Well that's an odd tampon commercial.

[SteveFlack]

So I just saw this Tampax commercial, where I guess Tampax is explaining how they are collecting money to buy tampons for poor tamponless women in South Africa. What really threw me was the tagline- "Use Your Period For Good."

Man, I hate it when women use their periods for evil.

-Steve!

[Boris the Blade]

What? It's a legitimate thing to ask of women.

[Hawkdevil]

The period is a force of nature, hard to contain or control. But all women must focus very strongly to use this power for good, or you get the scene at the end of Watchmen.

[Ziolko]

So I just saw this Tampax commercial, where I guess Tampax is explaining how they are collecting money to buy tampons for poor tamponless women in South Africa. What really threw me was the tagline- "Use Your Period For Good."

Man, I hate it when women use their periods for evil.

-Steve!

http://st08.startlogic.com/~testtube/crimplag.jpg

[dasNdanger]

So I just saw this Tampax commercial, where I guess Tampax is explaining how they are collecting money to buy tampons for poor tamponless women in South Africa. What really threw me was the tagline- "Use Your Period For Good."

Man, I hate it when women use their periods for evil.

-Steve!

I absolutely hate feminine product commericals. They must be written by men, 'cause there's no such thing as a 'happy period'. I always change the channel when they come on 'cause they creep me out.

As far as using my period for good - I do that EVERY month....

"Honey, I don't feel good...can you do the dishes? Honey, I don't feel good, can you clean the kitty litter pan? Honey, I don't feel good, can you get me some tea? Honey, I don't feel good...I'm gonna take a nap....don't make any noise, please." And my FAVORITE..."Honey, I don't feel good, can you go pick me up some pads...and chocolate...?" :D

Yeah - THAT'S how a real woman uses her period for good.

das

[Casali]

The only time a period is used for good is when it proves she's not pregnant!

Amirite?

high five?

anyone?

:Oops:

:surrend:

[MAK15]

I'm a dude.
ALL tampon commercials are wierd to me.

[Ashwin Pande]

wtf is a tampon?

...

...

...

...

...

wtf is a woman?

[Whip]

It's good that they're going to donate tampons to women in Africa. But I think those women are better off with pads, simply because they're at a far greater risk of developing TSS.

[dasNdanger]

It's good that they're going to donate tampons to women in Africa. But I think those women are better off with pads, simply because they're at a far greater risk of developing TSS.

Agreed. Not that all women in SA live in primitive conditions, but just like it's so difficult to educate the people there about the truth of AIDS, it will be equally as hard to educate them about the dangers of things like TSS. Superstition, taboos, and a possible lack of public education must be taken into consideration, and unless tampon use is widespread there already, it could lead to problems down the road. Also, older women, and young girls who are not sexually active, may prefer pads, so they'd actually be the more practical thing to distribute.


das

[Ashwin Pande]

Hmm.. I just realised that I don't think I've only seen very few tampons on sale here... mostly pads...

[dasNdanger]

Hmm.. I just realised that I don't think I've only seen very few tampons on sale here... mostly pads...

Bet you can't believe you're having this conversation....

Pads are more practical (not necessarily more convenient), especially in developing countries. Mostly because it's a natural progression from using rags (like our grandmothers did not so long ago), to this more hygenic, less embarrassing, product. It's also more practical because of toxic shock syndrome. See, you can't leave a tampon in too long, or you can literally die (or get very sick) from TSS. In a developing country, or among an impoverished community in a developed country, there's more of a tendency to leave a tampon in for too long, just to try to save money, or because they are not fully aware of the dangers of doing so. It's funny - you can warn a person about a danger, that's easy...but to educate them...that's a different story. Just like how here - in the USA - people - even wealthy, supposedly educated people - still don't wash their hands after using the bathroom. So too, it's hard to get it through some women's heads that a tampon should not be left in all day.

In India, could be a cultural thing. Not so long ago, tampon use here in the US was often associated with promiscuity. A virgin would certainly never use such a thing! Today, people have come to a better understanding that virgins - in most cases - can safely use a tampon. But if virginity is still held in high regard in India, it makes sense that tampon use would be discouraged, esp. among young girls who might need proof of virginity upon their wedding night.

Not saying that is the case there - times have changed the world over - but in some cultures it's still that way.


das

[(akaRyanHoffman)]

I still say Stay Free Maxipads should use Motorhead's Stay Clean in their ads:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVFJrOlwdkw

"This is Lemmy Kilmeister saying when you want to stay clean use Stay Free Maxipads."

How awesome would that be?

