Ivers 1Lauren IversWomen's StudiesProfessor Platts5 May 2014What If Men Menstruated?It is known as the "time of the month", Mother Nature's monthly gift, "Aunt Flow"; to most women, it is simply known as her period--this dreaded week of the month when it feels like someone is stabbing you in the ovaries. A man who has been with a woman will tell you that he knows what it is like when a woman is on her period, "Women are hormonal and B****Y!" Even if men do deal with women on their periods they will never have a full understanding of what it is like to menstruate. What if they could? What if men did menstruate? I for one would love to see a man on his period. I do believe that "time of ...view middle of the document...
Menstruation would be a similar situation. Men would be looked at in a disapproving way if they didn't brag about their period. Other men would say that there was something wrong with that guy because he didn't share his last period experience. Something that is so private now would become a social conversation piece.The way men would handle menstruation would differ between the social classes. As Steinem puts it, "Military men, right-wing politicians, and religious fundamentalists would cite menstruation as proof that only men could sever in the Army, occupy office, be priests and ministers, or rabbis" (238). She continues on to say,"Male radicals, left-wing politicians, and mystics, however, would insist that women are equal, just different; and that any women could enter their ranks if only she were willing to self-inflict a major wound every month, recognize the preeminence of menstrual issues" (238).Society in general would handle menstruation in a similar manner. Disney Channel and Nickelodeon feature television shows geared toward 7-15 year olds. Every show on those the channels, features a girl as either the main star or a girl in a supporting role. Lizzie McGuire aired in the early 2000's and was based on one girl's life at school and at home. The shows second main character was Miranda, Lizzie's best friend. The show was perfect for girls to watch. It taught lessons on how to deal with friends, school, boys, and even bra shopping. In the show's three years on air and countless episodes, not once was either of the girls' period mentioned. They were at the appropriate age but the topic never came up. If roles were reversed and boysIvers 3menstruated, undoubtedly a menstruation cycle would be mentioned, "TV shows would treat the subject at length. ('Happy Days' Richie and Potsie try to convince Fonzie that he is still 'The Fonz,' though he has missed two periods in a row')" (239). Sports would be the same way. The headlines would read, "Tim Lincecum is put on the disabled list due to a severe case of PMS and cramps!" Again, a man's period would become public information, it would appear in our lives more often than we'd care to hear about it.If men were to get their period, the characteristics of the male stereotype would be removed. Let's explore the stereotypical man. According to TheReasoner.com, if you check off these seven characteristics, you are a stereotypical man:You think porn is king and that porn defines women.You focus on sports, tools, cars and models every single day.You cannot show any emotion other than anger because you think you are stronger and different than women.You stalkingly gaze at and stereotype every female except your mom, sisters and daughters.You live to get drunk on beer, and you cannot hold your wine or liquor.You want a woman who is weak, obedient and does things to serve you or your household.You want to be in control of all relationships and want to be the head of the house.Other qualities that w...
