More than half of the population menstruates, and yet there is still so much shame and stigma surrounding what is a normal part of life. We talk with filmmaker Lina Lyte Plioplyte about her new documentary Periodical. The film looks at the origins of the cultural stigma around periods. We also talk about period poverty, taxation on menstrual products, and reframing how we think about menopause. The documentary is streaming on Peacock and airing on MSNBC. Also, Maureen Corrigan shares her picks for the 10 best books of the year. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
On the Ted radio hour, linguist Ann Curzan says she gets a lot of complaints about people using the pronoun they to refer to one person.
I sometimes get into arguments with people where they will say to me, but it can't be singular.
And I will say, but it is.
The history behind words causing a lot of debate.
That's on the Ted radio hour from NPR.
This is FRESH AIR.
I'm Tanya Mosley.
How did menstrual periods, a natural monthly occurrence for more than half of the population, become so taboo?
Periods.
Hmm.
Periods.
My palms are sweaty.
I feel awkward about it.
Cause it's really weird.
Like, there's a reason if you, like, cut yourself, then it starts bleeding.
But I don't really think there's a reason if you just start bleeding from your private.
I'm kind of nervous speaking about periods, to be honest.
Well, I call my period my evil best friend because she always come on time.
She give me a hard time.
And sometimes I'm happy to see her.