Description:
In mainstream media, there is lacking representation of menstrual experiences, let alone representations that don't ridicule or patronize people who menstruate while they are on their periods. In movies like Superbad and Carrie, periods have been portrayed as filthy and horrific, which has never been helpful in destigmatizing menstruation – not that destigmatization has been a priority for very long. This Tik-Tok length video is about how Disney's new show Baymax! is taking the lead on educational, encouraging, and normalizing period representation.
Script:
VO: You may have seen the new Disney show, Baymax!. SOT: Screen recording sound. VO: This episode featuring menstruation sparked a heated online discussion. Some folks found the display of a first period offensive. The inclusion of a transmasculine person wearing the transgender flag definitely drew attention in from conservative Twitter users as well. VO: Right-wing commentator Christopher F. Rufo tweeted about the clip and how “It's all part of Disney's plan to re-engineer the discourse around kids and sexuality.” VO: But menstruation and gender have no correlation to sexuality. VO: According to Lacey Bobier’s “The Sexualization of Menstruation,” "Reproductive potential" is a signal of one's sexual development in society. Bobier found that when people who menstruate make the connection between menstruation and sexuality, they react negatively. The growth of the human body has nothing to do with sexuality – it’s just what happens to everyone when they hit puberty. VO: Folks who recognize this have been advocating for the importance of destigmatizing menstruation and the fact that anyone can menstruate, whatever their gender identity may be. VO: User lofi_lullabies tweeted in response to Rufo: “It’s important to accept and learn about periods before you have them! I have an older sister and mom who taught me about periods when I was younger and I had no freak outs or issues when I got my first. You don’t want children to be afraid when it happens, it won’t help. VO: Periods are often associated with being dirty and unsanitary, and societal expectation is to hide a period when it’s happening. VO: Because Baymax is a robot with a focus on healthcare, he has no bias when he talks about periods. Period discourse conducted in this same way can help to destigmatize menstruation and dismantle stereotypes. And while we all can’t be unbiased robots like Baymax, we can be open-minded in our discussions about menstruation and puberty to help younger generations feel more comfortable in their bodies.