Period Shame on the Big Screen

Aiko Author

We'll take a look at some of the most recent examples of period shame on the big screen.

It's that time of the month again. You know, when Aunt Flo comes to visit. For many of us, it's an experience shrouded in shame and secrecy. We're taught from a young age that periods are dirty and embarrassing and that we should keep them hidden at all costs.

This mentality persists in Hollywood, where filmmakers often shy away from including menstruation in their work for fear of offending or alienating audiences. But times are changing, and more and more people are speaking out against period shame.

In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most recent examples of period shame on the big screen. We'll also explore the implications of this ongoing problem, and offer some solutions for ending the stigma once and for all.

The Presence of Period Shame on the Big Screen

It's been said that the best way to change something is to start talking about it. And that's the case when it comes to periods.

For far too long, we've been silent about our periods—ashamed to talk about them, even amongst our closest friends and family members. This isn't just because periods are inherently embarrassing (though they can be). It's also because society has taught us that periods are dirty and shameful.

And this is reflected in the way that periods are depicted on the big screen. For example, take the movie Turning Red, I loved the movie and I really liked the message, especially coming from an Asian background. I know how hard it was for me to always please my dad as a child.

In it, a teenage girl goes through an event where she becomes a red panda, but when it happened for the first time, her mom thinks she has gotten her period, so she brings pads to her school and then is subsequently ridiculed by her classmates. The whole experience is made to be incredibly humiliating for her.

It's time for this to change. We need to start talking openly and honestly about periods—and we need to start showing them on the big screen in a more positive light.

Turning Red Had Parents Seeing Red

It's normal to feel a range of emotions when watching your child experience something for the first time. You feel pride when they take their first steps, and you feel a sense of relief when they finally conquer their fear of heights. So it's no surprise that parents felt a range of emotions when their children "turned red" in the movie Turning Red.

For many, the fear and shame that came along with periods were front and center. It was hard to see their children go through something that they had experienced themselves, and that feeling of shame was only compounded by society's perception of periods. We're still not used to seeing periods portrayed in a positive light, and that's something that needs to change.

Thankfully, there is a growing movement to end the shame around periods. From period panties to positive portrayals in the media, we're slowly starting to see a shift in how we view menstruation. And that's a good thing because it's time to end the cycle of period shame. Would you like to help us achieve this goal?

Persistence of Period Shame in All Cultures

This persistent period shame is a real issue, and it can have serious consequences. It can lead to teens feeling isolated and ashamed, which can in turn lead to depression and discomfort. The good news is that we're starting to see a shift in how we talk about periods, and with more open discussion, we can end the shame for good.

How to End the Shame Around Periods

Ending the shame of periods comes down to education and normalizing menstruation. Of course, this won’t happen overnight, but there are things you can do right now to help break the silence.

First, use socially responsible media platforms to spread awareness about periods. Whether it’s a post on a blog, an Instagram story, or a YouTube video, there are tons of outlets where you can share your experience and provide support for others who are struggling with period stigma.

Second, be proactive about talking about periods in safe spaces with friends and family. Normalizing conversations about menstruation will help to combat any stigma attached to it—and let’s face it: nobody should feel ashamed for something that happens naturally once a month!

Third, show your support for passionate organizations advocating for menstrual equity. There are some incredible initiatives out there that are fighting period stigma and pushing for access to affordable menstrual products in developing countries—so why not lend them a hand?

Turning Red and Its Big Emotions

If you’ve seen the movie, then you’re already familiar with the scene where it all comes to a head: when Meilin first "gets red" and everyone thinks she has gotten her period, she starts to feel embarrassed in front of her classmates. And it’s this emotion—the shame, embarrassment, and confusion—that is an all-too-real experience for many young people who are just starting on their menstrual journey.

So if you find yourself relating to Meilin and feeling overwhelmed by what's happening in your life right now, it may help to talk to someone. It could be a friend, family member, teacher, or healthcare provider. Reaching out can make all the difference as you figure out how to manage your feelings—and ultimately leave period shame behind for good.

Where to Find Support for Period-Related Issues

No matter what your experiences with periods and period-related struggles are, you don’t have to shoulder them alone.

Having a supportive group of people around you is key. Whether friends, family, or professionals, whoever you choose to lean on should be able to listen without judgment and offer understanding and empathy. If that’s not possible for whatever reason, there are plenty of other resources available. A few of which include:

• Online forums where people can share their stories freely.
• Specialized helplines are dedicated to addressing period-related issues such as health anxiety, loneliness, or general mental well-being.
• Charities providing holistic support - both medical and mental.
• Therapy options are tailored towards this topic with trained professionals who can help you unpick deeper issues at the root of your period shame.

Know that you don’t have to face these changes alone; talking about it and seeking help is an incredibly brave thing to do so take all the time you need to find the right support for you and reach out when ready.

Conclusion

So, what can you do? You can start by not hiding your period. Let your friends and family know that you are on your period, and if they make a big deal out of it, show them this article. Be vocal about the fact that menstruation is a natural process that happens to half the population. Let’s end the shame.

Learn more about your cycle on my blog page!

Categories: : Inner Seasons, Menstrual Cycle, Menstrual Harmony