NASCAR, Kasey Kahne, Women and Breastfeeding

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by SB Sarah | December 28, 2011 | Wednesday at 9:13 am | 139 Comments

As was reported in the NY Times back in 2007, the NASCAR Harlequins have some specific rules by which they must abide: no sex, no crashes, no drugs, no alcohol use in the content of the story.

Back in 2007, Mark Dyer, VP of licensing for NASCAR, said in the article,

“Look at our stats. Forty percent of our fans are women, and among younger fans it’s trending toward 50-50.” He added that according to Nascar surveys 72 percent of female fans enjoy reading and are more likely than nonfans to purchase books.

This is particularly interesting (and somewhat laughable) in light of Kasey Kahne's Tweetstream yesterday, in which he called a woman breast feeding "nasty":

And in case you missed that last part, he then told @knittingrad, who told him he was being a douchebag, "Your a dumb bitch."

All of these screen caps are courtesy of @scatx, who later called out Farmers Insurance, one of Kahne's sponsors, asking if they condoned his behavior.

Ok, first, I cannot let this opportunity pass:

Your: something that belongs to you.
You're: You are.

Let's try that in context!

You're being horribly sexist, Kasey Kahne, and your misogyny is really unattractive considering the number of female NASCAR fans.

If NASCAR is a family sport, one must assume some of those family members were breastfed.

And while I'm hanging out here, let me just take a paragraph and screech: Why is breastfeeding in public still a problem for so many people? What the hell? Do people stare at other diners in a restaurant, unable to look away as they eat? It's a breast. Get over it. You need to see some? Go look at a romance novel cover from the 80s. And some of the ones online.

And as someone who was unable to breastfeed, I hate the shaming and pressure I received to breastfeed (even though I couldn't), and I hate the pressure that those who choose to do so receive from people who can't mind their own damn business. The issue of breastfeeding is such a contentious battlefield. You'd think Mr. Kahne would have the smarts to not voice his rather dimwitted opinion on Twitter - which then fed directly to his Facebook page, where more people supported his comments than argued with him.

But back to Mr. Kahne.

Kahne's response was to delete the tweets and go back to talking about Christmas (I wonder if Santa was breastfed?) but screen caps and angry fans lit a stream of crank ass on KnittingRad and Scatx.

KnittingRad is taking it all in stride:

Kahne tweeted later that he was "Glad everyone had a good Christmas! Thanks for all the feedback. I gained some new perspectives today."

Wow, that's miles short of an apology, isn't it? I was waiting for the completely flaccid, "I'm sorry if anyone was offended" apology from Kahne. I'm almost disappointed.

Makes me wonder about NASCAR and romance, though. Harlequin NASCARs have the no crashing, no drugs and alcohol, no sex rules. Does that also apply to breastfeeding? Good lord, maybe there's no breasts in NASCAR romance.

No, that can't be right. I've watched NASCAR. There's definitely breasts, both in the stands belonging to women fans, many of whom are mothers, and in the restricted areas, belonging to women hired to promote various products.

It's rather stunning to see misogyny and sexist comments about breastfeeding from a NASCAR driver, especially considering the percentage of female fans of the sport, and NASCAR's effort to reach them with branded products like Harlequin novels. Perhaps the solution is more breastfeeding in NASCAR novels, lots and lots of breastfeeding.

Then we make Kasey Kahne read them all.

ETA: 9:38pmET. Via simba's comment below, Kasey Kahne has apologized for his Tweets via his Facebook page, saying "I understand that my comments regarding breastfeeding posted on Twitter were offensive to some people. For that, I apologize. It was in no way my intention to offend any mother who chooses to breastfeed her child, or, for that matter, anyone who supports breast feeding children.

In all honestly, I was surprised by what I saw in a grocery store.... I respect the mother's right to feed her child whenever and wherever she pleases."

