(This post has been updated)
First Southwest airlines and now Facebook. Nicole has already written a very eloquent post about how Facebook is problematic, and now it seems Facebook is jumping on the morality train. Jezebel.com reports:
Facebook has began taking down pictures of women breastfeeding their children and in some cases, even banning users for putting the photos up in the first place. The claim is that such imagery is “obscene content.”
Breastfeeding is considered “obscene?” The Lactivists (an activist group that fights for the right to breastfeed in public) is fighting Facebook on the decision. They’re also questioning the logic of removing the photos (and banning users) by citing the fact that there’s no nipple exposure in the pics. Facebook’s response? “Photos containing an exposed breast do violate our Terms and are removed.” The Lactivists are encouraging people to to join their new Facebook group “Hey, Facebook, breastfeeding is not obscene!”, which currently has over 7000 members.
I’ve really wanted to blog about the politics of breastfeeding in public ever since some pictures of Maggie Gyllenhaal breastfeeding while having coffee with friends made the rounds. The photos (which were often tagged as NSFW) sparked a pretty active online debate about whether or not it was “appropriate” for her to engage in such behaviour, especially if she knew people photograph her often. While most people seemed supportive of the act, calling it natural, others likened it to going to the bathroom on a city street. From what I understand breastfeeding has to happen every couple of hours, so if doing it in public is obscene, mothers would never leave the house.
Interestingly enough, there’s a piece published today announcing that Maggie G “has posed in handcuffs and sexy lingerie for a new underwear campaign,” which, no doubt, will not be deemed as obscene as her breastfeeding. (Not that I think it’s obscene, I’m just saying.)
The reason the debate is interesting from a feminist perspective is because of how we, culturally, view, well, boobs. Facebook has deemed boobs obscene in general, even if they’re being used for their “intended purpose.” (I really can’t see how feeding a baby qualifies as obscene content.) And if they’re being used for their intended purpose in public (especially by a celebrity) a debate errupts about what is appropriate. I’m curious to find out what readers think aout Facebook’s decision, and the public display of breastfeeding in general.
UPDATE: The Lactivists organized demonstrations in 30 states to protest Applebee Restaurant’s decision not to allow breastfeeding. Check out the comments section of Feministing.com’s post to get an idea of what I mean when I say this is a highly debated issue: a woman’s right to breastfeed her child comfortably vs. a restaurant patron’s right to eat a meal without having to see it.
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24 comments
I think this just shows how uncomfortable our society is with nudity if it isn't presented in a highly sexual manner. I can't think of any reason why breastfeeding could possibly be offensive. Frankly, I find screaming children at restaurant much more effensive :P
I think that women (and men) are hyper-sexualized in our culture that we can't be in the presence of bare breast without thinking sex, which is why I think people are uncomfortable with breatfeeding.
What is weird to me, is that at the same time that restaurants are banning breastfeeding, our government is advertising that breastfeeding is the only/best/real way to feed your new born. I've noticed the ad on the TCC, it's black with drawings of babies faces.
Don't get me wrong, I understand the benefits of breastfeeding versus formula. But my problem is why the government feels it needs to dictate how we should nurse our infants. There do exist women who cannot physically breastfeed - do they need to feel pressured and inadequate?
That was a fun rant.
Posted by Talia
September 8, 2007, 8:59 AM
Sigh. I always feels happy when I see women breastfeeding babies, probably because my body is gearing up for baby time, and who doesn't like seeing babies - but also because I like seeing women using their breasts for their own or their babies purposes, instead of someone else's.
If her nipple is being covered by her baby, that doesn't make any sense at all. Not that it would make much more sense if you could see her nipples (see my May post re: nipples on billboards), but if she's not showing nipple, from the point of view of the American censorship board or whatever they're called, it's totally fine.
