Irish Feminist Network
  • Home
  • About
    • Mission Statement
    • Our Work
    • The Coordinators
  • Publications
  • News & Events
  • Articles
  • Take Action
  • Contact Us
    • Irish Organisations

Time for a Red Wave of Feminism?

15/10/2013

14 Comments

 
Vintage tampax commercial showing two young women having fun on a beach.
Recently a Russian lawmaker asked his Parliament to consider allowing women two days paid leave every month when they menstruate.  The said Russian is quoted as saying “during their period of menstruation most women experience psychological and physiological discomfort.”  He then went on to say that in some cases women are so discommoded they require an ambulance.  This rather over egged the pudding and took from his argument somewhat, I thought.

Needless to say, any comments I saw in response to the Russian lawmaker were entirely dismissive of his suggestion, which was regarded as sexist and silly.  I mean to say, women are not in any way put out by the arrival of the monthly bleed.  Periods are a breeze.  Ever since the invention of tampons, we can even go swimming and horse-riding while bleeding.  And sure with a reasonable supply of Solpadeine or Nurofen, you don’t feel a thing.  Right?  I mean, admitting that periods often make you feel really crappy is letting the sisterhood down, right?  That would be a sign of weakness, a sign that we are.... well less macho than the guys.  Right?


Hmmmmm.

Have a look at this.  This is a video that Bodyform posted on YouTube, addressing a Facebook post by Richard Neil who sought to expose the lies contained in the advertising of feminine hygiene products.  On the Bodyform Facebook page Richard wrote the following (reproduced exactly)....

Hi , as a man I must ask why you have lied to us for all these years . As a child I watched your advertisements with interest as to how at this wonderful time of the month that the female gets to enjoy so many things ,I felt a little jealous. I mean bike riding , rollercoasters, dancing, parachuting, why couldn't I get to enjoy this time of joy and 'blue water' and wings !! Damn my penis!! Then I got a girlfriend, was so happy and couldn't wait for this joyous adventurous time of the month to happen .....you lied !! There was no joy , no extreme sports , no blue water spilling over wings and no rocking soundtrack oh no no no. Instead I had to fight against every male urge I had to resist screaming wooaaahhhhh bodddyyyyyyfooorrrmmm bodyformed for youuuuuuu as my lady changed from the loving , gentle, normal skin coloured lady to the little girl from the exorcist with added venom and extra 360 degree head spin. Thanks for setting me up for a fall bodyform , you crafty bugger

Bodyform apparently thought Richard had a point, and hence the clever video posted on YouTube.  In the ad, Caroline Williams, fictional CEO, admits that their ads have lied, but makes the point that their focus groups in the ’80s couldn’t handle the truth of periods, with mood swings,  cramps etc.  She even makes reference to crimson landslides.

I can understand why Bodyform and other manufacturers of what are euphemistically called ‘feminine hygiene products’ might lie about periods – they have a product to sell.  But are we, modern women of the 21st century, living in the so called ‘first’ world also lying – to each other and to our girl children about periods? 

A few years ago, BBC2 screened a series of programmes called ‘Tribal Wives’.  In each episode, a different British woman went to live for a period of weeks with a so called ‘primitive’ tribe in various parts of the developing world. 

There was one particular episode that stands out in my memory because it dealt with what happened when that week’s British woman got her period.  In the tribe in which she was living, menstruating women had to go to a special hut on the outskirts of the village.  So off our British woman went, somewhat horrified that she was being ‘put out’ of the village as if unclean.  But she found the experience very soothing.  In the special hut she was minded by other women who braided her hair and she was not expected to do any work.  After a few days, she returned to her duties in the village feeling refreshed.

I had forgotten about this programme until I recently read the best book I have read in a long time.  ‘The Red Tent’ by Anita Diamant tells the story of Dinah, daughter of Jacob, he of the infamous 12 sons, one of whom had a Multicoloured Dreamcoat. 

Dinah grew up with many mothers as Jacob had wives.  As is generally the case when women live together, their menstrual cycles synchronised, and so the Red Tent was where the women of the extended family went while they bled.  For three days and nights, they did no work, no cooking, but spent what sounded like a reasonably relaxing time chilling out together in their own female tent.

As I read the part of the book that described the actual red tent, I found myself being ridiculously envious of these Old Testament women and their special time out place.

I am old enough to remember when sanitary pads and tampons were only ever advertised in women’s magazines.  The conspiracy of silence around periods is beginning to be broken.  There have been other YouTube ads about periods and tampons that are far more realistic and don’t make mention of wearing white trousers and feature blue water.  But the fact is – they are only on YouTube. 

As far as I am concerned it’s time we had a far more realistic conversation about periods.  As women, we need to stop pretending that we don’t have them or that they are a breeze.  Periods are an intrinsic part of being female, but they can make you feel crap.  Cramps, sore breasts, feeling bloated, and having to carry a larger handbag and be near enough to a decent loo every couple of hours are just some of the monthly tribulations.

