Breastfeeding moms college graduation by Lisa Flam - Essay Example

Breastfeeding mom’s college graduation by Lisa Flam In the article entitled “Breastfeeding mom’s college graduation photo stirs controversy” written by Lisa Flam, and published online in Today on the 9th of June, 2014, the author presented the fuss that ensued from uploading the photo of a California mom who breastfed her three-month old daughter in the midst of her graduation ceremony. Various viewpoints were allegedly generated when the woman, Karlesha Thurman, reportedly uploaded the photo in a Facebook page. The current discourse hereby aims to evaluate the different contentions which emerged as a result of the posting at the famous social networking site. One hereby asserts that the display of information that the article exposed was inappropriate for the venue and situation. Initially, the author presented the point of view of Thurman who argued that she had no inclination that posting the photo would generate such a controversial stir. Thurman was acknowledged to have decided to post the photo in a Facebook page, Black Women Do Breastfeed, to holistically support another woman who was noted to be a recipient of dirty looks while she apparently breastfed in public. In her honest reaction, she was disclosed to indicate that she believed breastfeeding is natural and that there is nothing wrong, even if the nursing is done in public. In addition, some of her classmates, who attended the May 22 graduation ceremony was reported to have quipped that the act was cool and some even commended her for promoting breastfeeding. Flam indicated in the article that the public display came at an opportune time when the promotion was most needed. Citing a pediatrician, Dr. Lori Feldman-Winter, from Cooper University Hospital, black women were reported to have the lowest breastfeeding rates among women of ethnic origin (Flam). Concurrently, although there were comments relaying support for breastfeeding, subsequent reactions from those who encountered the post were noted to have signified negative comments. For those who had opposing views regarding breastfeeding in public, the reaction was stipulated to potentially stem from the perception that seeing a bare breast is regarded as synonymous with sexual content or exposure; rather than understanding that it is a lactating breast (Flam). As such, exposure of a bare breast in a social networking site could understandably create such a stir due to the diversity in beliefs and values of the viewing public. The rhetorical impact of the posting could be deduced as inciting emotions ranging from understanding, empathy, support, to feelings of embarrassment, discomfort, anxiety, distress and even contempt. In one’s perspective, I also support women who breastfeed as breastfeeding had been revealed to provide a wealth of benefits to the child, and also to the mother (US DHHS). Likewise, I also believe that contemporary society has acknowledged that breastfeeding is advantageous in its totality. However, the controversial nature of the concerns related to the posting of the photo was believed to be focused more on whether breastfeeding should be done in public or whenever and wherever the child and the mother deems necessary. A quick research on the subject revealed that there is no law that prohibits breastfeeding in public (CDC). In fact, as noted, a federal law even requires employers to provide a defined allowable time to enable nursing mothers to breastfeed their children (CDC). Despite the regulations signifying support to breastfeeding, even in public, some people feel uncomfortable seeing exposed breasts while mothers nurse their young children. These people could belong to the old generation who uphold traditional values of chastity and regards conservatism as consistent with the belief that no private parts of the woman’s body should be exposed at any time and for any reason in public. In addition, from the comments which were viewed by viewers who saw Thurman’s photo, some men asserted that it is not appropriate for her to have nursed her daughter and agreed to have their picture taken while in the graduation ceremony and surrounded by many people. The act could have been perceived as a violation of standards of ethics in adherence to professionalism and proper decorum through assuming a liberal stance and not taking into account that other people have other values and beliefs on breastfeeding in public. One strongly believes that the appropriate conduct, while not condemning breastfeeding in public, is to at least cover the breast while nursing the child. This would prevent exposure of the breast to the public which creates discomfort and embarrassment to others, especially to older people. In addition, nursing mothers should assume a more mature and responsible stance in selecting the appropriate place to breastfeed – even in a public place. If and when time would allow, there are reserved places where nursing mothers could breastfeed their children. If the mother and child are in a public transportation, the above mentioned suggestion of covering the breast while nursing should be observed. To reiterate, the display of information that the article exposed was affirmed to be inappropriate for the venue and situation. I am sure the graduation ceremony is a happy occasion which should be shared to family members; especially to parents, spouse, and children. However, a nursing mother, like Thurman, should exercise proper conduct and decorum while breastfeeding her three-year old daughter so as not to have generated much controversy on her posting. The endeavor was a learning experience for her and for the viewers who all had the right to their own opinions. Thurman is definitely correct not to prevent her daughter from being fed. It was not a question of arguing whether breastfeeding was right for her child. The controversy stemmed from her irresponsible posting of a photo that exposed her breast to the public who expressed their discomfort and disagreement on the matter. Regardless of the barrage of comments – positive or negative, it was commendable that Thurman retained her optimistic perspective on the aspect of breastfeeding. However, the public exposure should have been a lesson for her to discern which photos need to be considered private and which could be posted for the public’s viewing. Works Cited CDC. "Breastfeeding." 13 April 2012. cdc.gov. http://www.cdc.gov/phlp/winnable/breastfeeding.html. 22 June 2014. Flam, Lisa. "Breast-feeding mom's college graduation photo stirs controversy." 9 June 2014. Today. http://www.today.com/parents/breast-feeding-mom-faces-backlash-over-photo-taken-college-graduation-2D79780389. 22 June 2014. US DHHS. "Breastfeeding." 24 September 2013. womenshealth.gov. https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is-important/. 22 June 2014. Read More