In case you didn’t know, it costs absolutely $0 and no time or effort to not be an asshole.
Even if it’s in your nature to be inconsiderate, selfish and transphobic, it is entirely free and easy to just be a decent human being.
Now, there’s a thought.
At this point, perhaps you’ve learned Always, a brand that manufactures feminine hygiene products, recently removed their Venus logo from the packaging. They did so because this symbol is associated with femininity, and the company wanted to be more inclusive of the transgender community.
Seems like a good thing, right? It seems impossible for people to find a way to view inclusivity in a negative light.
However, if you’re like a disturbingly large chunk of the population, it’s the most infuriating thing to happen this year.
If you were to ask me to describe the packaging of any brand of tampons, the only thing I would know is the color of the box (and I might not even know that). Sure, some of them have women playing soccer or cartoon butterflies on the boxes, but I never pay attention to that.
Truthfully, I didn’t even know Always featured the Venus symbol on their packaging. That’s how little I notice these things. I’m sure the majority of people did not recognize it either, but of course, some people will take any opportunity they get to be up in arms about something.
The fact of the matter is that Always is making an effort to be more inclusive of all people with vaginas. Some people are transgender. Some people are intersex. Not all people with vaginas are women, and not all women have vaginas. Sex and gender are two different things, and it is unfair to let one’s ability or inability to menstruate define whether they are a woman.
Fun fact: the design on the box or the tampon wrapper has absolutely no correlation to the effectiveness of the product.
None. Zip. Zilch. Zero.
What’s even more interesting is that many of the people I’ve seen upset about the rebranding are people who don’t have periods in the first place. If something is benefitting others and not impacting you in any way how could you possibly be angry about it?
In the wise words of “Friends” character Rachel Green, “No uterus, no opinion.”
Another thing that upsets me is how some are calling transgender people “snowflakes” for prompting the change. However, these same people are literally losing sleep over the design of a maxi pad. Who’s the sensitive one now?
Like I said, it is seriously so incredibly easy to be a decent person. I’m not asking you to volunteer or do charity work. I’m asking you to be considerate of other people. It’s the absolute bare minimum.
Every time you speak negatively of it, whether it’s framed as a “joke” or an argument, it is hurting a community of people who did nothing to deserve the criticism. I promise, whether you know it or not, you know someone who is transgender. You’ve met people who feel relieved by Always’ choice.
And here you are, poking fun at it because it aids someone other than yourself.
Well, I’m not going to have it. And if you have even an ounce of human decency, I hope you won’t, either.