Im just doing some reading for school and came across this little gem about if men menstruated that made me smile and I thought it might bring a smile to your face too; Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions is the title of a witty satire by Gloria Steinem (1983) illustrating how illness, sickness, and disease may be sociological or, in this case, gendered determinations. Steinem suggests, for example, that beliefs about menstruation are socially determined: if men menstruated rather than women, menstruation would have very different meanings and consequences. First of all, if men menstruated, it would be a ludable, dramatic event, symbolic of strength and manhood. Men would compete with one another about how large their flow was, how long it lasted, and whose blood was the brightest. Menstruation would be celebrated as a recurring, ritual reminder of the power of masculinity To prevent problems such as cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), billions of dollars in research money would be spent. Doctors specializing in menstruation would be thought to hold the most prestigious specialty, and this would be the most highly paid and desired medical position. Sanitary napkins and tampons would be free. Epidemiological research would demonstrate how men performed better and won more Olympic medals during their periods. Menstruation would be considered proof that only men could serve God and country in war, in politics, or in religion
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 03:00:01 +0000