Shame, anatomy, and misogyny – Vagina Obscura by Rachel E. Gross

The sense of shame surrounding female anatomy is a complex and deeply rooted social and cultural issue that has evolved over centuries, which is what Vagina Obscura author Rachel E. Gross discussed with us. While it is not universal and varies across different societies and time periods, several factors contribute to the persistence of this shame:

1. Historical context
2. Religious and moral beliefs
3. Social norms and expectations
4. Lack of comprehensive sex education
5. Media and popular culture
6. Gender inequality and objectification.

Efforts to reduce shame around female anatomy and promote body positivity have gained momentum in recent years. Comprehensive sex education, open discussions about body image and sexuality, and challenging harmful cultural norms are steps toward addressing this issue and promoting a healthier and more accepting view of female anatomy. It’s important to recognise that these attitudes are not universal, and many individuals and communities have actively worked to challenge and change these harmful norms.

This episode was sponsored by Zencastr. Use my special link to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

So how do we take shame away from women’s anatomy?

Thanks to the following author for participating:

Rachel E. Gross is an award-winning science journalist based in Brooklyn, New York. A former Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT and digital science editor of the Smithsonian Magazine. She writes for BBC Future and is a columnist for their “Missed Genius series”, the New York Times, and Scientific American. Her writing has appeared in The Atlantic, National Geographic, WIRED, New Scientist, Slate, Undark, and NPR, among others. “Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage,” tells the story of how early anatomists mapped our lady parts—and how a new generation is wresting them back.

Here are some of the resources from the show:

In this age of clickbait, pseudoscience and celebrity-endorsed products, it’s hard to know what’s best for our bodies. Jen Gunter, ob-gyn and the Internet’s go-to doctor, is dedicated to debunking the myths, marketing and misinformation surrounding reproductive health. While much of the dialogue surrounding women’s health targets the shame or inexperience of women and girls, Gunter aims to educate and empower with both humour and evidence.

Books looked at this week:

Rachel E. Gross: Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage

Dr. Jennifer Gunter: The Vagina Bible: The Vulva and The Vagina – Separating The Myth from The Medicine

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Transcription

How to achieve clarity with author Jamie Smart – How To Be…Books Podcast

Our minds work best when they feel clear, but it's surprising how many things can get in the way – something that Clarity author Jamie Smart knows a lot about. He spoke to the "How To Be Books Podcast" for the final episode of the season.Please hit subscribe to hear the whole series on life skills and social change! It should be short and sweet. I look forward to journeying with you through this maze of hacks.Other wonderful guests who took part:Dr Hafeez Ahmed is a married dentist with three kids, former whistleblower, survivor of CSE, and author of "The Philosophy Fridge."Mahati Singh is a tech recruiter, career mentor, content creator and founder of CodiesAlert.Other books/articles looked at:Rolf Dobelli: The Art of Thinking Clearly: The Secrets of Perfect Decision-MakingKeep following How To Be Books at http://www.howtobe247.com, and @howtobe247 on socials for future updates about the podcast. In the meantime, see you next season!This episode was sponsored by Zencastr. Use my special link to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan or the code "HowToBeBooks."

1. How to achieve clarity with author Jamie Smart 50:48
2. How to process grief with Totally Fine author Tiffany Philippou 37:37
3. Taking shame out of female anatomy with Vagina Obscura author Rachel E. Gross 45:49
4. Extraordinary life lessons with Climb Your Mountain author Sir Ranulph Fiennes 54:52
5. How the law works – Unlawful Killings author Wendy Joseph KC 47:56