What do you think of Bill Maher's stance on breastfeeding?

Question

See article:

http://guerillawomentn.blogspot.com/2007/09/bill-maher-is-misogynistic-anti.html

Do you agree with the article? Agree with Bill Maher? Does Bill Maher deserve all the criticism he has recieved regarding his attitudes toward women in general? Give me examples if you think so.

Answer 1

i think it's moronic.
babies shouldn't be fed in public in the manner nature intended? puh-lease!
he'd rather the baby scream from hunger, then? or maybe breastfeeding mothers should not be allowed to leave the house??? pure stupidity!!!

feeding a baby =/= masturbation (nor does is it equal to eliminating human waste) all are natural, but one is a BABY EATING! (another is purely sexual, and the last is a health hazard)

seriously, why do people have issues with feeding babies the way nature intended?? are america's views on women's bodies really *that* messed up?!?

(take it to the bathroom?!? only when you take your burger & fries in there to chow down!!)

Answer 2

For the most part, I like Bill Maher. He's got some really "out there" opinions, for like I said, for the most part, he's right on track.

I do NOT, however, agree with his views on breastfeeding, and was actually very upset at the episode that was referenced in the blog.

Yes, breastfeeding is a natural act, but not natural in the same sense that urinating, defecating is. One is the absolute best way in the world to nourish a baby, that by the way has NOTHING to do with sex, and the others are expelling waste. Breastmilk is not a waste product, nor is it obscene.

I personally get very irritated by the juvenile attitude that people have regarding breastfeeding, both in public and in private. It's not something that needs to be hidden away. I've heard people say that they don't want their small children seeing it, or *gasp* what if a teenage boy sees it? Well, small children understand that babies need to eat, and a very simple explanation will do. As far as teenage boys are concerned, the ones I know personally typically don't care much about the care and feeding of infants, I mean, let's face it, breastfeeding isn't particularly sexy, now is it?

Does Bill Maher deserve all the criticism? On this one issue, I believe he did ruffle more than the usual feathers, BUT, he is entitled to his opinions. If you don't like them, you certainly don't have to watch his show and be subjected to his opinions, you are free to change the channel at any moment.

Answer 3

Bill Maher is overtly "politically incorrect:" he just doesn't care what people think. And that's good. I think he should be left at that--he gets paid to express his outrage and to outrage others. I often disagree with him.

Years ago, there was a Politically Incorrect with Erica Jong, Rita Rudner, some other feminist, and Dylon McDermott. The minute the term "feminist" came up, the show started, back and forth arguing, right from beginning to end--based primarily on the definition of the word. Dylan didn't speak much and neither did Bill. I believe the words "cat fight" were mentioned. His attitude toward women is simple. They're sex objects. Putting breast feeding and masturbation together is really quite disgusting, but from him, I can't say I'm surprised.

Answer 4

I think that instead of whining about mothers feeding their babies, he should THANK some of those mothers for raising the next generation of taxpayers. It does not make you a superior human being if you choose not to have children or marry, and that's exactly how he acts.

I think it points to a very babyish attitude on his part - those things on her chest are ONLY toys for men, darn it! LOL Most women are very discreet about it. They really aren't doing it just to piss off Bill Maher. He needs to get a grip.

The ONLY argument that I would respect is from religious folks who value modesty - but Bill Maher loves seeing girls in teeny bikinis as much as the next guy, which makes him a hypocrite, IMO.

Answer 5

i have to disagree with his anti breastfeeding ideals. if the woman wast to feed her baby the natural stuff that has been used for ages before formula was invented by all means dont get in the way. if people are so concearned with their kids turning their heads to see someone breastfeeding and asking them the "hey mommie whats that" or dadie in other cases than we all can avoid their little failer to educate their kids that such things exist by several ways i dont care how it is settled as long as it comes to a conclusion its best that both parties are negotiatable so that they both do something to compensate for the others.

for the breastfeeders
their are special bras and tops that are configured that no skin needs to be exposed when breastfeeding... do some reasearch about it...your on yahoo answers if your reading this you have lots of time.

For the parents/gaurdians who fail to educate for whatever reason
Take initiative before your kid asks! you need to educate them that it does exist so you can avoid that awkward situation.


remember breasts were used as feeding babies long before they were even considered as playthings and Formula which is more expensive than the free breast milk from the mother. what about its correlation to masterbation? i disagree for the main reason that its purpose is to feed the kid and not to stimulate the woman.

Answer 6

I usually like Bill Maher. I don't agree that nursing mothers should not be allowed to nurse in public. I do agree that they should cover up.

Answer 7

The whole breastfeeding thing is not a big deal, just show a little class and everything is good.

It's as natural as me scratching my nuts. Sometimes it just has to be done. Just do it off to the side with less observers.

Answer 8

It shouldn't be done in public. Go to the bathroom or something, or out to your car. <--- Let me rephrase this. I guess it did sound kind of harsh. Just cover up.

Another note: I was never breastfed because of my mother's medical reasons, and I turned out just as healthy as any baby that was breastfed!

To the person below me: I said go to your car in case the bathroom was too filthy. If it's too hot, turn on the AC if it's working and let it cool down before you get in.

By the way, where are all these women that breastfeed in public anyway? I've worked a few retail jobs and have seen many women with babies but I never see any women doing it.

Answer 9

Remember that this is a man who has never been married and has no children. He also hangs out at the Playboy Mansion. He sounds like one of those men who has serious issues with breasts and women in general. It makes me wonder how his mother treated him when he was younger.

Edit: Don't tell women to go to the restroom or out to their cars to breastfeed. Most public restrooms are absolutely disgusting and there's no place to sit except on a stinky toilet. Cars can get unbearably hot, especially when they're parked outside on a sunny day.

Answer 10

I can't believe that there are men in this world who don't want to see breasts.

For God's sake--go to a beach in Europe and you'll see about 30,000 of them.