Filed: General Bitching, Ranty McRant

Tagged: wtfery, nascar, make the burning stop, kasey kahne, harlequin, douchebaggery, asshattery

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According to her "boobies are for fun and involving a child in them is sick". Nice isn't it!!
Posted by NatashaB on 2012-01-11 18:32:37 That is SO well put! Ugh, that particular urinating/breastfeeding analogy just totally disgusted me.
Posted by Newf Mom on 2012-01-09 11:24:23 "I honestly don't understand why, unless it's ridiculously hot out, draping a blanket over yourself is considered to somehow be "wrong" or "bowing to the pressure of prudes," or whatever the argument is."

I don't think it's wrong at all! Anyone who's offended by public breastfeeding is more than welcome to drape a light blanket over their face, as far as I'm concerned. Perhaps such people might consider carrying one with them at all times, just to be prepared.
Posted by lauredhel on 2012-01-06 04:26:47 It's OK....we already know from South Park that NASCAR drivers have to be poor, inbred, and incredibly stupid to participate. So these kinds of statements are normal for them.
Posted by Giancarlo Fruzzetti on 2012-01-02 21:01:26 I nver realised how lucky I was! Breastfed all five of mine for a year (that's each, not collectively...) and never, NEVER had a single derrogatory comment passed in my direction. I learned to pop the baby under my jumper, none of them complained (although it does explain why they all like to eat their dinner under a blanket..) and, by the time number 5 came along, I was pretty adept at feeding whilst doing almost anything. This is in Britain, mostly very rural, I have to admit, but I feel really fortunate not to have come across the prejudice and unpleasantness that seem to be rife. Or maybe I just had a really SCARY expression...
Posted by Jane Lovering on 2012-01-01 11:21:17 "The issue of breastfeeding is such a contentious battlefield. You'd think Mr. Kahne would have the smarts to not voice his rather dimwitted opinion on Twitter"

As women of child-bearing age, most of us do know that the topic of breastfeeding is contentious. I doubt that Mr. Kahne did, and I suspect that most other men don't either. I'm sure that he has the sensation of starting to drive through a puddle after a hurricane and discovering that ducks are swimming across it as his car slowly goes submarine. His comment was ignorant, but he ain't ignorant anymore.

Personally, I feel that the "dumb bitch" comment was vulgar but earned. Some people might rise above being called a douchebag and an asshole on a social media site, but Mr. Kahne was clearly not up to that challenge. In all fairness, while breast milk and urine may not be equivalent, I think personal insults are. It. Is. Not. More o.k. for a woman to name call than a man.

I have to say that the discussion that followed from this incident has been really fascinating. The most interesting observation to me was SB Sarah's correlation of attitudes towards breastfeeding with the length of available maternity leave. My own experience definitely supports this connection. Back in the 70s, I breastfed my oldest daughter primarily because I felt it was the right thing to do. The prevailing zeitgeist strongly promoted the practice, though I knew I'd be back at work in 6 weeks. Unfortunately, neither the constant anxiety nor the breast pump was my friend, and the well went dry shortly after I returned to work. Except for the guilt factor, I wasn't particularly bothered by it. Thing is, there shouldn't have been a guilt factor.

I recall a professor of mine observing that other countries did not place the same value on job uber alles that we do in the U.S. In most conflicts between employment and family needs, our culture expects family to step down. In a truly family friendly culture, one would expect breastfeeding to be far more common and, one would hope, far less comment-worthy. Perhaps in such a social climate, this most personal of choices would no longer be burdened by political implications.
Posted by PamG on 2011-12-31 20:29:52 "Let's all take a deep breath."

Is there a more condescending, presumptuous way to begin a post, particularly as an introduction?

Do you really think there is any chance at all that his livelihood is at risk over this? Or that people are looking to "string him up?"Talk about needing to take a deep breath. He chose to tweet, and people reacted. It's unrealistic for people as a whole to stay silent over something they find to be offensive.

I'm not sure that now is a good time to point out that a sports figure who is under fire is involved with starting a children's charity, but I get that this was an unintentional bit of irony.

