http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/07/american-apparel-vagina-shirt-photos_n_4058572.html
If you didn't read my last post, a 20 year old Canadian photographer named Petra Collins is pushing the limits when it comes to depicting the female body. Before posting a photo to Instagram showing her pubic hair, Petra designed a racy t-shirt for American Apparel. The t-shirt shows a drawing of a woman who is masturbating while on her period.
My first thought, honestly, was "umm..gross.." but then I wondered why I had that reaction. I'm not grossed out by blood. So, why am I grossed out by a vagina bleeding? It is a completely natural function of the female body, and yet the majority of people would say it was gross, just like female pubic hair. Is it the masturbation aspect that makes the shirt gross? All of these things are natural, and yet they are so taboo.
What to you all think? Is this shirt an expression of feminist ideals? Or is it too vulgar? Would you wear this shirt? Do you think you would be allowed to wear this shirt in public?
So I don't think I would ever wear this shirt, BUT I don't think that should negate anyone else from wearing it. Then again, I don't know if I have ever seen a shirt with a penis picture on it so maybe people shouldn't wear it.
ReplyDeleteThe shirt is not the problem though. Our reactions to the shirt are the problem. The commentator was extremely annoying to me. It sounded like she was belittling menstruation, and wanting to keep it hidden. Honestly, if men had periods it would be the coolest thing ever! Something as natural as masturbation, menstruation blood, and pubic hair should not create such an ew reaction from anyone. The shirt brings to the public a lot of things that are hidden in a woman's life. All three things are kept hidden because they are 'nasty,' or because of the misconception that women do not masturbate at all. Female masturbation is seen in porn all the time, but when it is brought up in conversation SHUTDOWN! I like this shirt I really do. I think it is a way of being an activist, and so maybe it should be worn. Just for the fact that it goes against another power structure in our society that keeps women's lives hidden. Why do we have to hide that we masturbate, or are on our periods? Why is it so abnormal? Men talk about jacking off all the time! Why can't we??