It’s time for a new wave of feminism.  The Red Wave of Feminism.  This will be the wave that reclaims ALL it means to be female.  So sisters, shout it with me: “we are women and we bleed and sometimes that feels crap”.  The fact that we don’t let it interfere with our lives to any great extent makes us Superheroes. 

But sometimes, just sometimes, like maybe once a month, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a special tent full of comfy sofas and beds and pillows and – for those that wanted them –  scented candles and soft lighting and chocolate?   Could it be that that Russian lawmaker might have had a point?! 



Barbara Scully is a freelance writer, broadcaster and blogger.  Her writing has been published in the Irish Examiner, the Irish Times and Sunday Independent.  She is a regular panellist on TV3’s Midday programme.  She lives with her husband, two daughters, cats and a dog in Dublin.  Her eldest daughter now lives in Perth in Western Australia.

She blogs at www.barbarascully.blogspot.com and tweets as @barbarascully
14 Comments
http://www.probusiness4u.org link
11/9/2014 09:09:41 pm

If you would like to get a good deal from this article then you have to apply such methods to your won website.

Reply
http://www.letortedichiara.org link
26/9/2014 08:30:47 pm

I am really enjoying reading your well written articles. It looks like you spend a lot of effort and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles.

Reply
http://www.njhomebrewsupply.com link
10/10/2014 05:32:17 pm

I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. 

Reply
http://www.asianbbqtruck.com link
23/10/2014 05:07:01 pm

I surprised with the analysis you made to make this particular publish incredible. Wonderful activity! 

Reply
http://www.experiencetheserenity.com link
12/11/2014 12:23:15 pm

It is really a nice and useful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

Reply
http://www.simplebusinessgroup.com link
8/3/2015 06:30:27 pm

I like you recommendation. Your recommendation is of well use to people. A great article post, this is something very interesting. I really appreciate your post.

Reply
Health Master link
23/3/2015 08:07:53 pm

I have not much time to visit many websites. But today I found this site accidently. I explored much information which is useful to my life. Thanks!

Reply
redux-technology link
29/3/2015 09:41:09 pm

This blog is an exact representation of skills. I appreciate the blogger for posting the most excellent thought. This topic posted by you is trustworthy. 

Reply
veebeam link
7/4/2015 02:43:59 pm

Pretty portion of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your weblog posts. Any way I will be subscribing on your augment or even I achievement you get admission to constantly quickly.

Reply
Gregory Uppington link
17/10/2016 04:39:07 am

Thank you for this Barbara.

I meant to say thanks a few years ago when we first quoted you on our site, but life happened. So I'm telling you thanks today because we've quoted you in our article here
http://www.yousogetme.com/how-to-teach-men-about-the-menstrual-cycle/

Regards
Gregory

Reply
best kitchen remodeling contractor westchester link
31/12/2017 11:57:23 pm

Getting your work done before you begin rebuilding will enable you to accomplish better outcomes with significantly less pressure. Rebuilding your kitchen is a colossal endeavor, and on the off chance that you need victories, a great deal of planning should precede you hop in with the sledge mallets to tear down those dividers.

Reply
aliya link
15/7/2020 04:24:46 am

http://ansu.co.in
http://pinkflowers.in/city/NewDelhi/delhi-escorts.html
http://pinkflowers.in
http://zanu.in
http://wafiya.in
http://feel-different.in
http://a-way-2-silk.in
http://pinkangelsofmumbai.in
http://antra.co.in
http://zaila.in
http://saphia.in
http://payalmehra.in
http://pancy.in
http://pallavidutta.in
http://paari.in
http://edie.in
http://dassy.in
http://dally.in
http://cadee.in
http://joya.in.net
http://juhuescorts.biz
http://thaneescorts.in
http://want2relax.biz
http://pinkangelsofmumbai.in/andheri-escorts.html
http://pinkangelsofmumbai.in/bandra-escorts.html
http://pinkangelsofmumbai.in/colaba-escorts.html
http://pinkangelsofmumbai.in/juhu-escorts.html
http://pinkangelsofmumbai.in/thane-escorts.html
http://pinkangelsofmumbai.in/vashi-escorts.html
http://pinkangelsofmumbai.in/ahmedabad-escorts.html
http://thaneescorts.in/andheri-escorts.html
http://thaneescorts.in/bandra-escorts.html
http://thaneescorts.in/colaba-escorts.html
http://thaneescorts.in/juhu-escorts.html
http://thaneescorts.in/ahmedabad-escorts.html
http://thaneescorts.in/vashi-escorts.html

