Dani-Mani
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,706
Jun 28, 2014 17:36:35 GMT
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Post by Dani-Mani on Aug 8, 2015 18:18:18 GMT
The problem is most people aren't talking about third world countries or donating products to third world countries. They're talking about her. So if her cause was to raise awareness about third world countries and lack of feminine products there...as she claimed--she hasn't really succeeded. It's a start. Awareness often must come before the campaign. It may be, but I found this story on social media. Most people didn't touch on the issue; they focused on her. So while a handful, like you, see how this can be good, most aren't even discussing it. obviously one is more than zero, but it's definitely not sending out the message she had hoped for, as the majority on social media are focusing on her and her bloody pants, not why she did it.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 2, 2024 3:13:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2015 18:19:55 GMT
I guess her point is supposed to be that there are women all over the world who don't have access to sanitary supplies so they DO have to deal with stuff like bleeding while trying to also live their lives. I have friends who are aid workers in Africa who have spoken extensively to their western friends and family about young ladies having to drop out of school because their attendance is so impacted by the onset of the periods. It's heartbreaking. Because it's so easily avoidable. I learned about all this without the help of gross visual aids. Imagine that.
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bunnylady
Junior Member
Posts: 55
Jun 25, 2014 23:22:48 GMT
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Post by bunnylady on Aug 8, 2015 18:21:25 GMT
Being able to afford tampons or not is not a problem. "Afford tampons"? What???
Dumbest thing I've seen in a long time.
ETA: I see the point about having to stay home from school because of a period, but are there not cheaper alternatives we could send? Haven't priced tampons in a long time, but surely you can get a truckload of kotex pads for cheaper, and send those where needed?
Also, yes. That type of display doesn't raise awareness, it raises disgust.
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Post by AN on Aug 8, 2015 18:24:16 GMT
It's a start. Awareness often must come before the campaign. It may be, but I found this story on social media. Most people didn't touch on the issue; they focused on her. So while a handful, like you, see how this can be good, most aren't even discussing it. obviously one is more than zero, but it's definitely not sending out the message she had hoped for, as the majority on social media are focusing on her and her bloody pants, not why she did it. Here is the short trending recap that pops up on the side of Facebook right now: London Marathon: Woman says she ran marathon without tampon to break menstruating 'stigma'When you hover over, don't even have to click, here's what you see: Woman Runs London Marathon Without a Tampon, Bleeds Freely to Raise Awareness "I ran with blood dripping down my legs for sisters who don’t have access to tampons,” Kiran Gandhi, who ran the marathon in April, wrote on her website on April 26.Both mention the cause. As far as articles that don't mention the cause in the title... well, clickbait works. I'm really sort of embarrassed that women would be critical of her actions. Just goes to show how far we have to go, I guess, and why the cause is so important (and so hard to get publicity for).
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 2, 2024 3:13:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2015 18:24:17 GMT
This seems like a good thread to share some of my favourite period-related links, websites, and videos: Days For Girls: a volunteer effort to supply women in developing countries with reusable pads and washing-up supplies to help them be able to function during their periods and also help remove the stigma and shame surrounding menstration in their culture. Plan UK: founder of the fabulous #justatampon campaign, also supply sanitary supplies to developing countries and other pro-women movements. V-point: sometimes hilarious, always insightful, modern discussion regarding everything from menstruation to sexism to racism. This link takes you to their articles regarding menstruation. Really really really funny video about how men think tampons work: just watch it. Plus, they're all British so it's extra awesome.
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Post by AN on Aug 8, 2015 18:26:39 GMT
Being able to afford tampons or not is not a problem. "Afford tampons"? What??? Dumbest thing I've seen in a long time. ETA: I see the point about having to stay home from school because of a period, but are there not cheaper alternatives we could send? Haven't priced tampons in a long time, but surely you can get a truckload of kotex pads for cheaper, and send those where needed? Also, yes. That type of display doesn't raise awareness, it raises disgust. Menstrual cups are a more affordable, long-term solution if an area has clean water & waste water system. Disposable are better for areas without good water access, but getting women hooked on disposable can be challenging if the funds dry up. The cost difference between pads and tampons isn't really the issue here, it's that neither are affordable or accessible for hundreds of millions of women. I think I need to step away, my head is about to explode. Wow. The inability to see privilege in this area is just... unbelievable.
