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Hello Everybody,
Are you aware that until 1922, when the Kotex pad was introduced, women used rags to accommodate their monthly flow? Well, they did. They reportedly wore them like diapers. So, the fact is: for thousands and thousands of years, women used rags during the time of their periods. In fact, there is still a segment of America’s female population who continue to do so – both internally and externally. They do so because they believe that using real cotton is more natural and wholesome. For them, and many other women, the word "RAGS" is an accurate representation of what they really use, whether they are commercially made or made at home.
Some people seem to believe that using the term “Ragtotes” is an insult to women or somehow diminishes the status of women in our society. I couldn’t disagree more. How does the use of this very appropriate and accurate word denigrate women? Further, if the word “Ragtotes” is somehow incongruous, then isn’t the word “tampon” also unfit since the dictionary defines tampon as a “plug”? Yet, tampons are regularly advertised in all parts of the media.
Perhaps, the reason some react negatively to the use of “rag” as a descriptive term for feminine hygiene products is because girls and women have been made to feel shame and embarrassment about this undeniably natural process for thousands of years. Perhaps it is because throughout “civilized” history, women have been made to feel shame about all aspects of their ability to reproduce.
Are you old enough to remember when it was considered low class for women to breast feed their babies? It wasn't that long ago. So, I do remember. I gave birth during that time. When I told the doctor and nurse I wanted to breast feed my baby, they gave me this odd look – a little bit patronizing, a little bit disdainful. Fortunately later on, science proved that it was abundantly better for a child’s health if the mother breast fed in lieu of using commercially available formula.
Fewer than a hundred years ago, pregnancy was a topic not to be discussed in public. Women were put in "confinement" when their pregnancy became apparent and stayed there until they gave birth. To speak of the birth in open company was considered rude and distasteful (because then everyone would know what the man and woman were doing, wouldn't they?) Now, of course, pregnancy has assumed it's rightful joyous and happy place. There are a myriad of public ways to speak about pregnancy and birth. Some with pride, some with joy, some with humor. None of these denigrate having a baby. They are just society's way of embracing the various facets of it. I pray that someday menstrual periods are discussed as openly and as joyfully as the birth of a baby.
Author Karen Houppert says in her book “The Curse”; “…Blood is kind of like snot. Why isn’t it treated that way? People with runny noses don’t hide their tissues from colleagues and family members. They do not die of embarrassment when they sneeze in public. Young girls do not cringe if a boy spies them buying a box of Kleenex…” Calling it snot might be a bit crude but she has a point. Both are bodily fluids, both leave the body to remove waste old and start over, both leave the body when they are no longer needed and both are natural bodily functions. Why is there such a difference in their treatment by society?
There are many books one can read on this subject. They may help you to see that menstrual periods are the basis of life, something that should be openly celebrated not discussed in hushed tones in the back of a bathroom.
My suggested reading list:
“The Curse, Confronting the Last Unmentionable Taboo: Menstruation”, Author: Karen Houppert.
“The Curse, A Cultural History of Menstruation”. Authors: Janice Delaney, Mary Jane Lupton, Emily Toth.
“The Seven Sacred Rites of Menarche, The Spiritual Journey of the Adolescent Girl”, Author Kristi Meisenbach Boylan.
“Honoring Menstruation, A Time of Self-Renewal”, Author: Lara Owen.
“Period, A Girl’s Guide”, Authors: JoAnn Loulan, Bonnie Worthen.
“Moon Mother * Moon Daughter, Myths and Rituals that Celebrate a Girl’s Coming-of-Age”, Authors: Janet Lucy and Terri Allison.
“The Goddess in Every Girl, Develop Your Teen Feminine Power”, Author: M.J. Abadie
“Growing Up, It’s a Girl Thing”, Author: Mavis Jukes
“The Period Book, Everything You Don’t Want to Ask (But Need to Know)”, Author: Karen and Jennifer Gravelle
I have read all of these books and many, many others on the topic of menstrual periods. So, I will tell you that (particularly if you are a man) it may be tough for you to read some of these books. Primarily because the women who wrote them sometimes allow the incredible frustration they feel, about our (still) Victorian attitudes regarding a woman’s ability to reproduce, to manifest in their writings. Please try not to take offense. Rather, strive to understand why they feel as they do.
I believe, that individuals who hold these opposing opinions truly mean well. However, much like the young ladies who feel shame and embarrassment about their periods, they have been socialized to view this area in a particular way. As a woman who has viewed it from all angles, I can honestly tell you: There is a better way!
Please feel free to contact me anytime. I am always open to discussion about this special, fascinating topic.
Very best regards,
L. Marie Krey
President/CEO
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