this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2024
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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.
then wear a fucking bra/shirt. that's part of what they're for. I own several! but also, I don't always want to wear them, or care. do you understand what a "choice" is?
yeah, topless dudes on the train can be annoying. im sure topless women on the train would be almost as annoying. and don't care! also, have you heard of a "choice"?
shit, okay, you got me. too bad I need to either decide everyone must go topless, or nobody can, and we can't each choose from day to day. oh well.
What is the point of being dismissive of parent's concerns and straight up misrepresenting what they said in the last "quote"?
I'm in favor of making the law gender neutral, and quickly without having answers to all these questions.
Doesn't mean there won't be unintended consequences that aren't worth discussing to get ahead of them.
My gut reaction is if its legal in public does that make it legal in the media? Will publishers and advertisers use this to further objectify women? Even though I'm asking these questions, I'm 100% in favor of gender neutral laws for media and advertisements.
My off the cuff and likely unrealistic solution that has nothing to do with gender is to just ban most forms of advertising out right. This includes never requiring users to make the "choice" to agree to any ads in the terms of services in order to access goods and services (e.g., gas pumps, accessing a bank account, etc.).
I'm actually down with banning ads. not for this, but, like, if that's what gets you on board, I'm so fucking in, let's do this.