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Dani-Mani
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,706
Jun 28, 2014 17:36:35 GMT
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Post by Dani-Mani on Aug 8, 2015 18:27:53 GMT
It may be, but I found this story on social media. Most people didn't touch on the issue; they focused on her. So while a handful, like you, see how this can be good, most aren't even discussing it. obviously one is more than zero, but it's definitely not sending out the message she had hoped for, as the majority on social media are focusing on her and her bloody pants, not why she did it. Here is the short trending recap that pops up on the side of Facebook right now: London Marathon: Woman says she ran marathon without tampon to break menstruating 'stigma'When you hover over, don't even have to click, here's what you see: Woman Runs London Marathon Without a Tampon, Bleeds Freely to Raise Awareness "I ran with blood dripping down my legs for sisters who don’t have access to tampons,” Kiran Gandhi, who ran the marathon in April, wrote on her website on April 26.Both mention the cause. As far as articles that don't mention the cause in the title... well, clickbait works. I'm really sort of embarrassed that women would be critical of her actions. Just goes to show how far we have to go, I guess, and why the cause is so important (and so hard to get publicity for). I didn't mean the articles; I meant the comments about the articles. Most people on social media are disgusted. Not applauding her or even discussing why she did it.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 2, 2024 3:13:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2015 18:31:54 GMT
Being able to afford tampons or not is not a problem. "Afford tampons"? What??? Dumbest thing I've seen in a long time. ETA: I see the point about having to stay home from school because of a period, but are there not cheaper alternatives we could send? Haven't priced tampons in a long time, but surely you can get a truckload of kotex pads for cheaper, and send those where needed? Also, yes. That type of display doesn't raise awareness, it raises disgust. Menstrual cups are a more affordable, long-term solution if an area has clean water & waste water system. Disposable are better for areas without good water access, but getting women hooked on disposable can be challenging if the funds dry up. The cost difference between pads and tampons isn't really the issue here, it's that neither are affordable or accessible for hundreds of millions of women. I think I need to step away, my head is about to explode. Wow. The inability to see privilege in this area is just... unbelievable. Apparently for women in many developing countries, even washing their dirty laundry is difficult. There is such a strong taboo against menstruation and menstrual blood, they can't wash their reusable pads/laundry in common washing areas, or water is so hard to come by that they can't use enough water to get their things clean. It's really sad when you read how difficult it is for these women, and how much of a disadvantage it puts on them.
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Post by AN on Aug 8, 2015 18:33:09 GMT
Just what I needed!
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bunnylady
Junior Member
Posts: 55
Jun 25, 2014 23:22:48 GMT
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Post by bunnylady on Aug 8, 2015 18:33:37 GMT
What? Inability to see privilege? I'm privileged because I have access to menstrual products?
I think I should probably be insulted by that insinuation, but I can't muster it. What I can do is say that if there's a worthy cause out there, then enlighten me. Just don't do it by dripping blood all over the place because that's disgusting and puts me off the cause.
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Post by gryroagain on Aug 8, 2015 18:36:25 GMT
I think she rocks. This is the reality of so many womens lives if they lack access to sanitary products, either through social taboo, poverty, etc. It needs to be shown. It isn't gross, it's reality, for gods sake- aren't all of us here women?! What do you think happens for women in poverty with their period?
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Post by Lindarina on Aug 8, 2015 18:43:29 GMT
I think the reactions in this thread alone shows how many of us think uf menstrual blood as shameful and disgusting. We all need to lower our shoulders on this subject and drop our medieval way of thinking it's impure and embarrasing. I'm not talking about letting it flow from now on, but maybe consider how we speak of the monthly cycle and what words we choose to use.
I think she's trying to raise awareness to something important, and I personally don't find a blood stain on her trousers disgusting, gross, embarassing or dumb. It's something we all would have to deal with more often if we didn't have the luxuries of disposable sanitary products.
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Dani-Mani
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,706
Jun 28, 2014 17:36:35 GMT
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Post by Dani-Mani on Aug 8, 2015 18:46:20 GMT
Being able to afford tampons or not is not a problem. "Afford tampons"? What??? Dumbest thing I've seen in a long time. ETA: I see the point about having to stay home from school because of a period, but are there not cheaper alternatives we could send? Haven't priced tampons in a long time, but surely you can get a truckload of kotex pads for cheaper, and send those where needed? Also, yes. That type of display doesn't raise awareness, it raises disgust. Menstrual cups are a more affordable, long-term solution if an area has clean water & waste water system. Disposable are better for areas without good water access, but getting women hooked on disposable can be challenging if the funds dry up. The cost difference between pads and tampons isn't really the issue here, it's that neither are affordable or accessible for hundreds of millions of women. I think I need to step away, my head is about to explode. Wow. The inability to see privilege in this area is just... unbelievable. I'm curious. Have you ever done a mission trip to a third world country?
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Olan
Pearl Clutcher
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Posts: 4,046
Jul 13, 2014 21:23:27 GMT
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Post by Olan on Aug 8, 2015 19:04:34 GMT
The problem is most people aren't talking about third world countries or donating products to third world countries. They're talking about her. So if her cause was to raise awareness about third world countries and lack of feminine products there...as she claimed--she hasn't really succeeded. I don't think it was lost on everyone. Anyway I collect Diva Cups insteads and tampons year round and send them directly to my friend who travels to Uganda every year.