[dasNdanger]

I still say Stay Free Maxipads should use Motorhead's Stay Clean in their ads:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVFJrOlwdkw

"This is Lemmy Kilmeister saying when you want to stay clean use Stay Free Maxipads."

How awesome would that be?

Probably pretty awesome!

Personally, I think each package of pads/tampons should come with a free bottle of vodka...

but that's a different story...and a much different commercial.


das

[(akaRyanHoffman)]

Probably pretty awesome!

Personally, I think each package of pads/tampons should come with a free bottle of vodka...

but that's a different story...and a much different commercial.


das

I think everything should come with a free bottle of vodka. Hell, more people would be buying comics if they came with a free bottle of vodka...

Hmm...

[Ashwin Pande]

Bet you can't believe you're having this conversation....

Nah... I'm woefully ignorant about all this stuff for the most part and knew someday it would come up.

The last conversation I had about menstruation was last year when I was staying with my aunt and saw what I thought was an oddly colored red and white sock in the trash.. then realised what it was and called my friend to discuss how gross it would have been if I had touched it and how much he'd give me to touch it.

Before that was in college when there used to be feminist discussions over Virginia Woolfs' stories. I've blocked most of this out with pornography over the years.

Before that was with my mom. We were at a relatives place and I was around 11. I saw an ad for sanitary pads on tv and turned around to this aunt and laughed and said "Ha ha! Women can't control when they pee!!" Somehow my mom heard this from 3 rooms away and came running to shut me up before I said anything else. The next day I experienced what most likely will be the most horrifying conversation of my life. I have blocked this out with images of monkeys eating bananas peacefully.


Pads are more practical (not necessarily more convenient), especially in developing countries. Mostly because it's a natural progression from using rags (like our grandmothers did not so long ago), to this more hygenic, less embarrassing, product. It's also more practical because of toxic shock syndrome. See, you can't leave a tampon in too long, or you can literally die (or get very sick) from TSS. In a developing country, or among an impoverished community in a developed country, there's more of a tendency to leave a tampon in for too long, just to try to save money, or because they are not fully aware of the dangers of doing so. It's funny - you can warn a person about a danger, that's easy...but to educate them...that's a different story. Just like how here - in the USA - people - even wealthy, supposedly educated people - still don't wash their hands after using the bathroom. So too, it's hard to get it through some women's heads that a tampon should not be left in all day.

In India, could be a cultural thing. Not so long ago, tampon use here in the US was often associated with promiscuity. A virgin would certainly never use such a thing! Today, people have come to a better understanding that virgins - in most cases - can safely use a tampon. But if virginity is still held in high regard in India, it makes sense that tampon use would be discouraged, esp. among young girls who might need proof of virginity upon their wedding night.

Not saying that is the case there - times have changed the world over - but in some cultures it's still that way.


das

No sadly that is the case here. The virgin bride and the proof of virginity is still the deal with most weddings. So what you're saying makes a lot of sense and is most likely the reason why pads are more commonly sold and marketed than tampons.

[Thomas Mauer]

Ashwin, your stories always entertain. ALWAYS! :thumb:

Oh, and das, so do your posts! Entertain and edumacate. :)

[Marc Lombardi]

wtf is a tampon?

...

...

...

...

...

wtf is a woman?
Don't worry, man. If this works, we'll be sending them to your country soon.

Tampons...not women.

[Ashwin Pande]

Ashwin, your stories always entertain. ALWAYS! :thumb:

Oh, and das, so do your posts! Entertain and edumacate. :)

Danke mein freund!

[Ashwin Pande]

Don't worry, man. If this works, we'll be sending them to your country soon.

Tampons...not women.

Well that's all well and good but you still haven't told me what they are!!

Women...not tampons.

[dasNdanger]

Before that was with my mom. We were at a relatives place and I was around 11. I saw an ad for sanitary pads on tv and turned around to this aunt and laughed and said "Ha ha! Women can't control when they pee!!" Somehow my mom heard this from 3 rooms away and came running to shut me up before I said anything else. The next day I experienced what most likely will be the most horrifying conversation of my life. I have blocked this out with images of monkeys eating bananas peacefully.

Not as bad as what happened to my mom, and my half-brother. My mom was 21 when she married my dad. Dad came with a 9 year-old son. About a year and a half later, my mom had a baby - Helen. So, my brother, now about 10-11 years old, was given a Playboy magazine, and my mom found it, and decided she needed to have 'the talk' with him. Remember, he was only her step-son, and had only been with them about a year. He listened intently, and when it was all over he looked at her all wide-eyed and said, "Is THAT how you got HELEN?!"

