Side rant...

So, as a warning, this might make some of you mad, but I really don't care. It's my blog, and these are my thoughts, so here goes :)

In my communications class, we were asked to give our input on an "inappropriate" magazine cover of American Baby. On the cover, there is a picture of a woman nursing her baby. You don't actually see her- just the side of her breast and her child. Now, here's my problem. I wouldn't volunteer myself for that position, and I think the point could have been made without being quite so graphic, BUT...

if girls can walk about with their you-know-what practically hanging out of their mini-skirt,

and if they can wear tank tops that "let it all hang out",

and if I saw the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit addition today at the store and it almost made me throw up,

and if Maxim doesn't hide any detail, but isn't covered up in the check-out lane (and is subsequently exposing my husband and children to it)

and if TV can show people having sex,

and if MySpace can advertise women with a chest bigger than any watermelon I've ever seen,

why can't a magazine that is intended for mothers show a natural, healthy activity?

It's NORMAL-

it's BEST for baby
(yes, I know I quit nursing and I know it wasn't the "best" decision, but it was best for US as a whole)

and it's NOT sexual.

It's L I F E.

WHY then, is it considered inappropriate, awkward, and off limits to nurse in public (while covered), discuss nursing in public, and have a magazine geared toward nursing mothers?

Thoughts, anyone?

Feel free to disagree, but personally, I'd rather explain to my children why a mommy is nursing her child (for health and sustenance) than why the 16 year old down the street is dressed like she is going to the nearest nightclub to make a dollar.