By Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews
As a new father, I have to admit, watching my wife breastfeeding our daughter brings on feelings in me, but not sexual ones, rather sweet ones, as I find the interaction between mother and daughter beautiful. Facebook, on the other hand seems to think breastfeeding is obscene, having removed many photos from its site, citing violation of its terms of use.
It has resulted in the creation of a Facebook group, Hey, Facebook, breastfeeding is not obscene!. At the time of this writing, the group has about 78,000 members. This actually was first reported as an issue in 2007, but has really come to a head of late.
On December 27th, the group held its first Mothers International Lactation Campaign (MILC) virtual event, with 11,000 Facebook users posting breastfeeding pictures (some of which were removed), as well as an actual sit-in (or, I guess, a nurse-in) at Facebook’s Palo Alto headquarters.
According to the Washington Post, the above image (which I wouldn’t have posted if I felt it was obscene) resulted in Kelli Roman being warned that her account might be suspended, as well as having the picture taken down. Is that really obscene? I mean, really?
On the other hand, one might wonder just why a nursing mother would want their picture posted at Facebook. There’s no way my wife will let me take such a picture, no matter how modest the pose.
It should be noted that Facebook has said it only removes pictures with a visible nipple or areola, and only when they are flagged by other users. While a protest against Facebook is probably called for, perhaps users should be also protesting against the close-minded people who report such images.
Maybe you are the closed minded one? Why do you insist on taking something that many people clearly think is personal and making it public. Taking a shit isn’t obscene either, but I don’t want to see photos of people taking a shit. Giving birth is not obscene but I don’t want to see photos of that. I am happy that having a new born is such a wonderful experience for you, but forcing everyone to see photos of your wife breastfeeding is actually offensive. If it wasn’t offensive then I wouldn’t bother posting to you blog. You just don’t seem to accept that people don’t want to see it, and if enough FB users don’t like it then FB is taking proper action. FB isn’t the right place for this.
There you have it: breastfeeding is no different than taking a shit. That’s the mentality of these people who are complaining. I agree that we should be protesting against the closed-minded people who report such images. You know how much I care that you’re offended, james? Not one fucking bit. If it were up to me I’d strap you and all the other prudes in, “Clockwork Orange” style, and make you watch breastfeeding videos all day. That would be fun. Alas, it would be illegal and beyond my ability anyway, so instead I’ll just tell you to go fuck yourself.
Perhaps your headline should have been “Lactivist’s War Against Facebook.” Facebook is a Web site. They are allowed to make their own rules. You either live by them, or you go elsewhere. There are plenty of places to show off your breastfeeding on the Net. If Facebook doesn’t want it, who cares?
And BTW, as a pretty open-minded and liberated woman, I find public breastfeeding with all the nudity hanging out(except in cases where done with no other reasonable options), generally lacking taste and modesty. Why the fuss about covering up a little or finding a private spot? Lots of women feel this way too. Not only out of modesty, but out of respect for women who can’t have children or breastfeed. It’s a very sensitive topic. So maybe get a little, and stop getting your panties in a wad over Facebook trying to maintain a pretty mild standard.
James picked a poor metaphor to compare breastfeeding against, but I do agree with his position. A mother with her baby is a beautiful thing, but I feel that a picture of an exposed breast with a baby in it is still a picture of an exposed breast.
Facebook is following their terms of service (and if you don’t like them – then get off the site). If they didn’t there would be a much larger protest (and possibly lawsuits – Facebook is open to people 13 and older) against them for having what many people would consider nudity on the site. The whole idea of Facebook starting a “war” against lactivists is ridiculous and using such an extreme term goes to show how entitled some of the moms in this group feel they are (the author is not helping). They have 140 million members now, yet you act like they’re sitting in their corporate office ignoring everything except how to take out your 70k strong group.
@Skylights: “You know how much I care that you’re offended, james? Not one fucking bit”
I assume you’re worked up over James’ choice of words, Skylights, because otherwise, why would you ever expect people to respect your opinion if you don’t care “one fucking bit” about theirs.
