Menstruation is a natural part of life for half the world’s population, yet it’s often treated as a taboo subject in pop culture. For years, menstruation was either ignored, ridiculed, or portrayed inaccurately in movies, books, and TV shows. But thankfully, the conversation around periods is starting to shift, with more accurate and relatable portrayals making their way into the mainstream. Let’s take a look at some examples of pop culture that got menstruation right—and a few that fell short.
Getting It Right: Accurate and Positive Portrayals of Menstruation
1. Turning Red (2022) – Embracing Puberty and Periods
Pixar’s Turning Red is a fantastic example of how to address menstruation in a way that’s both relatable and empowering. The movie follows 13-year-old Mei, who suddenly transforms into a giant red panda whenever she experiences strong emotions—a clear metaphor for puberty and all the changes that come with it, including getting your period. The film doesn’t shy away from discussing periods; instead, it normalizes the experience as part of growing up. There’s even a scene where Mei’s mother offers her pads, showing menstruation as just another aspect of life that families can openly talk about.
2. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (1997) – Celebrating Womanhood
Anita Diamant’s novel The Red Tent takes us back to biblical times, offering a fictionalized retelling of the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. The novel celebrates the rituals and bonds of womanhood, with menstruation playing a central role. The “Red Tent” is a place where women gather during their periods, not only to rest but to share stories, wisdom, and support. It’s a beautiful portrayal of menstruation as something sacred and communal, rather than something to be hidden or ashamed of.
3. The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015) – Raw and Honest Representation
This indie film, based on the graphic novel by Phoebe Gloeckner, offers a refreshingly honest look at teenage life, including the ups and downs of menstruation. The protagonist, Minnie, experiences her period as part of the messy, confusing journey of adolescence. The film doesn’t glamorise or vilify menstruation—it’s just part of Minnie’s life, treated with the kind of unflinching honesty that’s rare in pop culture. This portrayal helps demystify periods and makes them a normal part of the coming-of-age narrative.
4. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume (1970) – The Period Bible for Generations
Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. has been a rite of passage for generations of girls navigating puberty. The book is famous for its candid discussions about menstruation, something that was groundbreaking at the time of its publication. Margaret’s anticipation and eventual experience of getting her first period are depicted with humor and honesty, making it a comforting read for anyone going through the same changes. Blume’s willingness to tackle the subject head-on has helped countless young readers feel less alone in their experiences.
Getting It Wrong: When Pop Culture Misses the Mark
1. Carrie (1976) – Menstruation as a Horror Show
Stephen King’s Carrie is a classic horror story, but its portrayal of menstruation is problematic. The opening scene, where Carrie gets her first period in the school shower and is ruthlessly bullied by her classmates, sets the tone for the entire movie. While it captures the fear and embarrassment that can accompany menstruation, it also reinforces the idea that periods are something horrifying and shameful. The way menstruation is used as a symbol of Carrie’s otherness and eventual descent into violence sends a negative message about the natural process of growing up.
2. Superbad (2007) – The Period Stain as a Punchline
Superbad is known for its crude humor, and unfortunately, menstruation is not spared. The infamous scene where Seth gets a period stain on his pants after dancing with a girl at a party is played for laughs, with the period reduced to nothing more than a gross-out gag. This portrayal not only trivializes menstruation but also perpetuates the stigma that periods are embarrassing and something to be ashamed of. While it’s meant to be funny, the joke ultimately reinforces negative stereotypes about menstruation.
3. My Girl (1991) – A Missed Opportunity
In My Girl, Vada, the young protagonist, gets her first period, and her reaction is one of panic and confusion. While this is a realistic portrayal of how some girls might feel when they get their first period, the movie misses an opportunity to address the subject more thoroughly. Vada’s reaction is rooted in fear, and while her father tries to reassure her, the film quickly moves on without really delving into what menstruation means or offering any sense of normalcy. It’s a small moment in the film, but it could have been a more empowering and informative one.
4. The Cosby Show – A Time-Capsule of Awkwardness
In a 1986 episode of The Cosby Show, there’s an attempt to address menstruation, but it falls flat. The episode revolves around Rudy, the youngest daughter, getting her first period, and the family’s awkward attempts to talk about it. While it’s commendable that the show tried to tackle the subject, the execution feels uncomfortable and somewhat outdated by today’s standards. The conversation is stilted, and there’s a sense of embarrassment around the topic that doesn’t help to normalize menstruation in the way that more recent portrayals have.
Why Getting It Right Matters
Pop culture has a huge influence on how we perceive and talk about menstruation. When periods are portrayed as something shameful or gross, it reinforces the stigma and silence that many people already experience. But when menstruation is shown in a positive or even just a realistic light, it can help normalize the experience and make it easier for people to talk openly about their bodies.
As we see more accurate and empowering portrayals of menstruation in movies, books, and TV shows, we’re reminded that periods are a natural, normal part of life. By getting it right, pop culture can play a crucial role in breaking down the taboos around menstruation and ensuring that everyone has the knowledge and confidence to manage their periods with dignity.
So, next time you’re watching a movie or reading a book that addresses menstruation, take a moment to consider how it’s portrayed. Is it reinforcing negative stereotypes, or is it helping to change the conversation? The more we see periods as just another part of life, the closer we get to a world where menstruation is no longer a taboo subject, but simply a fact of life.
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