Should Bare Breasts Be Legal in the U.S.?
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I have always considered myself to be a forward-thinking individual. I tend to favor all things “natural” and “modern”; preferring organic food, natural healing modalities, methods for green living as well as equal rights for all living things. So when I learned about a curious annual rally to support the right for women to “go topless”, I had to think about whether I would endorse such a campaign.
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They Come Out Once a Year
Go Topless Day is an American event that berates the fact that women in the U.S. are unable to walk about with their breasts fully exposed, even on the hottest days for fear of being arrested, molested or both. Men, on the other hand have been enjoying this freedom since our American forefathers toiled in the fields, shirtless under the baking sun. OK, indigenous American women may have comfortably bared a breast or two in public without reservation centuries ago and it’s true, men don’t have mammary glands, but according to Go Topless’s director, Nadine Gary, all that doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that there has always been a double standard when it comes to gender and the baring of one’s nipples in public; therefore, in this modern day and age, the U.S. Constitution should guarantee everyone the right to Go Topless.
Without getting into the festive details of the National Go Topless Day event, (which I am certain always draws a crowd), I felt the need to comment on the implications of the proposed new Constitutional amendment. I also wanted to work out some weird feelings I have regarding the whole subject of nudity.
I pause to wonder just how many modern, liberal women would cheer at the passage of this amendment, tear off their t-shirts and bras and head to Starbucks for a latte? Should I think myself prudish for not feeling so liberated? Is this not a powerful move towards important social change?
Somehow I feel that socially liberating events such as the demise of the bare breast/chest double standard are positive and fair, but it is naive to assume that passing such a law will change the way men think, especially when it comes to sex. Call me sexist, but I doubt you can outlaw the sexualization of female nudity… and hey, do we really want to do that? I surprise myself by putting such thoughts in writing.
On the other hand, I really admire the Europeans who enjoy a level of sophisticated acceptance of the female breast when it is displayed in public. Topless women on the beaches of France and even “stuffy old” England may be admired, but they are admired with respect and decorum.
Ms. Gary certainly isn’t the first crusader for public toplessness. The iconic fashion designer of the 1960’s, Rudi Gernreich, to whom I devoted an entire article here on Hubpages invented the topless bathing suit. Had it not been for the numerous arrests of young ladies on American beaches, his creation would have made millions. Instead, it simply made history.
Perhaps in the uptight, puritanical United States where heterosexual men happily drool over the sight of a woman’s “private” parts and women are encouraged to feel self-conscious, (even ashamed) of their nakedness, I suggest that this bold new Constitutional amendment should be introduced slowly, so as to gently alter our unnatural social programming.
In any case, one cannot help but to hypothesize on the subsequent social changes that may occur should the amendment pass.
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What Will Happen if the Non-Gender Topless Amendment Passes?
Will women get more comfortable about their bodies or will we see an increase in plastic surgery?
Will restaurants and supermarkets loosen their restrictions against shopping and dining shirtless?
Will more women begin to breast feed their babies? Statistics have shown a remarkable decline in breast-feeding over the years because it’s just not practical in the US.
Will men become more desensitized towards the female breast?
Will women get more chest colds?
Will bathing suits get less expensive?
Will men demand similar rights and begin going bottomless in public?
Will people get more comfortable with nudity and learn to accept the human body as a work of art?
Will Sarah Palin criticize the “Constitutional obstructionists” who would undermine the Go Topless crusade in an effort to invoke more feminism into her campaign?
What Do You Think?
Do you think it should be legal for a woman to go topless in public? If you have mixed feelings, please feel free to comment below.
See results without voting© Copyright Green Lotus, 2011. All rights reserved.
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I really enjoyed this Hub! Great humorous slant, while packing in facts and history. Thank you.
Ok G.L. Here's my take.
For men (at least in North America), women's breasts have always been considered a sort of 'forbidden fruit'. If going topless were legal, I think eventually the titillation would wear off, as well as some women's reticence of baring their natural attributes (depending on the size). It would take many years for it to become widespread or acceptable.
At the same time, I think social decorum is a good thing. Even though I consider myself open-minded, I think toplessness (for either gender) would only be appropriate in certain casual situations. Formal situations are that way for a reason.
