The “clean” Kotex advertisement has no reference to vaginas, and instead talks about “twirling” and being “pure.”
Say you’re a tampon manufacturer, you think the dictionary of euphemisms historically used to describe female genitalia is a thing of the past, and you decide you want to use the word vagina in your advertisement. If your case is like that of Kotex, you’ll find your ad banned by major U.S. television networks.
In fact, any direct reference, euphemistic or not, is likely to be banned. “Down there,” for example, was rejected by two television networks, a stunning case of the U.S. culture’s hilarious fear of women’s bodies and sexualities. —JCL
The Guardian:
For years, advertising for tampons and “sanitary products” have been shrouded in nebulous euphemism. So what happens when a US tampon-maker drops the coy messaging and goes straight for the jugular (so to speak)? Its ad gets banned by the major US television networks for mentioning the word vagina.
Even when the company substituted “down there” for vagina, two of the networks still wouldn’t run the ad, so the company was forced to drop the idea altogether. That provoked Amanda Hess, author of The Sexist blog, to observe: “Now, the commercial contains no direct references to female genitalia – you know, the place where the fucking tampon goes.”
An executive for Kimberly-Clark, the owner of Kotex, notes that US TV networks have no such compunction about references to “erectile dysfunction” in prime-time ads for Viagra and Ciallis.
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And now there are advertisements on late night (very late night!) tv for .... pumps! Yes, pumps to help the “erectile dysfunctional”! Why does anyone need a vagina anymore? (shut up gay men! We KNOW you have the answer, just don’t give it). Yes, big, burly pumps to “insert your penis into” and *WHAMO*! You’ll be “firm and ready to please her”!
That’s okay because it’s about the all-important penis, though. And heterosexual sex, so it’s really okay. If you say “him” instead of “her”, well now you’ve REALLY stepped over the line and we can’t have that, now can we?
Personally, I would not be offended at all if Tampax put on a commercial with one of these renamed “Swedish Pumps” sucking up a tampon and offering in the advice on “that’s where it goes, ladies”. Hell, I’m waiting to see the Dyson commercial that boldly brags about a “penile dysfunctional” attachment that comes with the new Roller Ball model! But that’s just me. And ... way in the future.
Frankly all this childish, hide-in-the-shadows garbage about sex and its organs just amazes me to death. So does the Dyson attachment line, really. And your kids are wondering too. Sigh. We’ll never really grow up until we get rid of the religious voodoo that isn’t allowed to rule us in this country. Ooops! I just pronounced that word “country” out loud! My Evangelical neighbor wants me burned at the stake now! Damn. Well, I still don’t know where a Tampax goes, but I do know where to put a stiffie! At least after he’s left in a room for 30 minutes with some sort of funny looking acrylic tube…
By William H., March 22, 2010 at 2:51 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
If networks fear such words as vagina and clitoris, I
venture to guess Christianity’s patriarchal “values”
and organizations such as “Focus of Family” are major
factors. Within the framework of such a patriarchal
system that subjugates women and restricts their
freedoms, what do men fear losing?
In speaking of “networks” it is probably prudent to
examine who is in power behind the scenes and what
religious values/beliefs are held. Fear and hypocrisy
regarding human sexuality seems deeply embedded by
the reactions elicited (fiery emotions signal a loss
or inability for rational,logical, critical
thinking).
Is not the “purity” issue today entangled with early
Christian beliefs about achieving the necessary
“holiness” required by denying their human sexuality?
How many of us, as children, became aware that “sex
was something dirty and forbidden” without knowing
why?
The “whoops” of becoming aware that without sexual
reproduction (forget sex for fun and joy)no followers
of the faith and ultimately no religious power
structure (church) would exist. Oh my God what a
conundrum!
How to resolve this awkward realization did it not
become necessary to mandate sexual activities only
within the context of (heterosexual) marriage for
reproductive purposes and forbid any open discussion
about the many facets of human sexuality?
What are the costs and ramifications to society and
the individual for repressing human sexuality as if
it were some “evil” to conquered in which banning of
the use vagina and clitoris publicly are only one of
the symptoms?
