Mr. Finley,
As I finish my ten-page research paper, I decided I had best drop you a line and thank you for informing and inspiring me. First, an introduction: I am a college student who stumbled upon your Web site by accident. I was intrigued right from the very start. I gushed (no pun intended) about it to my friends, some of them male. Much to my surprise, only one responded with "I don't want to hear about it." Quite a few of my friends found your Web site to be interesting and informative and we all learned something new.
I was fascinated at how advertising reflects our taboos regarding menstruation and how the growing popularity of tampons also is reflective of our hush-hush nature. If it were socially acceptable to menstruate, women probably wouldn't worry so much about people finding out and wouldn't expose themselves to the risks. Also, if tampons prove to be a health risk, why isn't something being done about it? My research paper for English explores the connection between present-day attitudes towards menstruation and the FDA's laxity in regulating the production of tampons. It's not great but it's been interesting to research and discuss, although my family has become afraid that I'll start talking about tampons whenever I open my mouth.
I am actually thrilled that a man is running the show here - sad to say that if it were curated by a woman, she'd be accused of being some feminist weirdo. [I guess I'm just a regular wierdo.] The message I got from your museum is that menstruation isn't gross or shameful but natural and actually fascinating.
On a more personal note, my eyes have been opened - for years I have been using tampons and have been exposing myself to chemicals I definitely don't want to insert into myself 5 times a day, 60 days a year, for about 30 more years. I think it's great that you give some support to lesser-known but safer and less expensive alternative methods so that women know they aren't stuck with what's on the supermarket shelf.
Again, thank you. By the way, I love your Web page design!
I am so impressed by the Web page and the idea behind the museum! I wish I could actually visit. I am just writing to ask if you are exhibiting any of the other types of menstration products, such as "Instead," the most recent addition to the market. [Yes! See Comments About Menstrual Cups and a history of the menstrual cup. I'll talk about sponges and other devices later.]
I was describing this contraption to my mother, saying how new it was, and she shocked me by telling me the ancient Egyptians also used an item like this and Jewish women saved and used their menses to remove salt deposits on boats.
Now, I have no idea if what my mother says is true, but I found it interesting and thought perhaps you would either like to hear it or would know more about these things. Thanks!
I am creating a show on menstruation and menopause, and looking for work in all media. It can be from a spiritual, cultural, personal, or historical perspective.
The show runs 9 - 19 April 1998 at the Pentucket Arts Center, Haverhill, Massachusetts (U.S.A.).
As soon as you can, contact Amy Shutt, Bradford College, Box 511, Bradford, MA 01835 (U.S.A.). Phone: (978) 469-1323, or e-mail: ashutt@bnet.bradford.edu
I need your work or proposals as soon as possible!
Hi, I'm a student from Australia trying to contact some feminist artists who use menstrual blood as a medium - are you able to help me out? It would be much appreciated.
laura : alra.editors@adelaide.edu.au