Lindy West, author of Shill, writes about her experience of maturation. While reading her chapter Are You There, Margaret? It's Me, a Person Who Is Not a Complete Freak, I could not help myself from belly roaring my way through to the end. Her experience was typical to many women's experience and therefore very relatable. The reason I found the chapter to be so hilarious is probably because I had never discussed periods in the way West did. She is real and truthful, she says what I had been thinking as a young woman who just got her period.

When young girls get their periods for the first time, there is a lack of acknowledgment as to what it really means. The focus is on sanitation and hiding maturation rather than embracing it. There is rarely a conversation or form of education on sex and reproduction. Menstruation becomes a hush, hush topic that needs to be contained.

This SNL skit is a very funny play on the old menstrual pad belts. The skit is exactly the same in the way modern commercials are framed for feminine products. Tina Fey and her posse are happy, laughing, and sexy with their Kotex pads!


SNL skit on Kotex Pads