Needless to say, mom was mortified. :Oops:

When I was nine, mom told me about the facts of life...explained to me how hair will grow in odd places...and...well...I thought a penis was ENTIRELY covered with hair, and I said, "You mean it looks like a caterpillar??!" She nearly died laughing...and had to explain - without pictures - the best she could. I didn't believe her until I saw one in real life, many, many years later.


No sadly that is the case here. The virgin bride and the proof of virginity is still the deal with most weddings.

I don't think it's sad...I think it's nice when you really think about it. I think it shows more respect for the woman, and her body, than what happens here in the States, where people expect girls to lose their virginity at 12 or 13 in a school bathroom, or something. We don't hold virginity in very high regard, and that's really what is sad. Just my opinion...but...well...there it is.


das

[Ashwin Pande]

When I was nine, mom told me about the facts of life...explained to me how hair will grow in odd places...and...well...I thought a penis was ENTIRELY covered with hair, and I said, "You mean it looks like a caterpillar??!" She nearly died laughing...and had to explain - without pictures - the best she could. I didn't believe her until I saw one in real life, many, many years later.

Oh god... Now... now I have that mental image!!! :scared:


I don't think it's sad...I think it's nice when you really think about it. I think it shows more respect for the woman, and her body, than what happens here in the States, where people expect girls to lose their virginity at 12 or 13 in a school bathroom, or something. We don't hold virginity in very high regard, and that's really what is sad. Just my opinion...but...well...there it is.


das

Well I think it's sad because if the girl turns out not to be a virgin... even if she's sexually a virgin.. bottomline is... for a lot of people if those bedsheets aint stained on the wedding night... they'll probably return the bride... or kill her.

Then there are other gems of stories that come out of here of families torturing brides because her family haven't paid the full dowry yet (dowry is illegal now btw but some fuckwits just don't get it.) and they do things like... burn her face.... douse her in kerosene and then watch her roll around trying to put the fire out.. and of course.. beat her every damn night until her family pays.

This is not what happens in most cases though.. just a lot of them. Most people are normal. Though the stained bedsheets thing is probably true for the majority of people in this country.

[Keith P.]

This is a life lesson from Keith P.

Any guy who places importance on whether or not his wife is a virgin is a fucking sack of shit.

I have never, ever, ever known anyone who felt this way, who wasn't a completely useless douchebag.

[dasNdanger]

Oh god... Now... now I have that mental image!!! :scared:

My work here is done! :mrgreen:


Well I think it's sad because if the girl turns out not to be a virgin... even if she's sexually a virgin.. bottomline is... for a lot of people if those bedsheets aint stained on the wedding night... they'll probably return the bride... or kill her.

Then there are other gems of stories that come out of here of families torturing brides because her family haven't paid the full dowry yet (dowry is illegal now btw but some fuckwits just don't get it.) and they do things like... burn her face.... douse her in kerosene and then watch her roll around trying to put the fire out.. and of course.. beat her every damn night until her family pays.

This is not what happens in most cases though.. just a lot of them. Most people are normal. Though the stained bedsheets thing is probably true for the majority of people in this country.

Yes, unfortunately, there are extremes. The dowry thing is hell, as I understand it. My foster sister's mother and grandmother were making all the money they could here in the States, hoping it would insure their three daughters a good marriage. Unfortunately, they were greedy, greedy women...and they sent all the money back to India, not telling the eldest daughter what they were doing because they didn't want anyone in the US to know how much money they actually had (they went from church to church, asking for money, aid, etc. So, the churches supported them while they hoarded all their money over in India). Well, both the mother and grandmother died within 6 months of each other...and the oldest girl, then 16 - had NO idea how to get that money. They never told her if there was a will, or anything. So, for the most part, they lost all the money (a cousin back in Chennai/Madras was able to salvage some of it, but not much). Their father hadn't seen the girls in years, so after the mother died, he did get to see them, and help them a little - but then he died. So...they were stuck in America, with no money. To go back to India would have probably meant their death. My mom took the eldest girl, and my sister took the youngest (she was about 6), and a teacher took the middle girl. They are all doing okay now...not great...but okay. All work, and the youngest is going to college...but struggling.

Sad situation, but one made because the mother and grandmother wanted to insure their daughters had money, but were too greedy to let the girls in on the secret until it was too late. Their father was a good man, and did what he could. At least he took out life insurance, so when he died, the girls got a little something. But still...the situation was created to protect the girls and it ended up hurting them instead.


das

[Ashwin Pande]

This is a life lesson from Keith P.

