For anyone who didn't realize how divisive a topic breastfeeding was, last week's Time magazine cover controversy made that fact crystal clear! Now, a mini firestorm has broken out on Twitter, similarly set off by the image of a woman breastfeeding her baby girl ... in the form of a Twitter avatar.
The woman, Arwyn -- who uses the Twitter handle @RaisingBoychick and runs a blog by the same name -- says she practices various aspects of attachment parenting like co-sleeping and extended breastfeeding, which is totally her prerogative. But for some Twitter users, Arwyn's avatar photo takes her parenting philosophy one step too far.
One user in particular, @juliewashere88, started an all-out tweet brawl when she went after Arwyn last week, tweeting, "Just because you've got an infant sucking it does not mean anyone wants to see your tits. Keep those pics to yourself. #childfree" Hoooo-boy!
Julie went on to rant:
I don't care who is sucking it, I did NOT ask to see photos of your saggy, leaky, veiny tits. KEEP THOSE TO YOURSELF! #childfree ... Just so you know, @RaisingBoychick your avatar violates twitter image policy. You've been reported.
Wow, way to make women who don't have children (or don't have children yet) look like a total nightmare, Julie! Then again, what did Arwyn expect when she made that her avatar? She had to know that posting a photo like that was guaranteed to attract this kind of negative attention. That's just how Twitter (and even Facebook to some extent, although you do have more control over strangers' nasty remarks) works.
Not saying she completely deserved it, but if you're going to do something even slightly exhibitionistic and obviously controversial online, you do have to be prepared to take the heat. And so far, it seems like Arwyn was up to the task and not at all deterred or unnerved by the haters coming out of the woodwork.
What is still up in the air is whether or not her avatar really violates Twitter's terms of service ... We know that if it was on Facebook, it would be taken down as if it were XXX porn. Ugh. But Twitter's policy on breastfeeding pics is a little less clear. The site prohibits "obscene or pornographic images in either your profile picture or user background."
Plenty of us would beg to differ with Julie that the photo Arwyn is using certainly does not fit that description. And for now, despite Julie's "warning," Arwyn's pic remains unchanged. Exhibitionist move or not, good for her!
How do you feel about this photo -- too obscene for Twitter or totally harmless? Do you think it was a calculated move on Arwyn's part to get tongues wagging?
Image via Twitter
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Comments 81
This picture looks incredibly dangerous. How can that child breathe? She looks like she's suffocating. I think it's a staged photo. This child wouldn't be able to breathe. Where's the air going in through the nose?
^I thought I was the only one thinking that. I agree completely, looks 100% staged.
I'm sure she didn't keep her this position o_O
Anyhoo, there are other things in this world to put that angry energy towards.
I can't even tell that is a boob! I have never seen breastfeeding look like that. I do love the cute little baby head, it makes me miss those the newborn stage.
My first reaction was also how can that poor child breathe. My second reaction was that it was an awkward breastfeeding photo. My third reaction was I'm spending way too much time on this topic.
i have huge tits and my daughter does that she breaths perfectly, and a mother beastfeeding showing no nipple is not porn get over your self! the women if can call her that probley has no kids and is resentful!
LOL @ Todd
like the 1st comment said, its not necessary to post a photo, where as NIP is on demand on not a choice per se. My husband is not the jealous type by any means, but he nor I would be comfortable w/ a photo of my boob online. Boundaries, people. Just because its natural, and because you can, does not mean it needs to be broadcast.
and to shelly she is showing her self bonding with her child! if that is not necessary any more i fear this new world