An illustration of a candidate in a UFO graced the Perspectives page on Wednesday, Jan. 11. One incumbent signed the National Defense Authorization Act on December 31, 2011. One candidate stood on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, Jan. 18 to protest it. (This was also the day of news-engulfing SOPA protests.) Those who scream tin foil about a candidate should at least read the text of the NDAA.
-Robert Thompson
astronomy junior
In response to the Jan. 23 column titled, “Breastfeeding not good topic for ‘Sesame Street’ program”
I completely disagree with Ms. Hurly. Childhood learning is more than just letters and numbers, and thankfully ‘Sesame Street’ recognizes that. Since its inception in 1969, the show has focused on depicting children of a wide variety of cultural, ethnic and social backgrounds in lots of different settings. Of course, the basic concepts such as the “ABCs” and “123s” are important, but so is cultural sensitivity. Kids learn this by being exposed to many different experiences and people. It is important for kids to see not only themselves mirrored on television and in books, but also children who are NOT like them.
Regarding breastfeeding, it has obviously been stigmatized in our society. The author cites an example of a Target breastfeeding “sit-in” in response to a women having been asked to go into fitting room. Why should she have to go into hiding like she’s performing some lewd act? Because of the stigma, the Target employees were uncomfortable with the woman’s breastfeeding. How do we “de-stigmatize” something? By teaching people, especially children, another way of thinking.
When my children were babies I often breastfed them in front of my formerly bottle-fed preschool-aged nieces and nephews. They would stare at me and ask all sorts of questions, which I was happy to answer. What small children see in front of them today becomes “normal” to them … and what will be “normal” for them as adults. Even if they themselves didn’t get breastfed, they now see it as a part of the human experience that is perfectly acceptable and okay. Perhaps if the Target employees who kicked the breastfeeding mother out had seen more images of breastfeeding as children, they wouldn’t have had such a negative response.
All forms of intolerance – from racism to homophobia to being anti-breastfeeding – are learned behaviors. I encourage ‘Sesame Street’ to continue its great work in promoting a more diverse and healthy society. The only way to make breastfeeding a more “normal” activity is through positive discussion and imagery amongst all members of our society – even the smallest.
-Shannon Twilling, anthropologist
Arizona State Museum
ONLINE
In response to the Jan. 23 column titled, “Breastfeeding not good topic for ‘Sesame Street’ program”
I am offended that showing the functionality of breasts is considered not education. It’s sad that babies can look at magazine in the grocery store line that show off boobs on almost everyone to be sex objects but teaching their proper functional and nurturing purpose and letting them know that it is ok to not use formula, is educational and can save money as well as boost immunities to your baby, increase bonding and save millions in doctor/hospital visits.
-Leyla Forrest
El Mirage, Ariz.
