When there was all that hoo-ha about Janet Jackson’s breast being exposed during some sports event – Super-bowl half-time concert, I think - I thought it was some ploy the media had cooked up to sell themselves. I really thought there must be very few people in America who would object to seeing a bare female breast for an instant on TV. Just a few religious cranks, perhaps.
But it seems that isn’t the case. I read a blog last evening that really startled me. The writer was inveighing against breast-feeding in public. She said she never EVER wanted to see someone else’s breast.
Now that really does puzzle me. What an unfortunate hang-up to have. But there’s more: her blog is popular, and there were many comments, a number of which expressed agreement with her view. It began to dawn on me that there must actually be a large number of Americans who don’t want to see another woman’s breast.
It’s OK in America for TV to broadcast violence, killing, cursing, general evil behaviour; but a woman’s breast? Not allowed. My question is – Why not? Please, someone answer this for me!
I too was amazed and a little sorrowful, Malcolm, at the narrowness and hurtfulness with which this lady viewed her fellow humans... How very sad.
ReplyDeleteswan
Malcom:
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I have to say I love your blog! The picture of you and Rose is just wonderful.
Getting back to the subject at hand, I don't understand it either. Some people are just repressed I guess. One of my best friends has a thing about breast feeding and pregnant women's stomachs. She can't stand to see a bare belly of a pregnant woman. It makes her gack. I just don't get it.
Of course, I am probably a bad judge at this. I simply loved being pregnant. Never sick a day, enjoyed the entire 9 months, both times. I would have had more kids if my body had cooperated, but I am fortunate to have 2 healthy (grown now, 21 and 23) kids.
Anyway, ramble ramble... just wanted to comment and tell you how much I enjoy your writing.
searabbit, swan,, I am going to go on reading this person's blog because she has just got a job as a social worker after a very frustrating time applying for jobs and not getting them. I'm sure as a social worker she will soon be seeing breast-feeding mums; perhaps she will get used to the sight and not find it so repellent.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Storm, for your generous comment, it's so much easier to write when people say they like what they read! A lot of my blog is other people's writing, but I don't apologise for that, I like to share stuff and promote other people's ideas.