I watch Bill Maher occasionally, but I didn’t see the breastfeeding comments until I YouTubed it after reading about the outrage women were feeling about what he said.
And I found that I really didn’t care a whole lot.
I even laughed a few times.
And over the last nearly four years, that was me you might have seen nursing in restaurants and everywhere else I felt like it. I don’t think anyone actually saw any skin, because except for one unfortunate incident when I ended up wrestling with a Baby Bjorn at an outdoor cafe, no one would have realized what I was doing. (One might be able to catch a glimpse if one stared, in which case one would deserve it.)
But who cares if people can see or not–let it all hang out if you want to, I say, but it does seem that a woman breastfeeding in public rarely shows skin. It perplexes me that people would be uncomfortable by something you can’t actually see. Now if it’s the idea of breastfeeding that freaks people out; well, that’s beyond what I can really comprehend.
Back to Bill–don’t get me wrong, I get why people are infuriated about his comments–he came across as arrogant and ignorant when he was talking about nursing, especially when he got more serious at the end talking about breastfeeding activists. Of course it was offensive to people. How to tie dogs, Hooters, narcissism, and laziness (Ha! That’s a part that made me laugh.) with breastfeeding in public is beyond me. But that’s how he does that “New Rules” thing at the end. Yeah, it deals with serious issues and current events, but it’s comedy, too, and comedy with a major shock factor. The jokes he’s made about politics and religion–wow, even I was shocked a few times (even when I agreed, and even when I laughed). So that’s the show, that’s the man, and the breastfeeding comments fit right in. I know what I’m getting when I watch, which I’ll continue to do, so that’s why it didn’t really get much of a reaction from me beyond, Ew. What a jackass. And, yes, a few laughs. (And wishing he was sitting at my kitchen table with me so we could really get into it.)
That’s just me, though. More power to the people who want to write letters and start petitions. Just because something is supposed to be comedy doesn’t mean everyone should laugh it off or ignore it–there’s a lot to a joke sometimes. That’s what so exhilarating about free speech. He can say it, people can respond, and now everyone’s talking about it. It’s what’s so thrilling about freedom in general, and why we should celebrate when breastfeeding laws are passed. Bill Maher can sit next to a nursing mother in a restaurant and freak out, and hopefully, that will be OK, because she will be in a state or location where her rights are protected.
I hope every instance of a mother being told to stop nursing in a public place gets as much attention at Bill Maher’s comments. Those are the situations that really make my blood boil.
Thanks for the link. I had no idea breastfeeding was worthy of Bill’s attention. I agree with you that some of it was funny. (“Next thing women will be wanting to give birth in the waterfall at the mall.”) I found it interesting that the camera went to Drew Carey for reaction and not the female guest (not sure who that was). Thanks for the link and the honest commentary. I’ve had a few laughs with friends about the men who get freaked out by breastfeeding. Now that’s funny.
Your SPC entry is poignantly beautiful. I’ve been there too. But this post caught my eye…
I nursed my baby in San Francisco in the late ’90′s . A place so child unfriendly that a wonderful woman started an .org called Child Friendly Initiative… that said…though we got the “garumphs” every time I brought my baby into a restaurant, I rarely got a raised eye brow when I would nurse her…granted, firmly tucked into her sling.
Now here is the wierd part! The only place I was ever screamed at and nearly attacked for breast feeding in public (on a park bench–inside a sling) was in AMSTERDAM! :-0 Blow me over with a feather.
I, too, would like to know where the idea that a woman undresses to nurse. My own husband doesn’t know I am nursing when we are in public, let alone anyone else, and I don’t “cover up.”
amen sister.
If I stopped watching every arrogant, annoying, mysoginist, homophobe on TV, I’d be left with zero entertainment!
Let’s put it in perspective. I understand that it enrages people. I whipped my boobs out everywhere and would hate it if someone told me to stick em back in my bra….(I was not a graceful nurser either! very clumsy)
But I’m with you on the free speech. and the humor. that’s his job and I like his show and his panel. even if I don’t always agree with him.