From last year’s crackdown on the “desnudas” in Times Square to last week’s bill in New Hampshire that outlaws female nipples from being exposed in public, the politicising of breasts continues. Take breastfeeding for example.
Even though 49 states and Puerto Rico have laws on the books allowing a mother to breastfeed in public (what’s up, Idaho?), it has become a hot topic in today’s divisive culture wars, inspiring advocates and “lacktivists” like actress Alyssa Milano to speak out.
Milano caused controversy when she posted photos of feeding her newborn, Elizabella. Last week on the Wendy Williams show, Milano and Williams butted heads over the subject. “It was kind of shocking that we’re that opinionated about something that’s supposed to be so incredibly natural,” Milano told Williams. Williams disagreed, saying “I don’t want to see that.”
Their chat was a playful bit of daytime TV production. With Williams, the consumate TV host, pushing the issue by saying breasts are sexual. “They’re funbags!” she exclaimed. Milano, keeping her cool, then schooled the host (and the legions of breastfeeding shamers Williams was embodying for the segment) on why breastfeeding should not be stigmatized. Milano first explains that it is just eating, and then questions the sexualization of the act.
“Why is it OK to show that picture of Miley Cyrus with two suspenders over her breasts, and it’s not OK [to show breastfeeding]?” Milano asked. “Biologically they are not made for sexual things.”
“You’re lucky the baby’s not here,” Milano joked. “Otherwise, I’d whip ‘em out and feed her on your show.”
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