The Male Gaze | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Male Gaze

Do Our Boobs Really Need To Be Caged???

143
The Male Gaze

The Male Gaze

I was working on an article about the issue society has with breasts and breast feeding when I came across a letter written to E Jean from Elle magazine called The Male Gaze. It fits in well with what I was writing so I thought I’d add it here.

“Dear E. Jean: Shouldn't we celebrate the women's movement by burning our bras? I have small breasts and find most bras incredibly uncomfortable. I take mine off as soon as I walk in the door. So I'm happy that I have the option of going without a bra, but I find I get a lot more stares than when my breasts are bound. Does not wearing a bra send a message to men that I'm oblivious to? Is it not socially acceptable? What is your stance on going braless? —Pigeon Breast

Pip! Pip! Pigeon: Please. Men will ogle an old brassiere hanging on a clothesline. Chaps will practically propose to a cracker if it has two olives on it. You and your bosom are "the female form," as Walt Whitman said, which "attracts with fierce undeniable attraction." I wouldn't advise bouncing around the office without a bit of shackling, but otherwise, there's no such thing these days as "socially acceptable." There's only in fashion and out of fashion. At the moment, a liberated bust presents a classic image of glamour, simplicity, and comfort. Bah! Unsnap! Release thy bazooms! —Jigglingly Yours, E. Jean”

E Jean is correct in saying that there nothing today that is socially acceptable. Even something that is completely natural like breastfeeding needs to be kept hidden many restaurants make mothers with young children go into the bathroom or cover their babies when they are breastfeeding.

EJjean also says that maybe it’s not a good idea to go to work without a bra on. My question is why? The same thing goes for school.

I read a story on Facebook about a girl in high school being pulled out of class for not wearing a bra by a male teacher. This made her very uncomfortable especially because she was wearing a thick long sleeve shirt which hung off the slightest bit of one shoulder and the only reason he noticed was that he didn’t see a bra strap. She knew before going to school that no one could see through the shirt, so when he pointed it out she felt like he was already looking in a place where he shouldn’t be looking.

On the other hand, there was a story going around on Facebook that a male student had kept unclipping a female student’s bra IN THE MIDDLE OF CLASS. And still the girl got in trouble for it (after she broke his nose). The school ignored the sexual assault but went after the girl for striking her attacker.

We as girls and women just can’t win! Even from an early age we were taught that bras were a thing we had no choice but to wear. Companies used to and still are making tank tops with bras built into them. But you STILL must wear a bra underneath that as well.

The letter to E Jean starts by asking shouldn’t we celebrate the woman’s movement by burning our bras? But isn’t this a little drastic? Sure, in a symbolic way its fine but let’s get real here. Bras are expensive. But why the price difference? Men’s underwear can be sold for as little as 8 dollars for a pack of 5 but one bra can be as much at 70 dollars. The lowest I’ve paid for a bra is $25. If we are being forced to wear bras shouldn’t they be less expensive and to be honest, more comfortable? After all, men have a choice whether or not to wear underwear, but women are looked down at for wanting a choice whether or not to wear a bra.

E Jean goes on to site Walt Whitman, saying “you are your bosom are the female form which attracts with fierce undeniable attraction.” Guess what guys, men aren’t the only things in the world that look at other people in a sexual way. Women do it all the time. We look at their behinds, their packages, but mainly their muscles. So why do we need to wear a bra when our boobs are already covered by a shirt? Should we demand that men to wear long sleeves all the time because their arms turn us on and distract us from learning or working? How would the men feel if this was an issue for them?

E Jean ends her advice by saying “at the moment a liberated bust presents a classic image of glamour, simplicity, and comfort.”

It has been proven that some bras cause back issues because they hold up the extra weight (boobs) by distributing the weight to your shoulders. A while back companies were making their male employees wear fake breasts and their female employees wear fake balls as an experiment to “walk in the other sexes shoes.”

I think was a nice start but when will the entire world stop judging us for not wanting to wear a contraption filled with rounded wires and metal clips on our chest all day. I’d like to see a man try that…

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23195
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9703
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7024
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments