Journal 6 | Bosom Buddies—On America's Breast Obsession

It is hard to argue that we do not live in a breast-obsessed society. Americans seemingly can't get enough of them. Yet, the American relationship with breasts is complicated. On beaches, for instance, American women are encouraged to display as much cleavage as possible, but if a nursing mother takes a breast out in public to feed an infant many of us suddenly become prudish. Why? And when did Americans reach the point that we so celebrate, even reward, augmentation? What messages are we sending women about embracing their natural selves? And how does all this attention to breasts affect young girls? As for men, how does growing up in a breast-obsessed culture affect their views of women? And does such an obsession lead to the dehumanization of women's bodies?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "The Breast of Advertising" (Adweek)
• "25 Real Photos of Women's Breasts" (Refinery) [NSFW]
• "Why Are Americans Obsessed with Breasts Yet Public Breastfeeding is Controversial?" (ThoughtCatalogue)
• "New Theory on Why Men Love Breasts" (Live Science)
• "Women have Boobs—Get over It" (AlterNet)
• "America’s Sexualization of Breasts is so Pervasive Even Other Women Think Public Breastfeeding is Gross" (Quartz)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Works cited page
• 1 page in length

Due: Wed 3.14/Thu 3.15