After the influences of Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor and George Carlin, it’s amazing that our linguistic aversion is still so prominent in public discourse.
And it’s not just avoidance of words describing female bits… I’m still wondering what Extenze means when they talk about “that special part of the male anatomy”... I certainly don’t want a product that will increase the size of my bald spot!
By Hillary, March 22, 2010 at 9:30 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
While the word vagina has gained exposure in the last few decades (boys and men now know what it is…sort of) the real taboo is acknowledging the clitoris. When sixth grade girls and boys are segregated in elementary school for the big talk about their changing bodies, boys still get the penile and erectile chat while girls are schooled in hygiene. Girls may learn that the vagina is the place where a tampon goes but any discussion of the clitoris is carefully avoided.
Since I do not watch Television because the commercials seem way to short or is it the other way around? Telling commercials from the programs by the increase in volume seems to work, so fear may be in the Increased Volume then all the women with the name and the great state of Virgina will have to weigh in.
The real fear may be, if they started showing even saying the word on TV, before you know it, some people would start asking questions to know what are they talking about. People like, Little kids, Republicans, evangelicals and Catholics for instance.
Then the Porn Lobby will have do what the Insurance Lobby did, grease the palms and other body parts of Congress.
Oh who cares? I hate those ads. TV sits in your living room and makes a
kind of conversation (if you let it). My dinner guests, for instance, or the
guests at my parties, never spend a minute discussing erectile
dysfunction, or menstrual odor. Which is a good thing. The TV is a rude,
crude guest - which is why I don’t have TV now, except for use with
DVDs.
It’s interesting to reflect on the avalanche of rhetoric Apple encountered with the
announcement of their newest product line, the iPad! I’m just sayin….
By goldnsilver, March 21, 2010 at 5:47 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
This isn’t just America - it’s here in Australia too.
Frankly, I’m sick of adds that talk about being ‘fresh’, ‘feeling good’, ‘light’, ‘free’ etc. I’m sick of the fact that every chemist and supermarket has pads and tampons under a different euphemisms - ‘hygeine products’ ‘sanitary products’ ‘towels’ ‘stuff’.
If I had one advertising wish, I would like to see a commercial where a pad soaked up red water, instead of blue water in a white room (like its a dish cloth soaking up windex for crying out loud).
I have a message for advertising people and others who are squeamish about the word ‘pad’ ‘tampon’ and ‘vagina’:
(MOST) WOMEN BLEED FROM THEIR VAGINAS, USUALLY AROUND ONE WEEK A MONTH.
As the article states,“erectile dysfunction or penile dysfunction” is perfectly fine. There is a product called Vagisal similar to vagina, which is where this medication goes and that is okay to air on commercials. The word penis is freely floated out for all to hear on TV shows now. In fact I had the TV on a few nights ago and several different shows, the actor made some comment referring to his"penis” and on some of the shows it was said multiple times without any censorship. I remember the days when even that word would never be spoken but yet womens sanitary products have been advertised since the 1960’s. In the 70’s Summer’s Eve products were about every commercial break on TV, along with girdles, pantyhose and “living bras” by Playtex. And doesn’t the name Playtex make you wonder what you are to play with?
Grow up America, you have an immature attitude toward sex, bodily functions and other things every one on the planet also share in common with one gender or the other, get over your stupidity and ignorance, it is an embarrassment to show the rest of the world how really juvenile you behave. If companies can advertise a product, they should also be able to use truth in advertising the product. Otherwise maybe they should go back and advertise cigarettes instead.
By Victoria, March 21, 2010 at 3:01 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I don’t understand.
Who in the network objects to the very mention of our vaginas?
What hidden power does the VAGINA word exert on the listener?
If the word VAGINA were to be said aloud in a Kotex commercial, would viewers really
become so very upset?
Would offended viewers boycott Kotex tampons and demand that their mothers,
wives, sisters, girlfriends, and mistresses stay in darkened huts during their menstrual
period?
By T.J., March 21, 2010 at 1:26 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Hilarious…some words just retain the snicker-factor across all maturity levels. Vagina will be one of those. I still laugh when people order a fajita at a restaurant, but mouth the word to sound like vagina.