Any guy who places importance on whether or not his wife is a virgin is a fucking sack of shit.

I have never, ever, ever known anyone who felt this way, who wasn't a completely useless douchebag.

This is true.

I knew a guy in college. He thought of himself as the playboy type. I mean just a pure unadulterated douchebag. At one time he came to me asking if my dad would perform his girlfriends abortion. I replied that my dad's a cancer doctor so it'd be out of his field of expertise... then he started begging me to ask my dad to find an abortionist. He'd already bragged a number of times about how he'd have sex with his girlfriend without any kind of birthcontrol because "condoms are for wussies" and "I have self-control". I told him he got himself into this shit and he should get himself out. A couple of days later he told me very happily that his girlfriend had her period and everything was good. So I ask him if he's learned his lesson and will use a condom the next time... he replies with "Fuck that... condoms are for wussies! I have self-control!!"

Anyway... this guy once enlightened me with his ideology. This is how it went :

Him : When I get married... my wife HAS to be a virgin.

Me : Why? You're not a virgin. Why do you care if the girl you marry is a virgin?

Him : Man... I have to know that I'm the only man she'll ever have sex with!

Me : Ugh.

Him : What? She's going to be my wife! You think I'll accept used goods for a wife??

Me : *walks away*

Total unadulterated asshole.

But he got laid. And I didn't. I have no explanation for this.

[adam_warlock_2099]

This is a life lesson from Keith P.

Any guy who places importance on whether or not his wife is a virgin is a fucking sack of shit.

I have never, ever, ever known anyone who felt this way, who wasn't a completely useless douchebag.

Wow.

[Keith P.]

Wow.

Yes, a preoccupation with a women's hymen generally means the guy is a scumbag.

[adam_warlock_2099]

Yes, a preoccupation with a women's hymen generally means the guy is a scumbag.

Guess I never thought about it much, as my wife wasn't a virgin when I married her.

It was more your candid phrasing that wow'ed me. :)

[Keith P.]

Guess I never thought about it much, as my wife wasn't a virgin when I married her.

It was more your candid phrasing that wow'ed me. :)

Sugar coating is for pussies and the faint of heart.

[adam_warlock_2099]

Sugar coating is for pussies and the faint of heart.

Naw, don't sugar coat it, that just aint you man! :)

[jess]

tampon/ maxi pads/ fem. hygiene commercials are TMI anyway. they make everyone in the room uncomfortable, and they're just sick.

if you are in need of these products and don't already know what they do, you're stupid.

[TRILL, THE CARBON BASED LIFEFORM]

So I just saw this Tampax commercial, where I guess Tampax is explaining how they are collecting money to buy tampons for poor tamponless women in South Africa. What really threw me was the tagline- "Use Your Period For Good."

Man, I hate it when women use their periods for evil.

-Steve!

Tampons are just overpriced pieces of cotton (and optional cardboard) with a piece of string attached. I'm surprised that there isn't a cheaper, more natural way to soak up the preborted baby.

[I AM GROOT!]

So I just saw this Tampax commercial, where I guess Tampax is explaining how they are collecting money to buy tampons for poor tamponless women in South Africa. What really threw me was the tagline- "Use Your Period For Good."

Man, I hate it when women use their periods for evil.

-Steve!

Tampons wouldn't have been the first thing I would have thought of to give the people of Africa. :-?

[JimboX]

Yeah, I was thinking more like food. Or flyswatters.

[dasNdanger]

Tampons are just overpriced pieces of cotton (and optional cardboard) with a piece of string attached. I'm surprised that there isn't a cheaper, more natural way to soak up the preborted baby.


I read once that Native American women used the 'fluff' from cattails. Not sure how accurate that is... :?

They say our diet makes it worse...that women back in the days when they actually did physical labor, and ate less food, had much lighter periods.

In the past, only men wore underpants, or smalls/small clothes. These were basically to protect their trousers from bodily soil. Women wore petticoats - layers of them - under their dresses. These, in part, were used to absorb menstrual discharge. When bloomers/knickers were first introduced, they were crotchless, again...to aid in elimination of all wastes. So...imagine if you will...what our ancestresses went through...and smelled like.... :sick:

I'll take what we have today over that, anyday!


das

[Pat Shatner]

I had to go to the store for tampons yesterday. It was the first time i've ever had to do this in the 4 years we've been together.

Even though I work at the store, and know everyone there pretty well, I still made an ass of myself trying to figure out what else to buy in order to draw attention away from the box of Kotex Supers. I ended up with 2 custard donuts, a 6 pack of busch light, some deodorant, a cheap hip flask, and a microwave dinner.

