I got some strange e-mail over the weekend that gives me a new perspective on
the AOL "breast" controversy.  If they think "breast" is a dirty word, they
should read some of the member profiles I stumbled across....

It started with a very strange message from an unknown man who wanted help
for his wife to relactate, because he "always liked it when she was
lactating," and they were not going to have any more children.  Hmmmm.
 Didn't sound like a job for a lactation consultant exactly.  So I didn't
respond;  I didn't want to get into a dialogue with him.  But my curiosity
was piqued since he used the word "lactation" several times and I wondered
how he had gotten my name.  So I did a Member Profile search on AOL of the
word "lactation," which would show any members who have "lactation" anywhere
in their profile (name, title, employment, interests, hobbies).  And *that*
was very interesting too;  over 80 names came back - I recognized lots of
LactNetters and fellow La Leche Leaders on Line!  There were also some screen
names that didn't sound exactly like they belonged to either group -
"thirsty," "milkjug" and "wetfem" among them (I have changed the names a
little bit).

So I looked up those folks and was quite surprised to find that the lactating
breast is a particular item of sexual interest for some people, to the extent
that they list it in their interests and hobbies.  (!!!!!!!)  Well, well,
well.  I don't *think* I just fell off the turnip truck and I have heard all
the warnings about the Internet but I sure didn't think my member profile
could provide someone with an entree to "talk dirty."

I was somewhat bemused by this experience - although a little teeny part of
me is a bit uneasy; since my member profile also lists my hometown, someone
who *really* wanted to talk dirty could get my phone number too.  I hope that
the folks who are turned on by milkfull breasts, and tell everyone of their
interest, are a peaceful and harmless sort.  I do intend to look at my member
profile with a different eye and will scrutinize those of my
teenagers................

Mary Renard in Vienna Virginia, home of America OnLine! -- who learns
something new every day.

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