If someone called me a bitch and then suggested we talk about it privately, I'd be overwhelmed at how I'd thought he was being just about as inappropriate as he could get, and yet he managed to top it.

The reason you feel he means it is because he's not an ogre? This seems pretty circular, like a NASCAR race.

Also, there is a context here. This is a site about romance novels, and there is a series of books set in the NASCAR world. NASCAR clearly realizes there are female fans who might want to buy these books, but this person very publicly disrespected women. You aren't here to discuss the context, because you are probably doing some sort of whirlwind mansplaining tour, and don't care about what the actual discussion is about, the community you entered, or the books in question.

If I've offended you, I suggest you just take a deep breath.
Posted by Michelle R. on 2011-12-31 16:52:06 Lets all take a breath.

To start, why can't the facts be presented in the story completely? We do know that Kasey Kahne made some remarks regarding a woman breast feeding. They have been well documented. Most websites leave out the woman's verbage in her retort, such as "you're kind of a douchebag" (oops almost used your instead of you're) and "stay classy a**hole", like this website did. Is that reason for Kasey to respond to her the way he did? No. He has apologized to her for that in a tweet to her and invited her to direct message him to discuss it further if she wished. He has also apologized via his facebook regarding the entire matter. I'm sure he means it because I know he is not an oger.

Next, all this talk about him being an uneducated hillbilly. Please. He graduated from high school, in the state of Washington, early to persue his goal of racing for a living. If he hadn't been upset for being tagged a "douchebag" I'm sure he would have paid more attention to his use of your rather than you're. That is not to say that one's use of your/you're is a good barometer of one's overall IQ.

Is this a reason to vilify him in the media, including social media? Do we discount that one of the very first things he did when he signed a contract is start a foundation which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for childrens charities? Do we string him up for an error in judgement that he now regrets? Have none of us ever said or done anything we regret? Not just to anonymous strangers, but to those we love? He was a kid like our kids, except he loved to race, and poured his every spare minute into it to achieve his goal but, he has tried and is trying to use it for good. He screwed up in a public way- that is a fact. The next time your husband or wife screws up, are you going call his or her employer and attempt get him or her fired, or are we just going to consider Kasey losing his livelihood worth it to move our cause forward or feel we've defended our legitemate right to breastfeed? I really HOPE we can find another way to achieve that particular goal.
Posted by justaguy on 2011-12-30 23:06:20 I admit that before I was a mom (daughter is now 6 years old) I was bothered by the idea of a mom nursing in public i.e. a restaraunt. I'd talk to my husband about it not being appropriate - wouldn't be so daring to comment to the woman or the staff about it because I KNEW BETTER! And, now I know even better because I have nursed my baby/toddler everywhere, and never covered, it was too damn hard to nurse with a cover. So, I'm not a breastfeeding nazi just in spite of myself... but rather making up for my previous ignorance. See, not enough of us are exposed to this natural thing called breastfeeding growing up, so we somehow got made to feel uncomfortable around it. I think the 80's really messed us up. Hopefully, more and more women will take a lesson from these social faux paus blunders of these celebrities and learn more about breastfeeding before their take their right of passage into motherhood and feel more confident in nourishing their baby. Thank goodness for Al Gore inventing the internet so we can breastfeeding nazis can ban together and show our mama bear claws and get people on the right track (a little tongue in cheek).

What is really bad about Kasey Kahne's comment is he said this to one of his followers... someone who was undoubtedly a fan. Come on.
Posted by Joann Woolley on 2011-12-30 22:23:46 Kahne is not from the south, he is from Washington State.

He would be very saddened to know that not only am I a NASCAR fan, but I have on more than one occasion breastfed my son without a cover in the infield during a race.

