Dave Smith wrote:
> James Silverton wrote:
>
>> It was not a common practice when we had small kids and I admit
>> I was a little surprised when my sister breast-fed my young
>> niece on a visit to my house. On the other hand, done without
>> fuss and excessive display, I can't see why people should object
>> and I've certainly seen it done just like that in the last 10
>> years or so by people like the wife of my daughter's wealthy
>> boss. I really can't understand the fuss some people make; have
>> they never been to a French (or other North European) beach?
>
>
> It is just part of our weird social hang-ups. We have been
> socialized to thing of breasts as sexual things. They have to be
> covered up so people don't see them, but at the same time women where
> undergarments to prop them up and make them more noticeable, use
> support gimmicks to increase cleavage. They want the right to be
> able to expose them and go topless in public, but men can't look at
> them too long, and don't dare touch one that is exposed because what
> would be a simple assault at most if it were an arm that was touched
> because sexual assault when it is a breast that is touched.
>
>
> It is all a matter of social attitudes, and a lot of people hold the
> prudish attitude that the natural act of a mother nursing a baby is
> something dirty that should not be in the public eye.
>
> AFAIAC, breast feeding in a family restaurant should be perfectly
> acceptable, but when it comes to "fine dining", the big sin is taking
> a baby into a place like that where they will be likely to disrupt
> other diners.

I 100% agree with you, Dave. I think that's my most...........what's the
word I'm looking for ......objectional (?) thing about openly
breastfeeding. Breasts *are* considered sexual items, which, of course,
they're not - they perform a valid function. And I also agree with you on
your second point. If you want to go to a *fine* dining establishment, I
don't think children should be allowed. Get a sitter and a breast pump for
gosh sakes! What patron wants to pay well over $100 for a meal to hear a
crying child? Don't most people go to a fabulous restaurant to get away
from it all? It's like a mini-vacation to go out and have an elaborate meal
with a special person.

I don't know, flame me if you wish, but that's just how I feel. If you have
your child with you in a Golden Corral, please, breast feed away, but not
demonstratively. Cover yourself with a blanket and get it done. In a fine
dining restaurant, please leave the baby at home.

Do I sound bitchy? (Ack!)

kili