{By the by, what is our twisted obsession with nipples? You can see every part of a woman's boobies, but as soon as you see her nipples [essentially the part that is 1) erotic/pleasurable to the woman when touched 2) functional] everyone has a coronary. See poor old Janet Jackson for further proof.}
What if I took a photo of myself wearing a see-through t-shirt, except with pics of babies over my boobies, could I post that on Facebook? Maybe I oughta write them and ask.
Talia - I think the ads are meant to target women who can breastfeed but don't. Breastfeeding is widely considered to be the best way to get nutrients to your baby and I guess there are concerns that breastfeeding has decreased in popularity (I think the Facebook type approach is part of that), is seen as weird or somehow obscene, and the ads are trying to counteract that, trying to say that this is actually what breasts were made for.
I don't know if it's always the government who is behind the ads, I think it might also be public health organisations.
Posted by Thea
September 8, 2007, 10:02 AM
My mum breastfed me, and I intend to do the same when I have a family of my own. As Thea says, it makes me happy to see women breastfeeding; I always get a warm feeling when I see parents with young (preferably well-behaved) children.
Posted by Olwen
September 12, 2007, 12:09 PM
I like Facebook, I like it much more than Myspace, and all I gotta say is that they shouldn't treat something natural like that. Breasts, mammary glands are what make us mammals, and even more specifically, human.
Posted by Erin
September 12, 2007, 1:13 PM
There's an article in the Star now about Facebook and its breastfeeding photo policy:
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/ar...
Posted by Thea
September 12, 2007, 2:42 PM
While I don't think it's obscene, I'd rather not have to deal with mothers breastfeeding while I'm trying to eat/shop/whathaveyou. Sure it's natural; so is peeing. And there's a nice little room that mothers can do both in. That way, the little ones get fed and I don't have to ask for a doggy bag because I lost my appetite listening to slurps, burping, etc. What's next, changing diapers on any counter because it's "natural"?
Posted by Davida
September 12, 2007, 3:55 PM
I agree with Davida. I am a female and plan to breast feed when that time comes but seriously.. If Im trying to eat my dinner in a restaurant I wouldn't like to see a mother pop out her breast and let her baby suck away like theres no tomorrow. So what if its natural? Every function of our body is natural but when people fart in public isn't that considered rude? Nobody wants to smell it or even here it. Its something personal. Breastfeeding is something personal, a special bond between the mother and child. I don't see the reason to go out in public to do that kind of thing. The kid can have a bottle for those few times, it wont hurt it for gods sake.
Posted by Yunie
September 12, 2007, 5:20 PM
--Its not so hard to step away to somewhere with less people traffic, outside a restaurant on a bench or even the restroom for a couple minutes. It seems these mothers now days arn't breastfeeding for just the good cause for the baby..but more of trying to rub it in like "thats right Im breastfeeding, its natural so just try to start something with me..I'll protest!". Now keep in mind Im a woman as well and plan to breastfeed, but Im not going to go around as if its nothing! Its a personal bond, something I only plan to share with my children...not the world. Just because your comfortable (and narrow minded) with it doesnt mean the whole world has to be as well. Learn to respect others.
Posted by Yunie
September 12, 2007, 5:28 PM
I breastfed my son in public on more than one occasion. I think there has to be a happy medium between a woman's right to feed her child in the way she chooses and others' right to not be exposed to it. What I think is funny is that some people react to it like they're being affected just like second-hand smoke. It's not hurting you AND it should make the public area you're in more comfortable since the alternative is to hear the baby scream. I also want to respond to something that Davida said about there being a room that mothers can both pee AND breastfeed in. Breastfeeding on a toilet where your feet can barely reach the ground and the floors are generally made of tile is a little dangerous and definitely uncomfortable, not to mention the fact that bathrooms are generally dirty and stinky. When I thought I might need to breastfeed in public (or even at a friends house) I always had a receiving blanket with me (which is useful to keep for other reasons also) to minimize my breast exposure for my comfort and the people around me. I think it's as easy as that. You're still able to take care of the child's needs in the way you feel best about. And, while other people may know what's going on under that small piece of cloth, it doesn't feel so much like a show. Problem solved!!