Maybe he doesn't feel like racing anymore?
Posted by Greek Momma™ on 2011-12-30 20:24:58 Wearing the hijab in Irah is not custom. It is the law, and not wearing it can get you in serious trouble, so I'm going to say your first example is truly dreadful. (What's more, just over 30 years ago, Western dress was common in Iran, and the wearing of the hijab was strictly optional.) Now, take a country like Morocco. Some women veil; some don't. Or take the US, which is the country in question. Some women veil--not just to abide by the custom of the hijab, but perhaps because they are Christian nuns, Orthodox Jews, or (to extend the notion of the veil slightly) Old-Order Mennonites or Amish. Most women don't veil. The dominant culture of the United States finds covering one's hair to be a symbol of oppression, repression, or misogyny, but one way that women who *choose* to veil fight that is by wearing their coverings proudly in public, and not allowing others to shame them for the way they embrace their faiths or ideals.

In fact, the only way to change people's attitudes is not to hide one's self. Your argument that a breastfeeding mother should "find a quiet corner" (and that's so easily done in places like shopping malls!) sounds rather a lot like things I've heard from, say, my rather homophobic grandmother: "I don't care what people do in their own homes, but do they have to *flaunt* it?" Insisting that *perfectly legal* challenges to the status quo keep themselves quiet and unassuming in order not to offend anyone means that the status quo will not change. It will simply permit those who don't conform to exist, as long as they are in no way disruptive to those who are uncomfortable with their existence.
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-30 19:03:52 Nascar has books? That seems like such a jackalope-like critter... *scratches head*
Posted by Keith Bowden on 2011-12-30 16:03:49 See, that doesn't quite work as an argument. If you went to Iran, and knew that not wearing the hijab would offend even normal, non-terrorist Muslims, you'd probably wear a hijab while in that country. A country's culture dictates how you act while immersed in that culture. And, like it or not, North America is quite prudish when it comes to body parts (although body parts being DISMEMBERED is okay. God forbid those body parts are nipples, though!).

And yes, I definitely think that people should work towards breastfeeding in public being okay, but I don't think whipping it out in full view of a grocery store full of people is the way to do it. Finding a quiet corner where you'll avoid offending as many people as possible isn't that much of a hardship anywhere I've been with a nursing mother.
Posted by Tania Kennedy on 2011-12-30 15:08:59 True, there is no excuse for insulting or intimidating someone else for making a choice oneself might not agree with. Whether a woman chooses to feed her child by breast or bottle, it's HER choice.
Posted by Allison on 2011-12-30 13:43:15 I'm from Tennessee and I breastfed all 4 of my kids, and out in public (always discreetly) when necessary. Got a few rude comments to be sure but I wasn't shy about telling folks to mind their own business...and if they didn't they deserved what came next. My kids were healthy and happy in every way and that's what mattered. Most of my family (backwoods Natives and mountain folk) prefer to feed our offspring the "natural way" as its a darned sight cheaper than bottles and formula and always handy.

I've always been amazed that a woman can walk around with everything but her nipples and twat exposed and that's not considered offensive but breastfeeding an infant even with a light cover over the baby and bared breast is. People need to get a grip on priorities.

As for Kahne's reaction...as my grandmother once observed sometimes the only difference between men and boys is the length of their pants and the price of their toys. Fortunately some boys actually do manage to grow up and some of us are fortunate enough to find one.
Posted by Allison on 2011-12-30 13:39:31 Actually, all she "instigated" was the feeding of her kid. Kasey Kahne opened his moronic mouth and instigated the rest. Credit where credit is due.
Posted by Nagaina on 2011-12-30 13:09:45 There's been a lot of breastfeeding moms who support Kasey's side of this. Its a matter of having a little consideration since being in public is about being in the eyes of society and unless you are trying to instigate controversy, its simply inappropriate. And what happened when she did it? CORRECT: She instigated something that lead to probably hundreds of articles on the web about a celebrity when it could all have been avoided.
Posted by What on 2011-12-30 10:42:37 In Canada breastfeeding is considered a human right and women are not allowed to be told to stop under most circumstances. It's not unusual to see women breastfeeding on the subway, or at shopping centres, or in parks. I've never seen it in a grocery store, but most grocery stores don't have good seating, and I imagine most women would rather sit down to feed the baby.
Posted by Mr Shiny & New on 2011-12-30 10:29:39 Excellent discussion.

