Consternation

Libby Brooks at the Guardian raises an eyebrow at the hiring of a man to be period wrangler:

The appointment of a man to a new regional role promoting period dignity has provoked criticism and consternation.

Why? Perhaps I can explain. It’s because men don’t know, do they. They don’t know what it’s like to have a period. They don’t know what it’s like to be mocked or shunned or banished for having a period. They don’t know what it’s like to be a young girl and have this thing happen to you. They don’t know what it’s like to wonder if you’re smelly that day. They don’t know anything about it from the inside. With half of humanity to choose from, why would you shrug your shoulders and choose someone who doesn’t know to do the job? Women understand periods from the inside, and men don’t, so why on earth hire a man?

That’s why.

Jason Grant, who has previously worked in tobacco sales and as a personal trainer, was announced as the period dignity regional lead officer for the Tay region earlier this week, in what is believed to be the first role of its kind in the country and prompted by groundbreaking women’s health legislation.

Yay groundbreaking women’s health legislation!!! Now let’s hire men to run it all!!

In a press release announcing his appointment, Grant said: “I think being a man will help me to break down barriers, reduce stigma and encourage more open discussions. Although affecting women directly, periods are an issue for everyone. We’ll also raise awareness of the menopause, which, although a natural process for women, has wider repercussions in the world of work and family.

“It’s time to normalise these topics and get real around the subject. I believe I can make progress by proving this isn’t just a female topic, encouraging conversations across all genders and educating and engaging new audiences.”

No. No no no no no. In a world where men are still hired and promoted more readily than women are, no, we don’t need men to bounce up to “prove this isn’t just a female topic,” especially since yes it damn well is.

He shouldn’t have applied in the first place.

The whole thing is a giant calculated insult.

8 Responses to “Consternation”