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Post by mdith4him on Aug 8, 2015 19:05:53 GMT
I think the reactions in this thread alone shows how many of us think uf menstrual blood as shameful and disgusting. We all need to lower our shoulders on this subject and drop our medieval way of thinking it's impure and embarrasing. I'm not talking about letting it flow from now on, but maybe consider how we speak of the monthly cycle and what words we choose to use. I think she's trying to raise awareness to something important, and I personally don't find a blood stain on her trousers disgusting, gross, embarassing or dumb. It's something we all would have to deal with more often if we didn't have the luxuries of disposable sanitary products. I don't think most people in the US think of periods as 'shameful' anymore...at least, no one I know does. I used to be embarrassed to buy supplies at the store when I was younger, but now I couldn't care less. I've gotten used to it over the past 15 years and I know that pretty much every other woman has to buy the same things each month. However, I do think supplies are called 'sanitary products' for a reason. The blood is the same as any other blood from our bodies and it's unsanitary to not take care of it. I don't want your blood (whether it's from down below or from a cut on your finger) to get on me because, well...bloodborne pathogens. Yuck. I've been to several 3rd world countries and yes, the level of privilege and convenience in this country is unbelievable. I'm all for sending supplies or educational materials to people in countries who need them. I don't think her idea was the best way to get people involved, though.
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Dani-Mani
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,706
Jun 28, 2014 17:36:35 GMT
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Post by Dani-Mani on Aug 8, 2015 19:06:25 GMT
The problem is most people aren't talking about third world countries or donating products to third world countries. They're talking about her. So if her cause was to raise awareness about third world countries and lack of feminine products there...as she claimed--she hasn't really succeeded. I don't think it was lost on everyone. Anyway I collect Diva Cups insteads and tampons year round and send them directly to my friend who travels to Uganda every year. That's why I said "most." And that is absolutely awesome what you do. And your friend is awesome too!
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Post by fridaycat on Aug 8, 2015 19:21:53 GMT
Did she announce her cause before or after the race? If after, I'm wondering if she was just saving face for using a Junior on a Super+ day.
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Post by mirabelleswalker on Aug 8, 2015 19:25:05 GMT
The race was in April? Why didn't the awareness-raising happen then? It's sort of weird that it took so long for her to get any publicity.
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Post by Freefallfast on Aug 8, 2015 19:26:07 GMT
Been so poor in my younger years I have not had the ability to purchase pads. And if I had a quarter and found a machine it didn't always function but would take my quarter. Have had to wad up public restroom toilet tissue and hope for the best. At jobs would look in cupboards in the restroom to see if any were there. Felt ashamed but desperate. And I am not in a 3rd world country.
This resonates with me and I'm going to figure out how I can donate supplies.
Good for her. She reminded me how that felt.
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gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,080
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Aug 8, 2015 19:32:55 GMT
Been so poor in my younger years I have not had the ability to purchase pads. And if I had a quarter and found a machine it didn't always function but would take my quarter. Have had to wad up public restroom toilet tissue and hope for the best. At jobs would look in cupboards in the restroom to see if any were there. Felt ashamed but desperate. And I am not in a 3rd world country. This resonates with me and I'm going to figure out how I can donate supplies. Good for her. She reminded me how that felt. Thank you for posting your experience and your plan to help.
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,394
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Aug 8, 2015 19:36:11 GMT
No. Sorry, that is unnecessary. Just do a fundraiser and provide information.
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Post by peatlejuice on Aug 8, 2015 19:38:53 GMT
I see Sanctimonious Saturday is in full effect here at the RefuPod.
I get the "guerilla marketing" for a cause. I'm sincerely impressed that she had no problem displaying her menstrual blood for all the world to see (and I suspect that the privilege-shaming preachers here wouldn't do the same).
Having said that, when I see those pictures, I don't really see a "champion for a cause" moment - I just see a young woman who was either super creatively covering up a period-day accident, or too lazy to wear a sanitary product.
Anyway, my unapologetic privileged self is off to the store to get groceries.