Posted by LaJuana
September 12, 2007, 7:03 PM
I have to pose a question. Yunie says that you shouldn't go out in public to do something like that. Do you think women say to themselves, "It's almost time for the baby to eat. We should go somewhere public so I can put it in other people's faces?" That's ludicrous. Are you saying a breastfeeding woman should never go to the zoo (which is generally a day long trip) unless she's willing to search out the bathroom nearest to her to breastfeed? You live your life the way you see fit. If your clothes are offensive to someone else and they tell you to go home and change, are you going to listen? Hell no!! Your clothing is part of how you express yourself and your values. If someone else is uncomfortable with it they can look away or fume or even bring it to your attention but NO ONE has the right to make you change who you are because it makes them uncomfortable. Period.
Posted by LaJuana
September 12, 2007, 7:18 PM
This may not be a classic contest between convention and progress, but rather the prerogative of one or a few authoritarian provincials. Who, specifically, at 'facebook' initiated the policy? It wouldn't be the first corporation to be publicly twisted to the right by prudish company officers. Remember that many hundreds of religiose dominionists have been spawned by Pat Robertson's neo-fascist lawyer mill. These people pose a far greater threat to the bill of rights than a madras full of radicalized Muslims.
Posted by Virgule Ampersand
September 12, 2007, 7:22 PM
Davida, YOU go eat in the bathroom and leave the mum who needs to feed her babe alone! What, you think it's too germy for you to eat in? Then why in heaven's name would you banish a tiny infant to the nasty loo to eat???
Posted by LisaAnne
September 12, 2007, 7:24 PM
I think you didnt read the rest of my post -.-;. If you are to go for a public outing, it wont hurt the baby to bottle feed it a couple times -and I didnt necessarily say she had to find a restroom, just an area with less people traffic. Common courtesy to both the mother (respecting privacy) and to others there. No, its not ludicrous.
Posted by Yunie
September 12, 2007, 8:24 PM
It's all about choice. Personally, I would no more post a picture of myself breastfeeding than I would of me in my underwear. I breasfed both of my kids and not once in public. That's not to say that I object to those who do. For me however, I found that breastfeeding in private worked best.I was able to relax, and baby was able to feed without being disturbed. I honestly don't know how some women are able to "let down" their milk while so many eyes may be watching. Also,older babies(>4months) can be distracted very easily, which can make the whole process take longer and is not good for Mom or baby. That said, Facebook should not be censoring the pictures of women who do feel comfortable enough to show others that this is who they are. The problem is, most don't want to see it.
Posted by Kristina
September 12, 2007, 9:16 PM
I think people forget... bathrooms are not the cleanest places. And at a resturant? Ewwwww. Would you want to eat dinner in there?
Urination is something that you can hold off on until you find a quiet, alone spot.. hopefully a bathroom. A hungry baby though is something that must be dealt with at that moment. And I'd much rather here a little slurping then a screaming raging child because a mother is trying desperatly to finish up her meal so she can go to "another space" to feed her own child.
I breastfed both of my children. My first child I tried to cover up under a blanket when she fed. It was aweful and hot for she and I. And as she got bigger she quickly learned to push the blanket off. My son I never covered, and very often people didn't even notice he was feeding because he was happy and content and *quiet*. And neither of them slurped.
Posted by Norma
September 13, 2007, 9:06 AM
Oh and I meant to add, my son would not take a bottle if I was in the same room. Ever. So that's often not a possibility.
Posted by Norma
September 13, 2007, 9:07 AM
I agree with the question: "so what if it is natural?" Masturbation is natural, so is intercourse. Still we cannot do that in public. Or to take a much less obvious example, a young couple making out is natural but we dont all want to see tongue action when we eat.
