Hi All,
        Perceptions take TIME to change.  If a group has a "new idea" and
enough folks talk about how "radical" it is (even when it actually may be
not be radical, just intelligent and back to the basics) then people will be
less likely to "give it a chance" and see for themselves whether it is
radical or not.  There also must be some reason why this group was being
described as being radical.
        So let's first take a look at WHY LLL was first seen as radical.
Who were the forces that were saying that this group was "militant" and
"extreme" and why were they listened to?  What was LLL doing that helped to
further the perception that the group was radical?  Was it some of the
leaders and their style of leadership?  Goodness, I went to a LLL meetings
and the leader was absolutely rigid in her beliefs, and tho they followed
the letter of LLL, she certainly did not follow the spirit.   I had the same
impression of LLL as others - rigid in their beliefs, can't work and be a
good mother, etc - thankfully, I met a gal and after knowing her for a while
she told me she was a LLLL and because of her, I am in the process of
becoming a leader myself!
        When a new group is formed, or a new "conscienceness" and beliefs
are strong, it is easy to become overenthusiastic and in the process of
trying to spread the word about how great this "new" thing is, people can
get turned off and can begin to think that the group or idea is "militant,
radical", etc. even when it really isn't.  How many times have we, in our
excitement about a new idea or process we have learned, beat everyone around
us to death with it?  I know I have done it a time or two,  ;)  and I am
sure others have as well.  It certainly doesn't make people to accepting
about our idea, does it?
        While I agree that LLL has had a bad rap in the past and it is time
to put that behind us and start focusing on what LLL is now and how much
good it has done, we must remember that it takes time to change perceptions.
Look at how hard it has been to convince folks of the dangers of smoking.
Finally we are seeing a turn-around and a drop in the number of smokers.  We
will see a turn-around and an increase in the number of babies breastfed in
the future.  In time.

Jay
Enthusiastic BF lady who has driven her family and friends NUTS with her BF
fanatacism (well, that's what they called it!)
Jay Simpson, CLE
Sacramento, California, West Coast, USA
"No Miracles performed here, just a lot of love and hard work."