Why do we actually use words with 'shame' when referring to parts of our body?
In The Netherland, from a young age, we have been taught to use words that tell us that we shouldn't really talk about it: schaamhaar ("shame hair" = pubic hair), schaambeen ("shame bone" = pubic bone), schaamstreek ("shame area" = pubic area), schaamlippen ("shame lips" = labia). This use of language can have a negative impact on how we view our bodies and the bodies of others. Why should we feel shame about something that is completely natural?
It's time that we take better care of ourselves 💕
It's time for new language!
It's time that we take better care of ourselves 💕
It's time for new language!
Vulvalippen
Because we have to start somewhere, we start here. Everyone has pubic hair, a pubic bone, and a pubic area. Only half of us have labia – or 'shame lips' as they are referred to in the Dutch language – which adds to a disproportionately large amount of trouble due to the taboo on talking about this. We are going to change that from now on!
Ellen Laan - Professor of Sexology
“Maybe that's why we should talk about ‘vulvalippen’ an anatomically correct name. We're not talking about shame balls either. Who will help push this new name?”
