this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2024
81 points (90.1% liked)
Boston, MA
1089 readers
42 users here now
Welcome to c/boston,
A community for all things related to Boston, Massachusetts. Whether you're a local, a visitor, or just interested in the city, this is the place to discuss, share, and connect with fellow Bostonians.
Greater Boston area discussion is welcome here.
Rules:
Be respectful: Treat others with respect and courtesy. Personal attacks, trolling, and harassment will not be tolerated.
Stay on topic: Keep discussions relevant to Boston and its surrounding areas.
Official City of Boston Website
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
The double standard of topless & male-presenting being ok but topless & female-presenting not being okay is confusing and pointless. The rule won't force anyone to go topless if they'd prefer not to. It just levels the playing field for everyone.
I've seen men with much bigger boobs than women proudly display them at every beach, lake and festival I've ever been to. Why is that ok but not ok for women? Nobody can give me a good answer that's not tied into some patriarchal, thought-terminating religious BS. Everyone should have the option to go topless, irrespective of chosen gender.
I'm all for a level playing field... but it's a complex issue. Beyond the basic: "it's hot out - free the tiddy!" There are some complexities that will arise from the resulting freedom.
Many women who want this still may get uncomfortable if people stare / check them out etc... While it is rude to give anyone a thorough look over - I imagine many women may become deeply offended or uncomfortable if this were to happen. Eyes up here may be expected but it cannot be demanded. Equality is just that.
What about incidental contact? Public transportation, festivals, busy spaces... I have, many times, had someone come in contact with my body in cases like these. If I have exposed skin it is possible it will get touched. Nobody enjoys getting touched or having their space invaded by others but there is a stark difference between this contact and sexual assault. Imagine how some of these occurances will play out from both perspectives.
Like it or not women's breasts have been sexualized and undoing that is a Herculean task. Regardless of where you stand on the topic there is collateral damage that can occur as a result of something that seems, on the surface, to be a simple change in law. I'm all for the change but everything gets messy in a hurry by just flipping that switch.
Pluck out their eyes