Reinvigorating the Traditions of Second-Wave Radical Feminism: Humor and Satire as Political Work

Abstract

This is a commentary on Gloria Steinem’s (1978) “If Men Could Menstruate,” which is reprinted in this issue. Here I situate Steinem’s essay in the context of other second-wave feminists (e.g., W.I.T.C.H., Flo Kennedy, Valerie Solanas) who used satire as a weapon against the patriarchy in their fight for radical social change. Although today we recognize that some men do menstruate, Steinem’s humorous approach remains relevant today, and I discuss ways to use her work in teaching courses on feminism and social justice.

Keywords:

• menstruation
• satire
• feminist humor
• second wave feminism
• Gloria Steinem