Barbara Wilson-Clay writes that many LCs work in the west (US, Canada,
Australia, Germany, etc.) and therefore must deal with cultures where the
breasts are viewed as sex objects.  This is true, of course.

However, the point that I thought was being made by this discussion, which
started with Fiona's magazine article, is whether the perspective of breasts
as sex objects -- which interferes with breastfeeding and causes untold
problems and leads to the use of formula with all its attendant morbidity
and mortality -- is normal/natural/part of human nature (and therefore
unchangeable), or is cultural/learned (and therefore quite changeable).

If it is part of 'human nature,' our genetic heritage, to view breasts as
sex objects, then we may very well conclude that we can't teach people to
view breasts otherwise, that it's perfectly OK for people to view
breastfeeding as a sexual activity (and therefore it should be kept private)
and that it is logical to conclude that women who breastfeed beyond infancy
are 'having sex' with their children.

If viewing breasts as sex objects is cultural, learned behavior, then we can
decide, consciously, not to perpetuate this view.  We can actively teach our
sons and daughters that breasts are for feeding children.

I will not repeat here the conlusions of my "Beauty and the Breast" which
discusses this issue in some detail -- I recommend that anyone interested go
read it.

Culture is changeable.  I think that in order to improve the health of
children and their mothers through breastfeeding, we must change our
culture's view of breasts.  And the first step of doing so is to recognize
that this is indeed cultural, and therefore changeable.

Kathy Dettwyler
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