Sarah, I'm really sorry you were subjected to the tyranny of the breastfeeding fundamentalists. Personally, I think that breastfeeding is very good for babies - but if you're unable to, or don't want to do it, there is a very good alternative and no mother should be made to feel ashamed, regardless of her decision.

I'm in the UK. I chose to breastfeed both my babies (now 19 and 15) - and did so in public when I couldn't find anywhere else to take them (which was often the case). I rarely felt comfortable about it because other people's reactions were rarely favourable - why on earth do people feel embarassed or disgusted by the sight of a baby feeding? It makes no sense to me. How, or why, is a baby feeding from a breast, disgusting? Why are some of us so sqeamish/prudish/judgemental/hypocritical? - perhaps these questions could/should be addressed. I feel every baby has a right to be fed on demand rather than having to scream themself sick until a 'suitable' location can be found.
Posted by Vixenbib on 2011-12-30 09:13:35 O.o -- you may think I'm goggling, but that's what "things" were like after I had a baby prefer one breast over the other. Le sigh.
Posted by Jody Wallace on 2011-12-30 04:53:04 Is it ok to post a 16-second clip from youtube?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0la5DBtOVNI" width="420"></iframe>
Posted by it's Ebony McKenna on 2011-12-30 00:32:39 Wow, I had no idea there even was a Nascar Harlequin line. I'm baffled that they are so chaste, when Nascar makes me think of fast cars, sex, and, well, excessive contributions to climate change. It sounds more like what I'd expect from Christian or other religious-based romances (not having read either, I apologize in advance if my comment is inadvertently offensive).

Sarah - thanks for sharing your story, I know it can't be easy. I'm barely 4 months along with my first and already people comment condescendingly about breastfeeding. I can't get over how much pressure there is, as if it were anyone's business but mine and my baby's daddy (FYI, I'm Canadian). It's bizarre - unlike all the awful health problems some babies suffer, to breastfeed or not is (or at least should be) a relatively simple and 'deal-able' issues. Wanna breastfed? Great. Can't or choose not to? Great, formula is readily available. Yet, it's one of the things I and many expectant mothers stress out the most about.