To all of you, show me what’s objectionable in Kelli’s picture. I can’t see anything there! I see more flesh at the beach.
Now, if something was clearly showing, yeah, maybe. But Kelli’s pic is an example of overzealousness.
And that’s a comment made by many women on this issue.
In terms of me showing off my wife breastfeeding, you must not have read my article too completely. I asked:
“On the other hand, one might wonder just why a nursing mother would want their picture posted at Facebook. There’s no way my wife will let me take such a picture, no matter how modest the pose.”
Personally, I don’t believe a photo that truly exposes flesh should be on Facebook, but I do believe the above example is over the top in terms of prudishness.
You know what I don’t get about you whining pussies? Facebook is a SOCIAL NETWORKING site. Last time I checked, you can place restrictions on who can view your pics. Now if I’m not friends with someone who happens to post a breast feeding pic, then in theory I should never really see one right? What the fuck is everyone’s problem? Let those people who want to share that do what they want – it should only be their friends or family that see those pics right? Anyone else who is complaining – FUCK YOU and your communistic prudist right wing fagget views. How ’bout it people?
I have to sort of agree with James & Jon above, while I have a 3 year old son myself and I am very familiar with the new found pride of fatherhood and all the emotions that go along.
One thing that is being overlooked in this debate is the simple fact that Facebook set forth a set of rules you have to follow to play in their pond, if you don’t like the rules then go play elsewhere. There is a simple solution to this problem you can link off your Facebook site to a site that is under your own control where you can post any photo’s you like without incident. That’s part of the greatness of the internet.
And on a personal note I remember how the first time your newborn does anything it’s a total event. Even the first breastfeeding, but I don’t think those moments are ones I would want to use as a slap-down referendum for some social-networking site.
God, what a bevy of trembling marshmallows.
The net is becoming pooh land and the innumerable piglets are white-knuckled mainstreamers who can’t even wipe their own asses without someone holding the rag.
I hope these mammary chicks kick the shit out of Facebook!
I am not a mommy brigade type and, frankly, find little use for the politics of the demure maternity-minded but if they want to show their titties in part or completely, WITH or WITHOUT babies attached then I support FULLY their right to do so.
I champion ALL non-conformity and if this so happens to include lactating moms then these superbitches are to be championed.
FUCK THE SYSTEM breast-feeders! I wish you all the best!
Why would anyone want to post breast feeding pictures? It is as if they are proud of this as it is supposed to be some kind of accomplishment. Breast feeding has been going on for as long as Humans (and other mamals have existed) it is no more an accomplishment to be proud of as any other body function is.
Children can still be breast fed without posting it to the internet. In fact many things can be done without posting to the internet.
Andrew,
Your simpleton question:
Why would anyone want to post breast feeding pictures?
Answer:
For the same reason you’ve posted nettlesome mouth vapor in letter form.
Both actions are idiosyncratic and normal. One of them I just find highly inept- yours.
Does this mean I think you should be not be allowed to post due to my conclusion you flock with prudes and milquetoast? No.
These ladies should fight to the last drop for their right to do as they wish- particularly since breastfeeding is about as normal as apple pie and sunshine.
what are these women trying to do here?
if they gave permission to them to have exposed breasts then everyone would want the same rights.
would they change the rules so that women can show their beasts on the condition that there is a child on the end of it?
that option just seems a little wrong to me
My wife breast fed our daughter and I have some lovely photos of it. I wouldn’t post them online, but they’re in our photo album. Still, I’m thinking that the people who find breast feeding offensive haven’t traveled much outside the USA.
And, as an aside, am I the only one who thinks some of those kids shown on the “were removed” link in the article way too old for breastfeeding?
Hey – the more titties I can see online, the better!!!!
Last time I checked, a PC couldn’t force you to look at a specific page, or for that matter, even at the screen!!!
For you content Nazis, leave us the FUCK ALONE! We DON”T GIVE A FLYING FUCK WHAT YOU THINK!!!!
I’ve spoken to your proctologist and he told me he found your head!!!!!