And finally..no, I won't be going bottomless any time soon. LOL.
Jackie Kennedy poised the question whether bikinis were immoral - wow - this one! Very interesting. I struggle with too many bikinis - this one for me is over the edge. One person wrote on my bikini Hub - bikinis are for private use only - being modest I like that one but alas the industry I have chosen is fitness and the world loves to see the belly button. Topless - far too far! Personal opinion only. Leave it to the more daring countries in Europe for notoriety and destination - not appropriate for conservative Americans - one Midwestern opinion.
To be totally frank, I don't see a problem, as long as the breast-bearing is in an appropriate place (beach/ swimming pool) In public places, NO! The female breast is a thing of beauty and functionality. If I see a mother breast feeding her child in public, no problem. If I see a man, who has no reason to bare his man-boobs in public, I say, put your shirt on and get thy self to a gym! All things aside GL, I'm an ass man! OOPS... Ciao! As always, Great Hub! Awesome
Thank you Green lotus, for a very interesting hub, but to each their own, I wouldn't never do such a thing. I guess it's great for those that do. Thank you for sharing.Godspeed. creativeone59
Topless is normal on beaches of Croatia, for many years, but, it is not so popular like it used to be before.
From the another side, I also see a lot more nuditity on unofficial beaches then ever before - mainly foreign tourists (!), and nobody cares, especially not police, but I personally do not feel too comfortable about it. There should be some separation of nudist´s and normal beaches, according to my inner feelings.
From the another side, voayers really enjoy themselves, and men do not get used to female nudity, for majority of them it is like invitation to sex.
Bút getting arested because of that? I just cannot imagine it.
Thanks for interesting topic.
Sorry I've been a bit late in responding to you all, but HP asked me to make some "modest" changes to the hub so it's been on and off line.
Hi Melinda! Thanks for being the first to comment. I can see you are leaning towards "liberal". I myself would feel more comfortable on a topless beach in Europe than in the states, but with my proportions, I don't think I'd turn many heads anyway.
Lilly- Much thanks and glad it made you smile! It was quite fun to vent on this one :)
Hey timorous I love your take! Very sensible and astute. I too think it would take years for the titillation to wear down. Clever word, that ;)
GmaGoldie - Nice to get another take on the subject. Americans definitely have strong values that are not easily shaken. I didn't mention that the "go topless" founder, Nadine Gary is a French woman.
Jai - Love your comments and glad you appreciate a nice set of buns. I actually do too, but it's not likely bottomless will ever catch on except on nude beaches. Timorous certainly won't be there :) As for man-boobs, the first photo says it all. Chiao!
creativeone - So good to see you and hope you are well. I can see you are still smiling :) Glad you enjoyed the read.
Hi Tatjana - I would have guessed about topless beaches being popular in Croatia as they are in most of Europe. In the US you'll easily get arrested for going topless if you're not at a beach or nudist colony that specifically permits allows it. I think that law has to go. It's not like women are soliciting sex. I've seen women wearing bikini's so small they might as well be naked. Cheers!
Very nice my green friend...ha, as informative as it is funny, your article jumps right off the page! You've managed to turn an awkward event (or amendment, ha) into a legitimate topic. Lovely. Personally, women should be able to do whatever the hell they want! (within reason, of course) :)
I really don't think something like going topless should be illegal. Go and arrest some REAL criminals! Great hub, loved it, thank you!
drej- Hi there, glad you had a laugh! This one jumped right off the google adsense list too. Oh well, timely subjects cannot always be squeaky clean.
Paradise - Ah my thoughts exactly. When it comes to legality, this country needs to get its priority straightened out. Thanks for the kudos.
Well I think the rights should be equal, if women want to go topless then why not, as you say men have been doing so for years. But at the same time there should be some form of common sense used if they pass a law allowing it, restricting it to certain areas for both sexes. As such in a town, shop, restaurant I don't feel men or women should promenade around topless, yet if they want to go topless on a beach, in a park then I don't see an issue. To make it work they would need to introduce a law change slowly so that society grows to accept it in certain areas and then introducing it to other areas.
