I think I am speaking for all girls everywhere when I say that, if only this essay could become a reality! "If Men Could Menstruate" by Gloria Steinem was the perfect essay to end the summer with because it was, in my opinion, quite comical. Then again, it angered me quite a bit.
Steinem's voice was very strong throughout the entire essay. I think her voice was a key factor in why I enjoyed reading this writing. As a reader I was never confused as to who's side Steinem was on or as to where she was going next with her writing. I enjoyed her creativity as well as how straight forward everything was. Maybe I'm completely wrong, but from her writing I would guess that Steinem is one of those people who can crack a hoke without a smile and just keep talking leaving the listeners chuckling to themselves.
What bothered and slightly angered me about this is that while obviously the essay is full of imaginary information, it isn't far from what could be the truth. Think of it as the constant struggle of those striving to be considered popular. When the unpopular kid wears a shirt with Elsa and Olaf on it they are picked on for being childish and weird. When the already popular kid wears the same shirt they get compliments and people think it's funny in the best way possible. I know that was a weird example and it definitely was not the best, but I think you got the point and can envision your own similar scenario. Steinem recognized that, in her own words, "men-stration" would create the same type of situation and I think that is bad. Guys are grossed out by women getting their period but if they had it, would it be glorified? That would just be plain hypocritical. Also, would the government really provide free tampons and pads? Do they think women choose to menstruate? No way!
I did find it funny though that Steinem thought that men would then compete to see who had the "better" period. Girls try to hide their period and it would just be odd if it were an openly discussed topic. The idea of designer pads was also quite amusing. I pictured guys showing off their pads as if it were their car. "Dude, look! Mine has Nicholas Cage on it!" That would just be weird!
Cora, I also really enjoyed reading Steinem's essay. Her sarcasm and strong voice made the essay, whose topic was quite odd, more enjoyable and interesting. Being a girl, this essay left me angry too. The fact that men are grossed out and try to keep the topic of menstruation on the DL, but, if the roles were reversed, they would make "men-stration" an open topic and something to be proud of. Like you said, girls didn't choose to have periods. Also, your comparison of popular vs. nonpopular makes total sense. It's cool when the popular kid does it because they're superior and people don't look down on them.
ReplyDeleteNice response Cora. The essay in general on "If men could menstrate" was thought provoking in the best and worst way. The best way in the fact that it was a strongly worded opinion and comical to both males and females. The one thing I didn't like about the essay was how Steinem predicted so accurately how hypocritical the male population could be about getting a period compared to how it is now. Your response visited both sides and covered a great deal of the topic and essay altogether. Nice job.
ReplyDelete