Thank you for your thoughtful and emotional responses to last week’s readings. I think it is important for us to acknowledge that not all people have the same access to health. We live in a world that promotes wellness and health in ways that are unattainable by many and recognizing the disparities is important. Some of you pointed out that the medical establishment has a history of abuse, and this is particularly true for black and brown people. Other factors that impact the type of care we receive other than those we read about include sexuality, disability, fatness, mental health history, and the type of health insurance we have (if we have it).

In relation to menstruation, I think it is important to note that access to menstrual products is a problem in this country as well. Notice I don’t use the term “feminine” or “hygiene” — that is because people who are not feminine also menstruate and because when we use the term “hygiene” we imply that menstruation is dirty, which it isn’t. I appreciate that some of you brought up the “pink tax” and that others offered recommendations for products other than pads or tampons (a menstrual cup is a great alternative if you are comfortable with your body). Regarding menstrual education, I would ask you to think about what you were taught about menstruation. Who is educated about it and who isn’t? How much education do you really receive? Did you learn about endometriosis or PCOS?

We just touched the surface of gender-based discrimination in healthcare with the content from last week. I encourage you to search further if any of these topics were of particular interest to you. I can also provide resources if you wish – just email me. We do have a course at BMCC in the health education department that explores some of these issues (depending on the instructor).

This week…

… we will be exploring art and how it can be a type of activism, as well as how activism is a kind of art. There will be two readings and a slightly different discussion prompt from what we have done this semester.

First, please read Why Artistic Activism? from the Center for Artistic Activism. This piece attempts to explain the link between art and activism, its role in our contemporary landscape as well as how it has been used throughout history, and some of the tenets of artistic activism.

Secondly, 10 Female Performance Artists You Should Know, from Ana Mendieta to Carolee Schneemann, will provide you with some examples of feminist performance art, which could also be considered activist art. I chose this article because performance art is one of my areas of expertise, but mainly because performance art integrates different genres of art. Performance art can take the form of photography, land art, durational art, dance, sculpture, painting, video, writing, and more.

Due this week

• Wednesday, May 4 at 11:59 PM: Discussion 13 & Reading Reflection 12
• Friday, May 6 at 11:59 PM: Responses to Discussion 13