In order to adequately answer the questions you posed, I traveled to Greece, climbed a very high mountain and consulted with the Oracle of Delphi. These are the answers I learned:
1. More women between the ages of 18 and 97 will seek breast augmentation. Actually the Oracle waffled on this one and first answered the age of 98, then 96. So 97 is a compromise.
2. Supermarkets and restaurants will NOT loosen their restrictions. Rationale: in the market, shoppers with poor eyesight seeking melons might make poor judgments. In the restaurant, diners whose boobs (actually the Oracle said "mammaries") droop into hot soup might sue the establishment.
3. More women will not only stop breast-feeding their infants; more women will actually cease to produce progeny in order to maintain the youthfulness of their breasts.
4. Men will continue to be men.
5. More young doctors, male doctors that is, will select medical specialties in which they would be chosen to treat the rising population of women with chest colds.
6. Only men superbly endowed by their Creator would voluntarily choose to go "bottomless." The Oracle used the phrase, "full frontal."
7. No. A prude is a prude is a prude.
8. Who is Sarah Palin?
Cheers for a thought-provoking, well-written hub.
drbj you are brilliant! I could have said, "I set you up for this one", but even if I did I'm delighted with your response. I do believe your comments merit a hub of their own. Only you would travel the far ends of time and space to research the answers to my important queries. I am honored and thrilled!!! Cheers right back at ya.
Andy - Wise words! Thanks for commenting!!
Hi, topless women have been on page 3 in the sun newspaper since about 1973, and now in a couple of other papers, I think we don't take any notice anymore, but as for the beaches not a lot of women do it in England, unless you go to a nudist beach, like Brighton! I can't imagine anything more revolting than seeing wobbly flesh everywhere! ha ha I did go topless in Greece for about 20 seconds then changed my mind! Coward! lol cheers nell
Nell. I've seen a few really unsightly bodies on the beach too...and they weren't even topless :)! Why don't they arrest those people? LOL. I think it's great that English women dare to go topless on the beach and it's even better that they don't get arrested as they do here. Always good to see you here xXX
GL,
I'm a man and at the risk of sounding 'chauvinist' I say yes. Not because I want to see every woman on this continent suddenly baring their breasts but because I have been in many places where this practice is not only normal, but it's not even noticed! Except by visitors of course. What's the big deal?
Having said that, I don't want to see anyone wandering around the grocery store without a top on...the beach and the pool, recreational areas etc. seem to be pretty much the 'exposure zones' globally...except in puritan america.
WE5 good to see you again and thanks for the very sane comment! I think the topless day folks went beyond the beach so to speak since even public breastfeeding in the US is taboo. I do feel that it's inappropriate for both men and women to go bare chested in the supermarket, but then the issue would come up, what about working out or jogging on the street on a hot day? Not all women need a bra for support :) Ah the debate is endless.
In South Africa, our puritanical laws also disallow bare female breasts in public, There seems to be one caveat to this law, nobody gave a damn about our "coloured" or non whites from being topless.
Strange strange but true!
Even strip or "titty" bars where busted as being immoral
Hi JR - Thanks for adding some interesting info to the comments Rodney and good to see you back at HP. In Atlanta, the strip clubs get shut down every 7-10 years (depending on the political administration), things cool down for a while, then they return. Typical hypocritical behavior :)
Brilliant hub, really enjoyed it and the controversial point. I watched a programme on Sky recently about a photographer who specialises in taking photos of topless women doing every day activities such as shopping, eating in restaurants, walking through city streets etc. These were normal women, not always big breasted, not always slim, not always young and not always attractive. The program was filmed in New York (if I remember correctly), as there is actually no law in place there that says women can't go topless on the streets. Some Police-Women even tried to threaten to arrest the 'models', but the photographer argued the point with them that there is no topless law in NY, so what were they going to be arrested for? Clearly even the Police-woman was unaware of this, and was unable to do anything other than walk away.
What was interesting was watching and listening to the mixed reactions of the public to these topless women walking into cafes, handbags on their shoulders etc. One old woman got really irate about it and saying what a sin it was etc.
