Offensive Boobs
Heard the one about the woman thrown off a plane for refusing to cover her baby’s head when breastfeeding? It’s no joke. Seated by the window at the back of the plane next to her hubby, she could hardly be considered in-flight entertainment. But the flight attendant—genderless, by all accounts—found the sight of a mother nursing a child to be “offensive.”
While it sounds bizarre, this story is similar to one reported back in July. In that case, readers objected to the mere image of a breastfeeding baby on the cover of BabyTalk, a free publication targeted to (big surprise here) new moms. Letter writers used words like “gross,” or said they were “shocked to see a giant breast on the cover of your magazine.” One woman considered it a form of flashing, stating “I don’t want my son or husband to accidentally see a breast they didn’t want to see.”
Accidentally? In some cultures, women’s breasts are purposely left uncovered at all times, making it easy for them to do the centuries-old job nature intended: feeding babies. What’s unnatural are boobs deliberately hiked up by some tits-on-a-platter bra, á la Victoria’s Secret.
In today’s civilized society, women must stage “nurse-ins” and lobby for laws to protect their right to breastfeed in public. But there’s no legislation shielding our eyes from the endless images of provocatively-posed models in their skivvies–ready for work or play in a pair of indispensable stiletto heels. These airbrushed, photo-shopped, cartoon bosoms could poke out an eye, or two! One wonders whether the above-mentioned reader has any concern for the continuous over-exposure to suggestive lingerie ads. It could leave the impression that breasts can only be appreciated for their erotic value.
Guess it’s all in how you look at boobs.
November 22nd, 2006 at 6:00 pm
It’s jealousy I’m tellin’ ya. A woman that would think it inapproriate for a mother to breast feed is green. Women do not whoop those things out just to satisfy some carnal feeling they are having, and a gentleman doesn’t gawk. I’m sure a mother would prefer to do her feeding in a more private setting, but having been a father and a grandfather, when it’s time to feed, the little one is not ot particular where it happens as long as he feeds. This is media hype. Some way for the news to get headlines when the majority of us could care less if a mother breast feeds in public or not. People need to get a life.
November 22nd, 2006 at 6:36 pm
What is the majority opinion? A 2004 survey published by the American Dietetic Association found less than half (43%) of their 3,719 respondents thought women should have the right to breastfeed in public places. Seems more than a few of us are uncomfortable in the presence of milk-producing breasts!
November 29th, 2006 at 10:13 pm
There is another nurse-in this Friday in Dallas. Last week, during the nationwide nurse-in, police in Dallas sent the moms away. Now the moms are coming back.
As an aside, bOOb lady, perhaps you would want to contribute to a carnival of breastfeeding bloggers set for next week? Check out http://www.mamaknowsbreast.com for details.
April 26th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
In response to the bOOb lady, I don’t care what any survey respondents think about breastfeeding. Let them schlep kids and gear around a mall/theme park/typical “fun” activity trying to find a discreet, comfy, clean place to nurse while avoiding the omnipresent glares from people who disapprove of WHATEVER you do, whether you carry your poor hungry screaming baby (and gear) out to the car to nurse, give them a bottle, or try to feed them where you are, in what will most likely be an uncomfortable chair with no armrests.
Then we can talk about what makes them “uncomfortable.” Add to that the constant guilt mothers endure over the decisions they make, the already-difficult task of preparing kids for an outing, and the lack of affordable attractive nursing clothing to help moms be discreet, and it’s enough to make any mom just stay home all day. And actually, that’s how I spent most of my son’s first year.
Well, not next time. Next time I’m not going to care one tiny bit what 57% of this family-unfriendly nation thinks — and yes, it will be me sitting there making them uncomfortable while I blissfully feed my baby in the most healthful way possible. They can go sit in their 105-degree cars or in dirty bathroom stalls until we’re done because I’m the one raising the next generation and they’re the ones raising hell.
April 26th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
You go girl!!
November 21st, 2008 at 3:05 pm
You go girl!!