Boobs. Every woman has them (unless they have been removed). In movies and photo sessions with famous actresses we are all too quick and keen to draw attention to them, talk about them and gawk at their ‘live’ appearance. But in the case of breastfeeding mothers, boobs take on a whole new dynamic. The question of whether to cover them or not, how ‘polite’ or ‘appropriate’ it is becomes the topic of fiery debates and even lawsuits. What is the deal with all the boob attitude and the conflicting interest in breast attention?
Recently, several women have been in the news for ‘indecent exposure’ while breastfeeding. One woman in Tennessee at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, another for a woman on American Airlines and still yet another woman in Texas at a recreation center. All have filed complaints receiving some bit of an apology back from the company who illegally demanded them to cover themselves(as it is fully legal to breastfeed in all 50 states). Meanwhile, on the flip-side, millions of people are clicking articles to see Kate Upton, Heidi Klum, Lady Gaga and various other female stars without their tops on without complaint.
Somehow, when breasts are connected to sexuality we find them acceptable by a certain meter and push them off into the ‘rated R’ category, enough said. But when boobs are delving out the life-giving nutrients which studies have so thoroughly proven benefits a growing child more than any other single act, people get uncomfortable and nursing mothers have to protest – like they are doing for American Airlines now. What is up with the conflicting interest in breast attention and inconsistent ‘boob attitude?’
It’s hard to understand where the mind takes one in order to develop these sorts of behavioral attitudes. Where is the praise for the breast that gives life? If we are going to embrace boobs, shouldn’t we embrace all boobs – no matter how they present themselves? And what is the big deal anyway? Some argue ‘decency and morality’ as reasons to keep the breasts out of site. Many conservative Christians would just as soon breastfeed behind closed doors and keep their YouTube station free of Lady Gaga and Kate Upton. Fine. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and personal choice, but to decide that for others is not okay.
It isn’t like these nursing mothers are flinging their milk-dripping nipples in the face of those passing by just to cause a scene. On the contrary. A nursing mother has her attention focused on her baby, period (and maybe on her other children playing near by). Those showing their breasts on the movie screen, in magazines and on YouTube do so for an audience that can opt in or opt out any time. The point is – no one is making you look at boobs if you don’t want to!
Besides the fact that breasts are a natural part of the human anatomy which, if presented normally without stigma from the get-go, are seen as such, and never gain their ‘big deal’ credibility. This is seen in ‘hippie culture’, ‘nudists families’ and others who make a point at not making nudity a big deal during childhood. We all know what is hidden and forbidden is desired and admired. If you can’t have it, you often want it – or largely resist the existence of it – one of the two.
For now, one has to ask the question ‘What’s up with all the boob attitude and the conflicting interest in breast attention?’ Perhaps the best way to go is to respect the breast – if you have them or not. Women,respect yourself. Know the power of the boobs and use them wisely, consciously and without manipulation. Men, respect the boobs. Keep the caddy words to yourself and align your mind with the kind – and though you can acknowledge the beauty of the breast, don’t do it to exclusion of the rest, for the whole woman is beautiful and worthy of praise. As for the culture at large – quit it with the boob attitude already!
(Op-Ed)
Written by: Stasia Bliss
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3 Responses
funny thing is the picture is from a breast expansion video.
I think the answer is pretty simple. The kind of people complaining about breastfeeding mothers are NOT the kind of people who enjoy looking at famous people’s boobs online. I expect people who enjoy the ‘sexual’ aspect of boobs probably also respect their existence as powerful nutrient suppliers. I suspect the kind of people who are against sexually provocative images in the media (“think of the children!”) are also the kind of misguided individuals who think that such organs should not be on display in public, even in totally non-sexual circumstances. Again, that’s just my suspicion.
Wow Stasia, what a great article and you were right on! Our country seems to have some deep rooted issue with sexuality that stems back to the pilgrims. Usually most men & boys especially will offer up a snicker or some other comment when presented with female mammalian protruberences. But yet they are such a vital part of human existence. Without the female breasts we as human beings may never have perpetuated itself. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but we would all be much better off if we acknowledged breasts as a natural part of life and human anatomy than some naught nasty thing that upon seeing them will corrupt some poor child’s mind.