Speaking as a photographer myself, some of the best studies I have seen is a baby being breast fed, mostly classic black and white low key studies plenty of shadow. This was NOT erotica, but a serious study.
This to my way of thinking should be accompanied a simple statement or argument posing this simple question? If you as a mother, are out fir a snack at a coffee bar or bistro, would you excuse yourself and carry your plate of food to a restroom.
mistyH - Wow! I'm originally from NY and did not know about the topless law! I'll have to checkout that documentary. I do remember that you couldn't go topless on the beach and that one beach recently nixed a topless petition. It only goes to show how screwy the laws can be in one city. Thanks for the info and for your kind words.
Hi Rodney - It seems nudity in art and photography is ok, but real life is considered what...unartistic? Breastfeeding has become so unpopular in the US due to all the rules, but I don't see it changing any time soon. Thanks for stopping by.
I belong to the conservative side when it comes to legalizing bare breasts.
I admire a woman's body in art and I don't mind a woman breastfeeding especially when needed. However, I can't imagine bare-breasted women walking in supermarkets or other such public places other than nude beaches.
You've certainly asked an interesting question here my friend!
There are good points on each side of this issue. However, I must admit that I think nakedness would best be left in private or designated areas. I've been to Europe a few times and I don't think women run around without their shirts in general. Sure there are beaches and so forth, and yes they might sunbath in the park that way, but I don't see them in a restaurant without a shirt. I don't mind seeing naked people in general, but I don't want to dine with them like that. I guess it's like most rights, I w.ant people to be free to go without clothing but I don't want to be forced to look at them.
jill- always good to see you and I appreciate your feedback on this controversial subject. I also don't expect true nudism will take over any time soon :)
mulberry- I think most people will agree with you when you say you'd rather not have to look at someone naked in a restaurant or on the street. I do. I have enough trouble looking at what people wear when shopping at Walmart. Have you ever seen the hysterical photos on that "caught on camera" website?
Interesting that this is even a topic of discussion - I mean who says our bodies are immoral? As Rodney pointed out above the height of double standards in South Africa is that bare breasts were fine, both in real life and in print, if they were black, but definitely not OK when white. Can you imagine what that says about the sexual mores of the racist types? I'm not sure if any woman in South Africa has ever written anything about this but I would love to read a comment from a truly liberated South African woman of any race on the subject!
Love and peace
Tony
Wow tony so would I! Now there's a Hub challenge :)!! Thanks for commenting with your words of wisdom.
Interesting Hub. Absolutly, bare breasts should be legal in the US. It would add beauty to the world. Probably we would be thinking less about starting wars and controlling the world. A flower is not beautiful if nobody can see it. I say, let it all hang out.
Americans need to get over themselves and stop being such Victorian prudes!
Goodness! There are far worse things to see!
There is a definite bias and ingrained double-standard at work, as well. Men have nipples, too--and they are just as much an erogenous zone on the male body! Yet, it is ok, for them to show theirs...but not women!
And yes, men DO have mammary glands...which can be stimulated to produce milk: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Male_lactation
Men can also get breast cancer. There is really only a difference of size.
peteblogs - I can see you are a true romantic and artiste. No one has yet to comment on the from that perspective. Much appreciated :)
DzyMsLizzy now that's a comment! Only goes to show, men are not so different than women. Thanks for stopping by!
Very provoking hub. I never thought about this before. This also forbidden in my country. But thanks for share with us. Prasetio
prasetio - So many different cultures and traditions set the rules. I am glad this hub made you ponder the possibilities!
What a titelating subject. I for one would prefer to see a woman's breasts covered, I find the word revealing to peak my interest. I love the different sizes and curves,hidden behind a mysterious victoria secret bra of many textures and colors sublime. The secrecy stimulates me more than to see them totally exposed, bouncing or so hard from lethal injections they've lost their bounce:0)
GL when I want to see a woman's breasts totally exposed I just have to turn on my t.v. set, go to a local strip bar,walk nude together on a beach or sit surrounded by roses,fine champagne, soft smooth jazz, fruit at hand and together naked in a hot tub under dim light.
