Honest Ads Season 4 Episode 19 If Tampon Commercials Were Honest

As women, we have seen countless ads for feminine hygiene products, specifically tampons. For years, we have been sold the idea that our periods are dirty and shameful, needing all sorts of products to keep us clean and odor-free. But what if tampon commercials were actually honest about what it's really like to have a period?

In this episode of Honest Ads, the team takes on the challenge of creating a truly honest tampon commercial. The ad starts with a woman sitting on the couch with some discomfort, clearly in the throes of period cramps. She turns to the camera and says, "I hate my uterus."

From there, the commercial delves into the realities of having a period. The woman explains how tampons are not the magical cure-all that they are portrayed to be in ads. In reality, tampons can be uncomfortable to insert, especially on heavy flow days. They can also be painful to remove, especially if the string gets lost.

The commercial then moves on to the dreaded leak. The woman admits that, no matter how well-designed a tampon is, it's still possible to have a leak. She then goes on to show various scenarios where a leak could occur, from exercising to laughing too hard.

Next up is the issue of period poops. Yes, it's true - periods can often mean a lot of time spent on the toilet. The woman in the commercial confesses that she keeps a stash of magazines in her bathroom just for that reason.

Finally, the commercial addresses the shame and stigma that often surrounds periods. The woman points out that, despite the fact that roughly half the population experiences periods, they are still considered taboo in many circles. She then encourages viewers to openly and honestly talk about their periods, putting an end to the shame and stigma.

Throughout the commercial, the woman maintains a sense of humor about the whole thing, which helps to make the topic feel less taboo and more relatable. By the end of the ad, viewers are left with a sense of solidarity, as if they've just been let in on a secret that only those with periods understand.

The episode is not only a commentary on the disingenuous nature of tampon commercials, but a call to action for advertisers to be more honest and transparent about what it's really like to have a period. It's also a reminder to all of us that there's nothing shameful about a natural bodily function - and that we should feel empowered to talk about it openly and honestly.