http://www.a-way-2-silk.in/ahmedabad_escorts.html
http://www.a-way-2-silk.in/andheri_escorts.html
http://www.a-way-2-silk.in/bandra_escorts.html
http://www.a-way-2-silk.in/colaba_escorts.html
http://www.a-way-2-silk.in/thane_escorts.html
http://www.a-way-2-silk.in/vashi_escorts.html
http://www.a-way-2-silk.in/juhu_escorts.html
http://www.feel-different.in/andheri-escorts.html
http://www.feel-different.in/bandra-escorts.html
http://www.feel-different.in/vashi-escorts.html
http://www.feel-different.in/juhu-escorts.html
http://www.ansu.co.in/andheri-escorts.html
http://www.ansu.co.in/ahmedabad-escorts.html
http://www.ansu.co.in/bandra-escorts.html
http://www.ansu.co.in/colaba-escorts.html
http://www.ansu.co.in/chembur-escorts.html
http://www.ansu.co.in/juhu-escorts.html
http://www.ansu.co.in/nerul-escorts.html
http://www.ansu.co.in/powai-escorts.html
http://www.ansu.co.in/panvel-escorts.html
http://www.ansu.co.in/saki-naka-escorts.html
http://www.ansu.co.in/vashi-escorts.html

Reply
End of Lease Cleaning in Brisbane link
19/7/2020 10:19:26 am

Nice Blog that is very supportive for females

Reply
wafiya link
8/9/2020 06:23:56 am

http://lucknow.wafiya.in
http://chandigarh.wafiya.in
http://jaipur.wafiya.in
http://vadodara.wafiya.in
http://ahmedabad.wafiya.in

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    We welcome submissions to the blog, subject to editorial review, please contact us if you're interested. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IFN. 

    Categories

    All
    2in2u
    50:50
    Abc
    Abortion
    Abuse
    Action On X
    Advertising
    Austerity
    Backlash
    Bechdel Test
    Body Image
    Bookclub
    Book Club
    Book Review
    Broadcasting Authority Of Ireland
    Budget 2012
    Burlesque
    Caitlin Moran
    Clara Fischer
    Colette Fahy
    Comreg
    Conference
    Cosmetic Surgery
    Cuts
    Dating Violence
    Decision-making
    Democracy
    Diane Kelly
    Domestic Abuse
    Domestic Violence
    Dunnes Stores
    Edinburgh Fringe Festival
    Education
    Emma Regan
    Empowerment
    Equality Audit
    Eu Commission
    Events
    Female Sexual Experience
    Female Sexuality
    Feminism
    Feminism And Gendered Economic Inequality
    Feminism And The University
    Feminism And Young People
    Feminist Activism
    Feminist Books
    F Word
    F-word
    Gaa
    Gender Budgeting
    Gender Equality
    Gender Quotas
    Gender Stereotyping
    Gender-stereotyping
    Ger Walsh
    Government
    GRL
    Guest Blog Post
    Guest Post
    How To Be A Woman
    Hunky Dorys
    Ici
    Ifn
    #IFN2012
    Ifn Conference
    Ifn Events
    Immigrant Council Of Ireland
    Independentwoman.ie
    Ireland
    Irish Examinar
    Irish Feminist Movements
    Irish Feminist Network
    Irish Independent
    Irish Society
    Irish Times
    Iwd
    Jeanette Winterson
    Letters To The Editor
    Lgbt
    Liberation
    Literature
    Marketing
    Maternity Leave
    Media
    Media Images
    Menstruation
    Michelle Mulherin
    Mick Wallace
    Missrepresentation
    Miss Representation
    Music
    Naomi Elster
    News Media
    Nwci
    Objectification
    Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit
    Over Sexualisation
    Padded Bras
    Parental Leave
    Paternity Leave
    Poetry
    Politics
    Posters
    Pre-teens
    Priests For Life
    Privilege Checking
    Pro Choice
    Pro-choice
    Prostitution
    Queer
    Quotas
    Recession
    Reform
    Reproductive Rights
    Ruth Farnan
    Rydyard Kipling
    Science
    Sex
    Sex Education
    Sexism
    Sexism In The Media
    Sexuality
    Sexual Violence
    Silent Majority
    Sisters
    Spunout.ie
    Stripping
    Submissions
    Syria
    Transgender
    Trump
    Turn Off The Red Light
    Tv3
    Twilight
    Under Representation
    United Nations
    Vincent Browne
    Violence
    Weight
    Wexford
    Whai
    Women
    Women Hurt
    Women In Science
    Women In Sport
    Women In Syria
    Women's Aid
    Women’s History Association Of Ireland
    Workshop
    X Case

    Archives

    July 2017
    November 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    May 2011

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About
    • Mission Statement
    • Our Work
    • The Coordinators
  • Publications
  • News & Events
  • Articles
  • Take Action
  • Contact Us
    • Irish Organisations