Personally, I'd love to see more parents of infants and newborns and, heck, even breastfeeding in a romance novel. If a man can be cool around a boob that is not exposed for his benefit, then he's a good guy in my book. I had a friend who would whip off her shirt in front of my husband, with ample time in between the nudity and actually breastfeeding (I think she wasn't used to having big boobs just liked not having a bra on as much as possible). Hubby never gawked or made a comment. That's hero quality. Calling a woman a dumb b*tch? Not so much.
Posted by JL on 2011-12-29 23:58:23 Hahaha! Alas, no. My husband, though, is nearly as recognizable. If you ever see a black-clad, tattooed and pierced Viking wandering around, that's my man. :-)
Posted by DreadPirateRachel on 2011-12-29 23:39:39 gnoltstudio does have a valid point about it being double standard, but I think, given that he is a celebrity, the smart thing would have been to ignore the insult instead of sinking to that level on a social media site.
Posted by MaddBookish on 2011-12-29 22:39:23 Yesimadr, I am with Allison. You just back up everything that has been said here. This issue isn't about it being a gross thing or even an inappropriate thing; it is about breasts being used for something other than your titillation. You need to grow up.
Posted by Elizabeth Gunther on 2011-12-29 21:50:35 you're absolutely right. this society is extremely puritanical when it comes to women's bodies. Why is it that a man can walk around in his boxers all day long but if a woman walks around in a bra and panties it is wrong? Also, why can a man walk around shirtless (even if he has manboobs) but a woman can't (even if she is flat chested and looks like a boy)?
Posted by Elizabeth Gunther on 2011-12-29 21:46:20 If you tell me your husband is the man who rides around on his bike with a parrot on his shoulder I'll love you forever.
Posted by Copa on 2011-12-29 21:34:01 Dear yesimadr, my money is on you being a troll and not a dr. That's what my hope is. Sorry you think that your wife feeding your kid is nasty. Sucks for you.
Posted by Allison on 2011-12-29 20:52:32 Let's face it, despite the fact that it is morally acceptable to breastfeed in public, it can still be a pretty nasty event. I'm a young father, my wife had to breastfeed is public sometimes - but we certainly didn't go out of our way to do it, nor did she do it with every thing out in the open. Please have the decency to cover up. This mother in question obviously didn't. These days it seems some moms go out of their way looking for confrontation. Also, if the mom was hot, then it's not as nasty. You all hate to admit it but it's true!!!
Posted by Yesimadr on 2011-12-29 20:18:24 This reminds me of the old scandal of Janet Jackson at the Superbowl. I thought to myself, if the situation had been reversed and it was Justin Timberlake whipping off his top and showing his nipples, nothing would have been said. But because it was a woman showing the exact same body part a man has, it was the end of civilization as we know it.
Posted by Beggar1015 on 2011-12-29 19:30:28 Oh, yes, it's always a pleasure to clean up after a party or event and find some dude's spit cup from dip. Gag.
Posted by Nadia on 2011-12-29 18:27:29 Oh, God, I know. It makes me want to gag. And I went to a high school (in a ritzy, chi-chi part of Washington State, for the geographical record) where chewing tobacco was really in...people would leave wads of tobacco stuck to the walls or in the drinking fountains. It was foul.
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-29 18:17:33 Why do you feel compelled to defend your feminism? What in this post attacks your feminist beliefs? And if you think this is the first time politics has come up here, you haven't been around long enough. You also seem to think that this site loves rapey romance novels. To which I can only say lol. n00b.

I love your assumption that if we talk about feminist issue A (breastfeeding), then clearly there's not enough room to talk about issues B-Z (rape, domestic violence, etc.).
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-29 18:13:54 Wandering off topic slightly, but it is SO GROSS when people spit in public. Now THAT is an unnecessary sharing of bodily fluids with no positive purpose. Ew.
Posted by Angela James on 2011-12-29 18:13:34 No one is entitled not to be offended. Period. Kasey Kahne is entitled to his opinion. But when he chooses to express it in a public medium in a fundamentally immature manner, then he gets to deal with the fall-out. He offended people by expressing his opinion, just as the woman who breastfed her child offended him.

Some people find it offensive to see women's hair or faces. Or find it offensive that some women choose to cover their hair or faces. Our culture finds both options acceptable, and quite frankly we need to accept that breasts serve a dual function. You (the general you, not you personally) can be offended, and you can look away. I'm offended by people spitting on the sidewalk in front of me, but somehow I survive.
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-29 18:11:10 LOL, if you are that worried about other people's fluids and germs on your food, you should probably avoid grocery stores and restaurants altogether. For every publicly nursing mom who just happened to get milk all over her hands (not at all common IME), I'm sure there are easily a 100 people shopping, dining, or working there who did not wash their hands after they visited the restroom, or just picked their nose, or scratched their genitals, or pet the dog, or sneezed into their hands. I'd personally be more concerned about whether or not she washed her hands after changing Junior's diaper (because I can tell you right now, I had more babyshit on my hands than breastmilk in my lifetime), but we don't make moms of the un-potty-trained stay home with the kiddos until they achieve diaper independence. Yet. ;)
Posted by Nadia on 2011-12-29 18:02:55 1. In some way or another, a person has a baby: pushed, pulled, c-sectioned, adopted, found in a basket on a riverbank.

2. Babies eat.

3. Breast milk is food.

4. Formula is food.

5. People feed babies.

6. Twitter seems to be the fastest way to start a war.

7. People like and dislike everything, and like to share their likes and dislikes.

8. Lactivists have considerable energy.
a. They can be judgmental.
b. They can be helpful.
c. Imagine if they focused all that energy on something really important.
d. Something really important = education, civil rights, hunger in America.