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By WykydRed, March 22, 2010 at 3:17 pm Link to this comment
And now there are advertisements on late night (very late night!) tv for .... pumps! Yes, pumps to help the “erectile dysfunctional”! Why does anyone need a vagina anymore? (shut up gay men! We KNOW you have the answer, just don’t give it). Yes, big, burly pumps to “insert your penis into” and *WHAMO*! You’ll be “firm and ready to please her”!
That’s okay because it’s about the all-important penis, though. And heterosexual sex, so it’s really okay. If you say “him” instead of “her”, well now you’ve REALLY stepped over the line and we can’t have that, now can we?
Personally, I would not be offended at all if Tampax put on a commercial with one of these renamed “Swedish Pumps” sucking up a tampon and offering in the advice on “that’s where it goes, ladies”. Hell, I’m waiting to see the Dyson commercial that boldly brags about a “penile dysfunctional” attachment that comes with the new Roller Ball model! But that’s just me. And ... way in the future.
Frankly all this childish, hide-in-the-shadows garbage about sex and its organs just amazes me to death. So does the Dyson attachment line, really. And your kids are wondering too. Sigh. We’ll never really grow up until we get rid of the religious voodoo that isn’t allowed to rule us in this country. Ooops! I just pronounced that word “country” out loud! My Evangelical neighbor wants me burned at the stake now! Damn. Well, I still don’t know where a Tampax goes, but I do know where to put a stiffie! At least after he’s left in a room for 30 minutes with some sort of funny looking acrylic tube…
Report thisBy William H., March 22, 2010 at 2:51 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
If networks fear such words as vagina and clitoris, I
venture to guess Christianity’s patriarchal “values”
and organizations such as “Focus of Family” are major
factors. Within the framework of such a patriarchal
system that subjugates women and restricts their
freedoms, what do men fear losing?
In speaking of “networks” it is probably prudent to
examine who is in power behind the scenes and what
religious values/beliefs are held. Fear and hypocrisy
regarding human sexuality seems deeply embedded by
the reactions elicited (fiery emotions signal a loss
or inability for rational,logical, critical
thinking).
Is not the “purity” issue today entangled with early
Christian beliefs about achieving the necessary
“holiness” required by denying their human sexuality?
How many of us, as children, became aware that “sex
was something dirty and forbidden” without knowing
why?
The “whoops” of becoming aware that without sexual
reproduction (forget sex for fun and joy)no followers
of the faith and ultimately no religious power
structure (church) would exist. Oh my God what a
conundrum!
How to resolve this awkward realization did it not
become necessary to mandate sexual activities only
within the context of (heterosexual) marriage for
reproductive purposes and forbid any open discussion
about the many facets of human sexuality?
What are the costs and ramifications to society and
Report thisthe individual for repressing human sexuality as if
it were some “evil” to conquered in which banning of
the use vagina and clitoris publicly are only one of
the symptoms?
By JFoster2k, March 22, 2010 at 1:38 pm Link to this comment
After the influences of Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor and George Carlin, it’s amazing that our linguistic aversion is still so prominent in public discourse.
And it’s not just avoidance of words describing female bits… I’m still wondering what Extenze means when they talk about “that special part of the male anatomy”... I certainly don’t want a product that will increase the size of my bald spot!
Report thisBy Hillary, March 22, 2010 at 9:30 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
While the word vagina has gained exposure in the last few decades (boys and men now know what it is…sort of) the real taboo is acknowledging the clitoris. When sixth grade girls and boys are segregated in elementary school for the big talk about their changing bodies, boys still get the penile and erectile chat while girls are schooled in hygiene. Girls may learn that the vagina is the place where a tampon goes but any discussion of the clitoris is carefully avoided.
Report thisBy Rodger Lemonde, March 22, 2010 at 8:59 am Link to this comment
Maybe they could toss a football through a tire to get
Report thisthe message across?
By Leefeller, March 22, 2010 at 6:47 am Link to this comment
Since I do not watch Television because the commercials seem way to short or is it the other way around? Telling commercials from the programs by the increase in volume seems to work, so fear may be in the Increased Volume then all the women with the name and the great state of Virgina will have to weigh in.
