Valerie asks an illuminating question:

<< Is feminism about imitating the male model of society or about finding our
own uniqueness? >>

When feminism re-emerged in the 1960s, the stated intent was to support women
in their family role as much as in employment.  Unfortunately the struggle
for workplace equity became so all consuming that the movement was distorted
until now there are feminists who seem to value women only when they are
doing what men can do.  A paradox!

Men, as Freud did, tend to look at sexuality as intercourse.  Niles Newton,
on the other hand, pointed out that for women sexuality is much more: ovarian
cycle, intercourse, pregnancy, childbirth and lactation.  (To which I would
add menopause, ala the work of anthropologist Kristen Hawkes.)

Note that two of the female sexual roles involve an interpersonal
relationship: intercourse and lactation.  The intercourse relationship is
deemed important, the lactational relationship has been treated as
disposable.  Why?  As a biology based feminist, I maintain that they are
equally important.

There are plastic prothesis that can be substituted for each.  Artificial
vaginas, penises for orgasms, devises for artificial insemination and
artificial infant feeding.  The plastic artifacts used for mock intercourse
are considered private at best and frequently as obscene.  The plastic
artifacts used for mock lactation are celebrated and in the US commonly used
as a design element on gift wrap and greeting cards.

There is a considerable body of writing on the influence intercourse on the
shaping of human behavior and relationships.  Where is the comparable body of
literature on lactation as a shaper of identity, behavior, relationships and
satisfaction in life?

Alice Martino
biology based feminist in central New York State

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