Watching Period: End of Sentence was very eye-opening. The readings were as well but there’s something about watching a film and seeing the people and their experience first-hand that is very impactful. Something specific that stood out to me in the documentary was when one of the women mentions the patriarchy and how it effects the discussion of women’s issues. Things related to women, like periods, are considered taboo and not talked about at all. It was shocking to learn from this film that most men didn’t know what a period was and that a lot of women didn’t know why they have periods. Women are made to feel ashamed of their periods and not worthy to do things like practice their religion because they are “dirty”. This is part of establishing the patriarchy, instilling into women that they are less than men because of things like having a period. 

Both “A Birth Story” and “12 Reasons It Should Be Illegal for Doctors Not to Treat Trans People” give impactful first hand accounts as well. Hearing emotional re-telling of their experience when seeing medical care makes you empathize with them and imagine yourself in their shoes. I think this highlights the seriousness of theses issues and the harm that is done to the people effected.