Just think if we had all you beautiful woman bouncing around topless, you would put all the strip bars out of business, we don't want to do that now do we? It would keep all us guys at home, boring you with us watching sports, now you wouldn't want that would ya? LOL
Love the hub, rated it way UP over the waistline.
saddlerider - Thanks for starting my day with a big smile :) Thanks for the "up" and for delivering a very truthful and sane answer to my question. (one of the best in my opinion). You once again make it clear that life is filled with exquisite mysteries that exist for a worthwhile purpose.
I suggest this is a very American question. You're all so uptight. In Europe it's like, what's the problemo? Spain, Germany, Holland and Italy are nations where bangers on the beach are d-norm. Even chilly old Britain has a beach boobs too: but thankfully not too many beach balls. But no boobs out in the United States of Neurosis. Instead you've got Playboy Magazines on every street corner? Go figure.
Talking of Victorian prudism. Did you know the Victorian men and women of Merry England had to bathe on different beaches... because they ALL went nude. Yes, it was because their clothes were so prudish and heavy, they would drown if they got them wet.
Maybe if Sarah Palin came from Florida, her tea party people would have a different attitude to toplessness?
Curves rock (but man boobs don't)!
Francine XX
Francine - When it comes to fun in the sun, you share my thoughts (and some of my words) exactly! Thanks for giving us the European perspective on topless bathing.
Talking about this very subject today at work. We concluded that boobs out is okay on the beach and in public provided it doesn't cause public disorder - like give men wood. But then why not wood in public too? Hey, let's all move to Holland!!!!
Good job they didn't call the campaign GoGoTopless.org though, because that just might create the wrong impression. BTW If I lived in Miami I think I would be saying, "I spent $20,000 on these, so I ain't covering them up!"
You Go [ Go ] Girl
Francine - It seems the growing consensus is that bare breasts belong on the beach. How's that for alliteration? :)
Thanks for commenting!
Maybe yours, but definitely not mine! LOL
2b -I had to go to your profile to see if you were male or female LOL!!
Well I know very well that there would be a new generation of men flocking to the first public nude beach in America. My question is why do we need this? Is there a reason why something unique must be replicated all over the world to the point of numbness? Secondly, how many women are sexually aroused by staring at a man’s chest? Honestly…men are hardwired regardless of the circumstance, if a woman is well sculpted, she would have to wear a paper sack for a man not to notice. I would be all for private residences and outdoor clubs doing as they wish. Public decorum is all ready a selfish enough place, why add to it? There is never a limit to what people want to do in front of others, how does this contribute anything meaningful; Europe has it, so let Europe keep it.
Thanks for letting me share.
Jason - Thank you for sharing your view. I really appreciate hearing from you.
Many people in this country feel as you do. I feel that America is at least ready for some approved "topless" beaches for those who enjoy sunbathing without a bra.
I live in Pismo Beach, California. Just North of Pismo Beach about 5 miles is an area that is a nude beach. People and activities there are "normal" in terms of behaviors. The "gawkers" above on the edge of the cliffs are the only indication anything is "different." Perhaps there is a place and a time for those that chooses "topless," or nudity..., or both!
dallas- I think the time is "now"! Thanks for the visit.
I think complete nudity should be legal everywhere and all the time. There will always be reasons (cultural, safety or weather) to not go nude or partially nude. Let the culture decide and remove it from being a legal issue.
msmarko - Our culture is so steeped in guilt when it comes to sex (thanks to organized religious doctrine) the association of nudity and naughty sexual thoughts isn't likely to be dashed any time soon. If nudity were allowed everywhere as you suggest, there would be so much violence and upheaval as a result it wouldn't be worth it. Look at the negative outbursts and arrests that take place even on nude beaches! It's a sad reality, but then again, if more people would come to their senses, we just may live to see a saner, gentler world. Thanks for commenting!
msorensson Level 3 Commenter 21 months ago
In Europe it is very common on the beaches. There is a nude beach in Honolulu.
I have never been to the nude beach but when we were in Europe a great majority went topless at the beaches
I do not really have any preference, Green Lotus. I think since this is America, everyone should be allowed their individuality.
I do not think bathing suits will be less expensive. I loved and wore the Farrah Fawcett one piece bathing suits when I was younger and I loved how they look.