Breaking the Taboo: Period Representation in Media

It’s no secret that those with a uterus menstruate regularly, even the characters you see on TV shows. Thus, the question arises: do the media and modern pop culture address menstrual health as much as they should? Oftentimes, any mention of periods and related products is either taboo or portrayed in a negative connotation. This has created an unhealthy stigma within people’s perspectives and, whether subconscious or not, can ravage the importance society puts on menstrual health. 

The media is an efficient and excellent way to spread information, though it may not always be entirely correct. Historically, the portrayal of periods has dramatically changed from decades ago to the modern day. In the 1870s, ads for menstrual supplies emerged, and in the thirties, newspapers and brochures would go on to advertise them in a discreet manner. However, contrary to modern-day advertisement, where the topic revolves more around comfort and suitability for each person, the language used back then stigmatized periods as something that should be discreet and shameful. Certain myths in history go as far as to say that those who menstruate will scare away hailstorms, whirlwinds, and lightning, cause the decay of crops through touch alone, and cause various other “monstrous” effects. 

Unfortunately, the shame and stigma associated with menstruation endure even in today’s society, where streaming and social media allow for the effortless spread of misinformation. Many of those who menstruate feel as if periods are something to hide and whisper about, often feeling isolated when figuring out how to manage their menstrual cycles while facing the dangerous stigma and judgement in modern society. In the average shows and movies, conversations regarding menstrual pain, hormones and emotions, and serious issues surrounding menstrual product availability are often taken as a joke. These crucial topics are marginalized for the sake of comedy and entertainment, gradually taking away any and all importance society places on menstrual health issues. 

While the media has the ability to spread negativity, it is equally capable of creating change. Media such as “Period. End of Sentence," "The Good Place,"  and “Orange is the New Black” portray positive representations of periods, a small but crucial action in the efforts to destigmatize menstrual health. 

Schools and other educational platforms, especially online, have an obligation to teach students about menstrual health and what to expect. However, due to the stigma surrounding the topic, many believe their children are ‘too young’ to learn about such matters. Choosing to teach one’s child outside of school is one thing, but to deny them the right to learn about it at all is entirely different. This is, unfortunately, often the case both in North America and the rest of the world. Young teens are left in the dark about how to properly care for themselves or others when menstruating, possibly leading to dangerous infections and health issues. 

The way society portrays periods and menstrual health is undoubtedly crucial in providing the best resources and care to those who menstruate. Proper representation in media and pop culture can help mitigate the feeling of isolation and hardship one may feel when facing the stigma and shame surrounding menstrual health in today’s day-to-day life. Sharing accurate information with others and educating oneself has a massive impact on how society perceives menstrual health and its importance. 

Written by Tahreem Yasin

References

1. “How Are Periods Portrayed in the Media?” Free Periods Canada, www.freeperiods.ca/blog/how-are-periods-portrayed-in-the-media#:~:text=Previous%20 portrayals%20often%20paint%20 periods,something%20to%20be%20 whispered%20about. Accessed 18 Sep. 2024. 

2. “Pliny the Elder, the Natural History John Bostock, M.D., F.R.S., H.T. Riley, Esq., B.A., Ed.” Pliny the Elder, The Natural History, BOOK XXVIII. REMEDIES DERIVED FROM LIVING CREATURES., CHAP. 23.-FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE., www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0137%3Abook%3D28%3Achapter%3D23. Accessed 18 Sep. 2024. 

3. Rachael Gillibrand. Lecturer in Premodern History. “‘Dirty Red’: How Periods Have Been Stigmatized through History to the Modern Day.” The Conversation, 16 Aug. 2024, theconversation.com/dirty-red-how-periods-have-been-stigmatised-through-history-to-the-modern-day-206967. 

4. Team, Orchyd. “10 Movies & TV Shows That Feature Periods Positively.” Orchyd, Orchyd, 9 Feb. 2021, www.orchyd.com/blogs/overflow/10-movies-and-tv-shows-that-feature-periods-positively?srsltid=AfmBOorH3v9cjcYzsh2BdtL4wXoEx2YJ4d7gyWKn5QzJokfG2-rHMiQV.