I could use some good electronic vibes tomorrow (Monday 8/2/99)- I am
bringing my small collection of nursing mother art (sculptures, postcards old
and new, etc) to our local public library to be used in a display for World
Breastfeeding Week.  I brought the collection in already to be "reviewed" by
the reference librarian and she has spoken to her manager who clearly agrees
that *some* of the art will be acceptable while other pieces will not.  She
told me that "this is a conservative area and we have to be sure not to
offend anyone".  It was all I could do to hold myself together when she kept
referring to breastfeeding as "doing *that*".  I just can't imagine what
percentage of breast exposure is going to be acceptable, I just dislike the
arbitrariness (is that a word?) of it!  I have a hard time believing that
artistic representations of a breastfeeding woman and child would be
offensive, call me naive.  I did say that surely patrons of the library will
understand that this art is not displayed for sexual titillation, but rather
to recognize what breasts are meant for!   If someone has a problem with the
sight of a woman using her breasts for their *primary* function (some would
argue *only* function!) , then it is that person's problem, and he should
talk to his therapist not the librarian.   OK, I won't say that to her, but
I'll be thinking it.

I'll let you know how it goes.  I wonder if I should make a big deal out of
it if they start throwing aside beautiful (Madonna and child even!) artwork
because a nipple is half-way visible.  Do they keep "Cosmo" on the shelves?

World Breastfeeding Week:  Education for Life!!  [except in Palm Beach, FL]

Lisa Jones, in the capacity of member/Treasurer of the Palm Beach County
(Florida) Breastfeeding Task Force, Wellington FL, USA

PS My husband is managing director of one of those gigantic multi-plex
theaters (24) that everyone hates having built in their area but loves to go
watch movies there :-) Saw the new Richard Gere/Julia Roberts movie there
today, very sappy romantic but sweet.

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