@JLeslie – Ok, I’ll bite (even though I said I wouldn’t)...
@JLeslie: “Or, fuck ‘em all?”
Even the most hardcore breasfeeding activists (lactivists) I know – believe me, I know sooo many – are discrete. Why? Because most people have a certain modesty. That said, are we really discussing a problem with immodesty in this country with regards to breastfeeding? Certainly we hear discussions among conservative christian circles about revealing clothing the “kids” are wearing these days, etc. That’s always gone on.
But is it really appropriate to bring feeding a baby into this discussion of how much of a boob should be showing in public? Believe me, I understand that you are saying that some people have a problem with seeing part of a naked breast. Maybe not you, but some people. Sure, some people do. Some people have problems with many things. But feeding babies? I’m not sure the offended people should be considered here. Am I saying “fuck ‘em all”? Well, kinda. Yes. We have a serious health crisis in this country. Many of the things that are of huge concern for the CDC, AAP, etc are things that can be minimized by increased awareness, support, and acceptance of breastfeeding. Encouraging a more puritanical attitude towards healthy feeding is not the solution.
There are plenty of areas that call for compromise and consideration of other’s fragile feelings. This is not one of the areas, in my opinion. The stakes are too great. And to be honest, “fuck ‘em all” does seem appropriate here.