menstrual cycle.

    hands using a syringe to extract contents from a clear container, showcasing a home insemination kit.

    Years of Period Pride: Celebrating Menstruation in Pop Culture

    The 2000s: Periods Take Center Stage

    With the turn of the millennium, periods were no longer a taboo topic in pop culture. In fact, they were taking center stage in movies, TV shows, and even music.

    One notable example is the 2006 film “Juno,” where the main character’s unplanned pregnancy is not seen as a burden, but rather a natural consequence of her period. The film also features a scene where Juno and her friend have a frank and open discussion about periods, breaking the silence and stigma surrounding them.

    The 2000s also saw the rise of period-themed TV shows, such as “Big Mouth” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” which tackled the topic of periods in a humorous and relatable way. These shows not only helped break the stigma surrounding periods but also provided a platform for women to share their experiences and feel less alone in their menstrual struggles.

    The Present: Periods as a Symbol of Feminism

    In recent years, periods have been increasingly portrayed as a symbol of feminism and women empowerment in pop culture. One notable example is the 2017 film “Wonder Woman,” where the main character’s period is seen as a source of her strength and power. This portrayal not only breaks the taboo surrounding periods but also celebrates them as a natural and essential part of a woman’s life.

    The rise of period activism and menstrual equity movements has also been reflected in pop culture. In 2019, the Oscar-winning documentary “Period. End of Sentence.” shed light on the stigma and lack of access to menstrual products in India and the global movement to end period poverty.

    Conclusion: The Future of Period Pride in Pop Culture

    As we continue to break the stigma and celebrate periods in pop culture, the future looks bright for period pride. With more representation and positive portrayals of periods, we can hope to see a world where menstruation is no longer a taboo topic and women can openly embrace and celebrate their periods without shame or secrecy.

    In summary, the evolution of menstruation in pop culture has been a journey from shame and secrecy to empowerment and celebration. From films like “Carrie” to TV shows like “Big Mouth” to documentaries like “Period. End of Sentence.”, periods are finally being portrayed in a positive and realistic light. This shift has not only broken the stigma surrounding periods but also empowered women to embrace and celebrate their bodies and periods with pride and confidence.

  • The Evolution of Menstrual Cycles: A Look at 50 Years of Trends

    Summary:

    Menstruation, or the shedding of the uterine lining, has been a part of the female reproductive cycle for centuries. However, the last 50 years have seen significant changes and advancements in the understanding and management of menstrual cycles. From the introduction of the birth control pill to the rise in period-tracking apps, the evolution of menstrual cycles has been influenced by societal, cultural, and scientific factors. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the trends and changes in menstrual cycles over the past 50 years, and how they have impacted women’s health and well-being.

    The Evolution of Menstrual Cycles:

    The 1960s: The Introduction of the Birth Control Pill

    The 1960s saw a major shift in the understanding and management of menstrual cycles with the introduction of the birth control pill. This revolutionary contraceptive not only prevented pregnancy but also allowed women to have control over their menstrual cycles. By regulating hormones, the pill helped to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and provided a more predictable and manageable cycle. This led to a decrease in unplanned pregnancies and allowed women to have greater control over their reproductive health.

    The 1970s: The Rise of Feminism and Period Activism

    The 1970s saw a rise in the feminist movement and with it, a push for more open and honest discussions about menstruation. Women’s health advocates began to challenge the stigma and shame surrounding periods and demanded better access to menstrual products and education. This led to the development of menstrual activism, with groups like the Boston Women’s Health Book Collective publishing “Our Bodies, Ourselves” – a groundbreaking book that provided information on women’s health, including menstruation.

    The 1980s: A Focus on Menstrual Disorders

    In the 1980s, there was a growing awareness of menstrual disorders such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These conditions were previously misdiagnosed or dismissed as “normal” menstrual symptoms. However, with advances in medical technology, doctors were able to accurately diagnose and treat these disorders. This led to a better understanding of the different types of menstrual cycles and the need for individualized care.

    Hands holding a syringe and a small container against a blue background.

    The Evolution of Menstrual Cycles: A Look at 50 Years of Trends

    The 1990s: The Emergence of Menstrual Tracking

    With the rise of personal computers and the internet, the 1990s saw the emergence of menstrual tracking. Women were now able to keep track of their periods, symptoms, and fertility using various software programs. This allowed for a better understanding of their menstrual cycles, and some even used this information to plan or prevent pregnancy.

    The 2000s: The Digital Age of Menstrual Tracking

    The 2000s saw a significant shift in the way women tracked their menstrual cycles with the introduction of period-tracking apps. These apps made it easier for women to track their cycles on their smartphones and provided additional features such as reminders for period start dates and ovulation. They also allowed for the input of additional data such as mood, exercise, and diet, providing a more comprehensive picture of how menstruation affects women’s overall health.

    The 2010s: A Focus on Period Poverty and Sustainability

    In the 2010s, there was a growing awareness of period poverty, a lack of access to menstrual products, and its impact on women’s lives. This led to initiatives and campaigns to provide free or affordable menstrual products to those in need. There was also a shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly menstrual products, such as menstrual cups and reusable pads.

    Today: A Holistic Approach to Menstrual Health

    Today, there is a growing trend towards a more holistic approach to menstrual health. This includes acknowledging the influence of hormones on mental and emotional health, incorporating self-care practices during menstruation, and promoting body positivity and acceptance. There is also a greater emphasis on menstrual education, with the goal of breaking the taboo and promoting open and honest discussions about periods.

    In conclusion, the last 50 years have seen significant changes and advancements in the understanding and management of menstrual cycles. From the introduction of the birth control pill to the rise of period-tracking apps, the evolution of menstrual cycles has been influenced by societal, cultural, and scientific factors. With a focus on breaking the stigma, improving access to menstrual products, and promoting holistic approaches to menstrual health, the future looks bright for the evolution of menstrual cycles.