The Story of Menstruation

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The Story of Menstruation

The Story of Menstruation is a 1946 American animated film produced by Walt Disney Productions. The film was commissioned by the International Cellucotton Company, now known as Kimberly-Clark, and was distributed to schools across the United States to educate young women about menstruation.

Production

The film was directed by Jack Kinney and produced by Walt Disney. It was part of a series of educational films created by Disney during the 1940s. The animation style is consistent with Disney's other works of the time, featuring clean lines and a friendly, approachable aesthetic.

Content

The Story of Menstruation is approximately ten minutes long and covers the biological process of menstruation, the menstrual cycle, and menstrual hygiene. The film aims to demystify menstruation and provide practical advice for young women experiencing their first period. It emphasizes the normalcy of menstruation and encourages a healthy attitude towards it.

The film includes animated diagrams of the female reproductive system, explaining the roles of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina. It also discusses the importance of maintaining good hygiene during menstruation and introduces the use of sanitary napkins.

Reception and Impact

The Story of Menstruation was widely distributed to schools and is estimated to have been seen by over 93 million people. It is considered one of the first films to openly discuss menstruation and played a significant role in changing public perceptions about the topic. The film is noted for its straightforward and non-sensational approach, which was groundbreaking at the time.

Legacy

The film is often cited in discussions about the history of menstrual education and the role of media in shaping public attitudes towards menstruation. It remains a significant cultural artifact and is studied in the context of both health education and media studies.

See Also

• Menstrual cycle
• Menstrual hygiene
• Walt Disney Productions
• Educational film