And, Of course a baby needs to suckle every few hours. So? There are many things we need to do every few hours without doing them in public, or do we?
Sheesh. what is it with you people who think it must be ok to show a boob feeding while it is not ok to show it for sexual pleasure?
Interestingly my lesbian friends are not that snsitive about it. Why is that? Because they know how nice it is to see it and be turned on by it? Is that the reason some of you dont like it? because it "objectifies" women (and not you- so you do not get the attention)?
It is a mystery why heterosexual women are so obsessed with being able to show their boobs when they please, but not when other women choose to show them (for other reasons than they themselfs would show them)...
But I am sure it has something to do with a jealousy factor. "Keep the competitors at bay".
And no- I love tits, but when I eat I dont want to see them, whether they are used for feeding or anything else... sorry
Posted by Snusket
September 13, 2007, 9:04 PM
So, let's protest loudly and long when we see pictures of people eating and drinking. Such ugly food porn! If people are offended by babies nourishing themselves, why should we be assaulted with images of older children and adults eating and drinking? That's pretty disgusting, eh!
Posted by SayBlade
September 13, 2007, 10:21 PM
I cannot for the life of me figure out how womens nipples ever became vulgar in the first place. A guy can walk around in public with his nipples uncovered and it is no big deal. A woman with enormous breasts can walk around showing all her clevage and all but her nipples, but as soon as that little bit of brown nipple shows itself, the part most of us got our first meal from, or should have, everyone gasps and trys to cover the childrens eyes and think the gal should be arrested. What a truely bazzar country we live in.
Posted by Singing Breeze
September 17, 2007, 4:12 PM
Note you you all that want a breastfeeding mother to use the public toilets:
This is unsanitary and disgusting.
Why don't you eat your lunch in the toilet and see what it's like?
Posted by E Gibson
September 21, 2007, 4:58 AM
wait . . breastfeeing obsene?
this has got to be one of the stupidest things I've seen this week in the world
while I'm not a feminist, or a woman for that matter this kind of idiocy just defies explination . . *facepalm*
Posted by micheal
October 12, 2007, 6:16 PM
For one, I'm perplexed by all the people who say breastfeeding is disgusting. And I've never heard a baby slurp. They latch on far too well.
Secondly, why do they think their personal tastes should become rules and regulations? Where's the logic, the sense of democracy, in saying, "I don't like it. Let's make a rule!" ????
I think men and women who overdose on the perfumes and colognes are a far more obnoxious than breastfeeding. Once, a woman came into the restauraunt I work at, and she wore so much perfume that it actually made me throw up. But I don't think perfumes should be banned, or any rules made about how or when to wear them. That would be stupid.
Posted by carmina daza
October 22, 2007, 2:25 AM
There's some science out there that says babies bond better with moms when they breastfeed. Don't know what I think of this, but it's pretty extensive and not new.
Posted by Myra
December 26, 2007, 2:06 PM
Wow.I'm sitting and nursing as I read this.I really hope that Yunie girl does breastfeed cause she's gonna have to eat her words when the time comes.Good luck dealing with dirty looks as your baby screams, grab your bags, try to pay your bill, then walk around looking for that quiet private place.All the while your breasts are full and hurting or leaking your baby is screaming and you can't think straight because your so tired.I tried that at the mall once.I ended up in an even less private spot.The bench in the middle of the mall walkway.At that point anyone who said anything to me was going to get it for all the injustice ever done to mothers everywhere.Bringing a new life into this world is hard work.If you value mothers at all you'd simply support them in their job.So what's the matter with people.They got staring problems.You don't have to look right at the NIPPLE.Well Yunie,good luck.You may just want to bottle feed,because most nursing babies won't take a bottle.People just better get used to it,cuz it's better for our children.(70% more illness in bottlefed babies)And if you can't,you can't.Why bother making big issues.Just feed the babies!
Posted by jessica h.in hawaii
May 23, 2008, 7:18 PM
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