The real fear may be, if they started showing even saying the word on TV, before you know it, some people would start asking questions to know what are they talking about. People like, Little kids, Republicans, evangelicals and Catholics for instance.
Then the Porn Lobby will have do what the Insurance Lobby did, grease the palms and other body parts of Congress.
Report thisBy adrienrain, March 22, 2010 at 6:38 am Link to this comment
Oh who cares? I hate those ads. TV sits in your living room and makes a
Report thiskind of conversation (if you let it). My dinner guests, for instance, or the
guests at my parties, never spend a minute discussing erectile
dysfunction, or menstrual odor. Which is a good thing. The TV is a rude,
crude guest - which is why I don’t have TV now, except for use with
DVDs.
By irikk, March 21, 2010 at 8:40 pm Link to this comment
It’s interesting to reflect on the avalanche of rhetoric Apple encountered with the
Report thisannouncement of their newest product line, the iPad! I’m just sayin….
By Ayama Nikkura, March 21, 2010 at 8:08 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
No one wants to hear about a disgusting vagina leaking blood and guts, or pus from an infection. Deal with it women.
Report thisBy goldnsilver, March 21, 2010 at 5:47 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
This isn’t just America - it’s here in Australia too.
Frankly, I’m sick of adds that talk about being ‘fresh’, ‘feeling good’, ‘light’, ‘free’ etc. I’m sick of the fact that every chemist and supermarket has pads and tampons under a different euphemisms - ‘hygeine products’ ‘sanitary products’ ‘towels’ ‘stuff’.
If I had one advertising wish, I would like to see a commercial where a pad soaked up red water, instead of blue water in a white room (like its a dish cloth soaking up windex for crying out loud).
I have a message for advertising people and others who are squeamish about the word ‘pad’ ‘tampon’ and ‘vagina’:
(MOST) WOMEN BLEED FROM THEIR VAGINAS, USUALLY AROUND ONE WEEK A MONTH.
Report thisBy markusgarvey, March 21, 2010 at 5:01 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
they could just call it a hoo haa…or bearded clam…
Report thisBy William W. Wexler, March 21, 2010 at 4:35 pm Link to this comment
Why, I thought everyone knew the terms that are totally acceptable for television, polite conversation, and medical conversations.
“Bajingo” for women, “pee-pee” and “family jewels” for men.
Oh, I almost forgot, “privates.” That works for bisexism purposes.
:-0
Report thisBy purplewolf, March 21, 2010 at 4:14 pm Link to this comment
As the article states,“erectile dysfunction or penile dysfunction” is perfectly fine. There is a product called Vagisal similar to vagina, which is where this medication goes and that is okay to air on commercials. The word penis is freely floated out for all to hear on TV shows now. In fact I had the TV on a few nights ago and several different shows, the actor made some comment referring to his"penis” and on some of the shows it was said multiple times without any censorship. I remember the days when even that word would never be spoken but yet womens sanitary products have been advertised since the 1960’s. In the 70’s Summer’s Eve products were about every commercial break on TV, along with girdles, pantyhose and “living bras” by Playtex. And doesn’t the name Playtex make you wonder what you are to play with?
Grow up America, you have an immature attitude toward sex, bodily functions and other things every one on the planet also share in common with one gender or the other, get over your stupidity and ignorance, it is an embarrassment to show the rest of the world how really juvenile you behave. If companies can advertise a product, they should also be able to use truth in advertising the product. Otherwise maybe they should go back and advertise cigarettes instead.
Report thisBy Victoria, March 21, 2010 at 3:01 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I don’t understand.
Who in the network objects to the very mention of our vaginas?
What hidden power does the VAGINA word exert on the listener?
If the word VAGINA were to be said aloud in a Kotex commercial, would viewers really
become so very upset?
Would offended viewers boycott Kotex tampons and demand that their mothers,
Report thiswives, sisters, girlfriends, and mistresses stay in darkened huts during their menstrual
period?
By T.J., March 21, 2010 at 1:26 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Hilarious…some words just retain the snicker-factor across all maturity levels. Vagina will be one of those. I still laugh when people order a fajita at a restaurant, but mouth the word to sound like vagina.
Report this