My buddy still called for a price check over the intercom. Bastard.

[TRILL, THE CARBON BASED LIFEFORM]

I read once that Native American women used the 'fluff' from cattails. Not sure how accurate that is... :?

They say our diet makes it worse...that women back in the days when they actually did physical labor, and ate less food, had much lighter periods.

In the past, only men wore underpants, or smalls/small clothes. These were basically to protect their trousers from bodily soil. Women wore petticoats - layers of them - under their dresses. These, in part, were used to absorb menstrual discharge. When bloomers/knickers were first introduced, they were crotchless, again...to aid in elimination of all wastes. So...imagine if you will...what our ancestresses went through...and smelled like.... :sick:

I'll take what we have today over that, anyday!


das
Yick. They told me in middle school health class that Native American women used bundles of sticks, leaves, and stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?search=&mode=related&v=1jfuPang3RM

[dasNdanger]

I had to go to the store for tampons yesterday. It was the first time i've ever had to do this in the 4 years we've been together.

Even though I work at the store, and know everyone there pretty well, I still made an ass of myself trying to figure out what else to buy in order to draw attention away from the box of Kotex Supers. I ended up with 2 custard donuts, a 6 pack of busch light, some deodorant, a cheap hip flask, and a microwave dinner.

My buddy still called for a price check over the intercom. Bastard.

LOLOL!!!! :rofl:

And with a haul like that - I betcha they thought YOU were the one PMSing! TWO custard donuts??! :lol: And a price check??! PRICELESS!!


Yick. They told me in middle school health class that Native American women used bundles of sticks, leaves, and stuff.

lol...yeah. Imagine what THAT was like.. :p Some tribes had a lodge where women would go during that time...I suppose for privacy and whatever else. Doesn't sound like such a bad idea...being isolated from the men for a while.

das

[Pat Shatner]

LOLOL!!!! :rofl:

And with a haul like that - I betcha they thought YOU were the one PMSing! TWO custard donuts??! :lol: And a price check??! PRICELESS!!



lol...yeah. Imagine what THAT was like.. :p Some tribes had a lodge where women would go during that time...I suppose for privacy and whatever else. Doesn't sound like such a bad idea...being isolated from the men for a while.

das

Price checks are sometimes a grocery checker's only reason for getting out of bed.

I have a customer who compulsively buys EVE Douches.

[Ashwin Pande]

My work here is done! :mrgreen:

EVIL!!


Yes, unfortunately, there are extremes. The dowry thing is hell, as I understand it. My foster sister's mother and grandmother were making all the money they could here in the States, hoping it would insure their three daughters a good marriage. Unfortunately, they were greedy, greedy women...and they sent all the money back to India, not telling the eldest daughter what they were doing because they didn't want anyone in the US to know how much money they actually had (they went from church to church, asking for money, aid, etc. So, the churches supported them while they hoarded all their money over in India). Well, both the mother and grandmother died within 6 months of each other...and the oldest girl, then 16 - had NO idea how to get that money. They never told her if there was a will, or anything. So, for the most part, they lost all the money (a cousin back in Chennai/Madras was able to salvage some of it, but not much). Their father hadn't seen the girls in years, so after the mother died, he did get to see them, and help them a little - but then he died. So...they were stuck in America, with no money. To go back to India would have probably meant their death. My mom took the eldest girl, and my sister took the youngest (she was about 6), and a teacher took the middle girl. They are all doing okay now...not great...but okay. All work, and the youngest is going to college...but struggling.

Sad situation, but one made because the mother and grandmother wanted to insure their daughters had money, but were too greedy to let the girls in on the secret until it was too late. Their father was a good man, and did what he could. At least he took out life insurance, so when he died, the girls got a little something. But still...the situation was created to protect the girls and it ended up hurting them instead.


das

Oh that is quite messed up. I hope they're able to find their way ok.

There's an old adage about the Indian people which I feel is very true.

A bunch of crabs are sitting in a tank in a restaurant. One crab finds a way out. He tries to escape but is pulled back just as he's about to make his getaway, he turns around to see another crab holding him back. He asks the other crab, 'Why are you holding me back? I have a chance to escape here!!' The other crab replies with 'If I'm going to die... then you're going to die with me!!' and pulls the crab back inside the tank.

[jess]

egyptians used paprus wrapped around sticks. BLECH!!! i absolutely refuse to accept that periods were ever any more disgusting than they are now. ugh.