If Men Could Menstruate Essay PDF

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1 x Professor Pettitt English 15 19 February 2018 What Women Need to Know Inequality impacts nearly every community, but the issues that go hand-in-hand with inequality, such as lower pay rates and discriminatory rules, have stemmed the birth of a new era. The basis of this new era is to stand up and speak out against injustice and inequity. Gender discrimination is a long-lasting pandemic that interferes with people’s beliefs, opportunities, and rights. In 1978, feminist Gloria Steinem authored “If Men Could Menstruate,” an essay in which she sincerely details struggles faced by too many women. Using humor, she disregards skin color, social class, etc., and speaks to all women. The essay addresses male perspective issues and double standards while ultimately guiding women of every background to find their own voices. To speak out against a group that is considered superior is not only a bold move but widely controversial. Often times the difference between the minority and majority is the perceived capability of change. In Steinem’s article, she suggests to her audience of women that men are not interested in tipping the balance of power for the purpose of instituting more equality in society. The author uses the idea of male menstruation as means of demonstrating society’s efforts of insisting that female needs are not as important as the needs of their male counterparts. However, if the roles were reversed, men would have dozens of excuses and justifiable means of tending to their menstrual needs, all of which are considered unacceptable and weak in the reality of today’s society. In reference to menstruation, Steinem writes, “Men

2 would brag about how long and how much” (Steinem 1). On the contrary, women are often passively dismissed when they speak in public of their monthly periods. The author adds, “Sanitary supplies would be federally funded and free” (Steinem 1). Yet, for women, sufficient monthly supplies cost between $5-12 on average, and emergencies also require payment. Albeit, the cost of an individual tampon or pad ranges from 25 to 50 cents, but nine to twelve cycles per year quickly adds up. Specifically, Steinem demonstrates that society determines the order of priorities on the basis of gender. If men menstruated instead of woman, they would be celebrated, rather than condoned, for their periods. Supplies that many women of low-income backgrounds struggle to pay for would be given easily to men, no matter the man’s economic background. The reason behind this social injustice and inequality is simply because they are men, and we are women. Yet, Steinem recognizes the reasons for this differentiation and disagrees with this negative connotation of female menstruation. She writes, “One can imagine right-wing women agreeing to all these arguments with a staunch and smiling masochism” (Steinem 2). In this case, the author is acknowledging that in reality, some women are self-condoning. If the tables turned and men menstruated, there would still be women supporting male superiority. Yet, despite the distinct personal beliefs between women of different backgrounds, this essay is written for every woman to read and learn. “If Men Could Menstruate” is meant to persuade readers to voice their opinions on society’s injustices. The double standard represents the idea that women and men should not feel or act in a certain manner on the basis of gender. Steinem says, “Gifts, religious ceremonies, family dinners, and stag parties would mark the day” (Steinem 1). In this case, the double standard is that when young girls first receive their periods, there is no celebratory or coming-of-

3 age events. Steinem also writes, “Generals, right-wing politicians, and religious fundamentalists would cite menstruation as proof that only men could serve God and country in combat, occupy high political office, be priests, ministers, God Himself, or rabbis” (Steinem 1). In hindsight, women are often considered incapable of high-up positions. Yet, all the reasons why women are listed as incompetent would be reasons as to why men are capable and fit for a position. When it comes to military positions, church officials, and politics, women are sidelined to men. When a woman’s time of the month comes around, her judgment is considered to be flawed because of hormones and fluctuations in emotions. Yet, men would address their own menstruation as proof of capability for handling such daunting roles, along with menstrual symptoms seen as prerogatives. Steinem’s essay serves as a testimony for all women who are unable to speak up about gender inequality. It is not intended to be a crucifixion of all men or a plea for women to join forces and attempt to rise above men. The article serves as a crucial reminder of female power and an urge for women to step beyond their boundaries for the benefit of the whole. In a society where women make 79 cents to every man’s dollar, this message remains relevant. Steinem uses humor and attacks real issues as her tactics of conveying information. She is highly convincing in addressing women that the issues at hand are not set in stone and can be changed with the right actions and words. Steinem ends her article by saying, “If men could menstruate, the power justifications would go on and on. If we let them” (Steinem 2). Steinem’s intentions are not to have the audience wonder about a society in which men menstruated. Instead, they are to provide insight on the inequality that exists in today’s very real and unjust society. In reality, women can menstruate and have to pay for menstrual supplies. It is considered inappropriate for women to discuss menstruation in public, and the act of doing so often makes

4 other uncomfortable. Women, from their emotions to their sexual needs, are considered inferior to their male counterparts, but it should not be the case that men have to menstruate in order for menstrual needs to be addressed. The author conveys to women that a man’s needs are no more important than those of a woman, and it should not take a figurative world of male menstruation for society and women themselves to recognize this. Gloria Steinem’s goal is for all women to stand together against these social injustices and that the next time a man questions whether or not a woman’s menstruation makes her emotional or weak, every woman will use her voice to defend one....