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ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685
Jun 25, 2014 19:18:36 GMT
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Post by ginacivey on Aug 8, 2015 19:41:58 GMT
i'm surprised by the number of you that said this was 'disgusting' or 'unsanitary'
what is unsanitary about it
she ran with some of her blood on her body
don't act like it's never happened to you - had an 'oh shit' moment?
and why do we have to call is disgusting?
it is what it is
she didn't rub it on anyone and she didn't plop herself down on your couch
people like Trump won't quit using a period as a weakness if women don't get over it first
gina
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Post by cadoodlebug on Aug 8, 2015 19:48:58 GMT
Instead of bleeding to show awareness, why didn't she just ask people to bring a donation of supplies to help the cause? And as a scrapper, I would take a picture again, without the mess showing. I would rather load a cart at the store than see that!! Because that does not help lessen the shame associated with this natural event, nor does it shed light on the women who have no supplies and cannot leave their homes for several days each month. They are considered unclean, dirty, etc. and are shamed to avoid being in public. Some do manage with rags, I understand. Can you imagine your life without pads and tampons each month? Yep, my mom used rags when she was a young girl. Washed them out at night.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 2, 2024 3:13:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2015 19:49:48 GMT
I wondered that too, can you catch cooties by being in its general vicinity? I get that there were probably better ways to get her point across but she chose this way and I'm not really getting the disgust and comments that she has no dignity.
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Olan
Pearl Clutcher
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Posts: 4,046
Jul 13, 2014 21:23:27 GMT
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Post by Olan on Aug 8, 2015 19:53:36 GMT
I see Sanctimonious Saturday is in full effect here at the RefuPod. I get the "guerilla marketing" for a cause. I'm sincerely impressed that she had no problem displaying her menstrual blood for all the world to see (and I suspect that the privilege-shaming preachers here wouldn't do the same). Having said that, when I see those pictures, I don't really see a "champion for a cause" moment - I just see a young woman who was either super creatively covering up a period-day accident, or too lazy to wear a sanitary product. Anyway, my unapologetic privileged self is off to the store to get groceries. I disagree. While some may see an attention whore who is gross I see a woman who gets that forcing a Catholic hospital to provide birth control and slut walks is low on the M'effen totem pole. Getting raped while returning from the hole in the ground you call a bathroom and dropping out of school because you bled a couple days a month should trump the former...most issues my feminist friends think are important make me want to jump. Also off to the grocery store! I try and get one divacup per trip it adds about the = of 2 bottles of wine.. I subscribe and save the Insteads directly to my friend. It's about 3.00 a month and I laugh thinking about her stockpile and how it's not cluttering my tiny apartment.
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YooHoot
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,418
Jun 26, 2014 3:11:50 GMT
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Post by YooHoot on Aug 8, 2015 19:54:55 GMT
What? Inability to see privilege? I'm privileged because I have access to menstrual products? I think I should probably be insulted by that insinuation, but I can't muster it. What I can do is say that if there's a worthy cause out there, then enlighten me. Just don't do it by dripping blood all over the place because that's disgusting and puts me off the cause. Absolutely this. There are ways of getting your point across without exposing everyone to your bodily fluids. I get that I'm privileged to be able to run to the store for clean sanitary products and a latte but that doesn't mean I can't be disgusted by someone that's proving a point by showing her aunt flow to the world. im not embarrassed or ashamed of having a period. I'm disgusted that someone would think this was a good idea and I don't agree with her delivery.
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Post by Woobster on Aug 8, 2015 20:04:47 GMT
I just think there is a better way to bring attention to the issue and educate people.
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AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,842
Location: USA
Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Aug 8, 2015 20:05:18 GMT
What? Inability to see privilege? I'm privileged because I have access to menstrual products? I think I should probably be insulted by that insinuation, but I can't muster it. [snip] Of course you're privileged. Is that the insinuation you're insulted by? I'm sincerely asking; I might have inferred that incorrectly from your next sentence. Regardless, I'm always baffled by the angry reactions to the word "privilege" here. Privilege is not something you do or announce: it's something from which you benefit - everyday things like access or attitude or ease compared to the everyday experiences of others. It's often a passive experience, and something we rarely think about.
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Post by peano on Aug 8, 2015 20:05:04 GMT
Instead of bleeding to show awareness, why didn't she just ask people to bring a donation of supplies to help the cause? And as a scrapper, I would take a picture again, without the mess showing. I would rather load a cart at the store than see that!! If she just asked people to bring a donation of supplies - who would? Would we be talking about it? No, we wouldn't. How would she have gotten out that message to bring a donation of supplies? If she was a celebrity or something, she could have just promoted it on Twitter/Facebook/whatever as her cause, but she's a normal person. There is no way in hell she would have gotten media coverage without this "stunt." We're talking about that to start with -- and I guarantee you a lot of people had no idea or had never even thought about this being an issue. The google rates on looking up "third world menstruation" and other types of phrases is going to go through the roof. This is an AMAZING publicity stunt to bring attention to a cause, and us talking about her is directly leading to people learning about a cause they had no idea even existed. I feel like people have no idea how guerrilla marketing & PR works... Yes. Sob! I am WAY too stupid to grasp all that complicated stuff. I guess I'll just slink away and go watch a soap opera.
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