After reading
this article on Time Magazine's online site, I wanted to put forth for discussion people's opinions on Breast Feeding etiquette. The article talks about Facebook's "war against breasts," remarking how "
plunging necklines or string bikinis are fine — just no nips." They go on to talk about how this has certain people upset, and how "by Dec. 30, more than 85,000 members had joined a Facebook group called 'Hey, Facebook, breastfeeding is not obscene!'" Now I'd agree that breast feeding is not obscene. But there are solid arguments for people who just don't want exposed breasts in public places. Personally, I don't find viewing of any breast offensive. I think most laws or rules against public exposure is intended mostly to shelter children. Young children are going to learn all about breasts and breast feeding at a younger age than their parents would hope, regardless. But I understand those who say, "Hey! I don't want to have to explain to my three year old why this woman has her tit sticking out and in her babies mouth until I'm ready to. So please, woman, cover it up!"
But restricting where women are allowed to nurse their babies would set a terrible standard and be the beginning of a slippery slope, especially if the reason is to shelter children. To "shelter children" is really to shelter parents from having to explain things to their children when they're not ready or willing to. If it is allowed as a legitimate reason to restrict people's actions reduce certain liberties, then it could just as easily be used to defend a position against Gay Marriage or public displays of homosexuality.
A friend of mine told me how one of her son's classmates (he's six years old) has gay parents (two dads). About a week after learning this, her son came home and declared that he and one of his male classmates want to adopt another of his classmates and make a family. "Uh...now what?" I don't know, and my friend didn't know what to say either.
One could argue: "I don't want to have to explain to my little boy or girl why those two men are kissing. I have nothing against homosexuals. I don't think it's unnatural or immoral or any of that nonsense. But strictly for biological reasons, I want my progeny to pass on my DNA and they cannot do so if they are gay. I don't want my child exposed to homosexuality at a young age; if they learn about it later then they can decide for themselves if they think it is right or wrong or for them or not. Whatever the case may be later, while my child is young and impressionable, I don't want him growing up in a 'gay' environment."
So, is sheltering parents from having to explain "tough ones" such as "what is that baby sucking on?" to young children a legitimate reason to restrict breast feeding? What about Gay Marriage? Is avoiding the question "Why does Jimmy have two dads?" a legitimate reason to prevent Gay Marriages?
Please, let me know what you think by commenting below.
