When Kiran Gandhi realized she was going to be on her period on the day of her first-ever marathon, she decided to do something that has left some people in utter shock: She opted to run the entire race while free bleeding.
The 26-year-old spent a year training for the London Marathon, which took place Sunday, April 24. She said she chose to nix the tampon because she wanted to highlight how women are often shamed for having their period.
I understand her wanting to make a statement, but here's a guy's take on the matter: I think it was unnecessary. After reading several of my posts, I'm sure you've noticed me to be very pro-women's rights. Truthfully, though, I don't respect this woman any more for doing something like this than I would if she'd simply led a protest or written a book on the issue. Some things are really best left unseen, and I just think she went a little overboard.
I've never heard of anyone -- neither someone I know nor anyone in the news -- disparaging a woman for having a period. I suppose it might be a cultural thing. The most I've witnessed is someone hinting at a woman's period making her moody, but it's usually said in good fun -- and by women themselves.
The world is progressively becoming more liberal, it seems. Everyone and their brother is coming out every day and declaring their right to do something. Pretty soon, it'll be okay for people to walk around butt naked.
I understand people speaking out about issues they hold near and dear, but I think it's incumbent on human beings to follow a code of decency that includes not doing inappropriate things in public -- whether it's running a marathon without a tampon or having sex on the beach in broad daylight (the latter of which was a story I wrote about a few months back).
What's your take? Do you think this woman crossed the line?
Please share your comments! Remember, you can read more posts by clicking here: How to Understand People
The 26-year-old spent a year training for the London Marathon, which took place Sunday, April 24. She said she chose to nix the tampon because she wanted to highlight how women are often shamed for having their period.
I understand her wanting to make a statement, but here's a guy's take on the matter: I think it was unnecessary. After reading several of my posts, I'm sure you've noticed me to be very pro-women's rights. Truthfully, though, I don't respect this woman any more for doing something like this than I would if she'd simply led a protest or written a book on the issue. Some things are really best left unseen, and I just think she went a little overboard.
I've never heard of anyone -- neither someone I know nor anyone in the news -- disparaging a woman for having a period. I suppose it might be a cultural thing. The most I've witnessed is someone hinting at a woman's period making her moody, but it's usually said in good fun -- and by women themselves.
The world is progressively becoming more liberal, it seems. Everyone and their brother is coming out every day and declaring their right to do something. Pretty soon, it'll be okay for people to walk around butt naked.
I understand people speaking out about issues they hold near and dear, but I think it's incumbent on human beings to follow a code of decency that includes not doing inappropriate things in public -- whether it's running a marathon without a tampon or having sex on the beach in broad daylight (the latter of which was a story I wrote about a few months back).
What's your take? Do you think this woman crossed the line?
Please share your comments! Remember, you can read more posts by clicking here: How to Understand People
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