Seriously, get over it. They're boobs, big deal. I just can't understand why there is such a controversy over breastfeeding. Honestly, how in the hell do you think any of our ancestors managed to get past infancy in times past? In the scheme of things, formula and bottles are relatively new inventions.
Ok. This is my take on it. In my opinion, the only reason anyone has any problem with public breastfeeding is because for a very long time, a select group of men have run the world. And to those men, breasts are purely a sexual thing. Yes, I understand that breasts do serve a sexual purpose. But ultimately, that sexual purpose serves the higher purpose of nurturing the life that was created. We have all heard the same thing; males are hardwired to seek out a mate that is capable of procreating and sustaining the next generation. And that, folks, is where breasts come into the picture. And yes, I am well aware of the fact that females are hardwired to seek a mate based on his physical characteristics. But somewhere along the line, some men got obsessed with breasts on a level that goes beyond mere procreation. And therein lies the problem. Since men usually made all the rules in times past, I could assume that they made the rule that it was somehow improper for women to feed their babies where anyone could see. Or, I could assume that since somehow it became impossible for some men to exercise any self-control over their obsession, women began placing these restrictions on themselves. Either way, its completely ridiculous. They are just boobs, and everybody has em. Even men have them, duh, although I do realize they aren't exactly the same.
I guess what I am trying to say is grow up people. The human body is a natural part of the world, and if women weren't supposed to feed their babies naturally, they wouldn't have been born with that ability. So why do you care if the woman sitting next to you in a restaurant is breastfeeding? Maybe we don't want to watch you eat your double cheeseburger either, but we aren't bitching about it. Oh, and another thing, why should breastfeeding women be relegated to a bathroom? You wouldn't want to eat that cheeseburger while you're sitting on the john would you?
This issue has been stirring around in my heart and mind for a few weeks, ever since I saw an article about the National Guardswomen who were to be reprimanded for allowing pictures of themselves breastfeeding their children while they were in uniform. Now, officially, the only reason they are in trouble is because they allowed their picture to be used for a civilian cause. Ok, I can buy that. But what really set this off was the Toyota commercial I saw on tv last night. They showed picture after picture of military folks in uniform. TO SELL CARS. How is that any different? To me, this just smacks of some fanatic wackadoodles seeing the picture, getting pissed off (how dare they breastfeed, and let everyone see them!) and pulling out the rule book to stop this behavior that somehow threatens our society IMMEDIATELY! I could be wrong, I have been before and I'm sure I will be again. But I'm like an umpire, I call em like I see em.
If I am incorrect in my assumption, hopefully someone more knowledgeable than myself concerning the rules of the military/National Guard will correct me. In fact, I left the following comment on a post made by someone in the military, in the hopes that person could educate me if I truly am misguided in my assumptions:
"Perhaps I don’t understand the rules completely, since I have never been personally a part of the military/National Guard, but I am confused. These mothers will be reprimanded for allowing a picture to be taken of them that furthers a civilian cause, but what about the Toyota commercial I saw last night on tv that showed a lot of pictures of military women and men in uniform? Am I to understand that the rules only apply to causes, and not to a blatant marketing attempt by a corporation to use our sense of respect for our brothers and sisters in uniform to sell cars? Or is it simply a case of pulling out the rule book because the good ol’ boys don’t like the fact that these women were proud of the fact that not only are they putting food on the table, but also in their children’s mouths?"
In closing, I say women, be proud of the fact that you can sustain life, and don't let anyone push you into a closet or a shithouse to do it. Women who try to oppress other women in their quest to nurture their children, SHUT UP! Men who appreciate the beauty of the natural world, including the human body, keep up the good work! And to the men who only appreciate breasts for their own obsessive fantasies, grow up. They are just boobs you know.
That is all.