9. Kasey Kahne may be a redneck.

10. Kasey Kahne probably likes boobies, but he doesn't like breast feeding boobies.

11. Kasey Kahne (redneck?) + Tweets + not liking breast feeding boobies = War.

Does that about sum it up?
Posted by Zara K on 2011-12-29 17:31:34 You don't eat from a body part that some people find offensive to see, either.

While again, I have no problem with it, a lot of people do. And having a baby does not make you entitled to offend people. Nor entitled to be offended when someone else is offended.
Posted by Tania Kennedy on 2011-12-29 15:55:27 I like you, Liztalley, you are a class act. (At least your comments are, who knows what you're like when the sun goes down ;D)
Posted by KSB on 2011-12-29 15:45:31 I work in a college library, and not that long ago we had a mom pretty much beg to use our workroom bathroom to breastfeed her baby, because all of the other bathrooms are one stall, uncomfortable places that you'd barely want to use for bladder relief. The shame brought on by stares and whispers from her fellow patrons was enough to make her not want to do it in public, and that just sucks. No pun intended. People need to grow up and get over themselves.
Posted by Chelsea Spencer on 2011-12-29 15:44:14 When did food service come into play? The analogy wasn't "false" nor was it ignorant, just of an opinion that is different (vastly it appears) than yours.
Posted by KBS on 2011-12-29 15:42:01 Yes, this. My friend found out later that her baby was basically starving because she was never producing enough milk. She knew something was wrong, but NO everyone insisted she keep at it.
Posted by Chelsea Spencer on 2011-12-29 15:37:20 If the woman had touched a shopping cart and then touched her breast she exposed the child to a lot of germs. If she got any bodily fluid on her hand during or after the breastfeeding and then touched a product you picked up most of you would be grossed out. If you think she did not get any body fluid on her hand during this think about a man urinating and then walking through the grocery store, he may not have gotten any body fluid on his hand either but wouldn't you want him to wash his hands before touching anything you might pick up? Would you want your waitress to be breastfeeding while serving you food at a restaurant? I have no problem with breastfeeding but I don't think it is appropriate around food, I don't want someone's body fluid on my food no matter if it is breast milk or urine.
Posted by yahoo user on 2011-12-29 15:36:28 Hello, fellow Eugenian!
Posted by DreadPirateRachel on 2011-12-29 15:26:59 I live and have lived my entire life in the north.
I personally think that breast feeding should be done as privately as possible with a certain level of discrestion. Yes sometimes there are inconviences but then so is having a baby. The mothers I have seen have always managed to obtain all matter of supplies like diapers, diaper bags, carseats, strollers etc. There are different cloth apparatices that allow woman to breast feed with more discretion including button-up shirts. There are also ways to find privacy particularly in shopping malls. This does seem to be a class issue. I find hard to believe that women who have no choice but to find work to feed their families are participating in events like this. I would have more sympathy for women who are forced to bring their babies to work finding discrimination for breastfeeding in the workplace.
I do find many forms of PDA disgusting and over the top and I would be embarrassed to witness it. I don't think the comparison is inept. I consider physical intimacy to beautiful and natural between two people but that does not mean there aren't limits to how to behave in public.
I am tired of being told "I hate women" when I disagree with this blog. I am a woman, and a feminist. I just don't believe that men are my enemy. When we treat all men like they are the same person, then it is overgeneralizing and stereotyping and that is never pretty. It would impossible to know but not all men look at porn. Men can be prudes just like women can be crass. (I have known many men who are prudes trust me.)While these adjectives can maybe be generally applied to large groups of women and men, applying them to all individuals is insulting. As a culture we need to find ways to respect our differences as individuals. Consider that some of my relatives consider romance novels porn.
I am unsure as to why this issue is presented by this blog. Yes there are Nascar races in romances, but there are also romances about a lot fo things that could lead to political discussions. In general I would like to see more awareness about domestic violence and rape related issues on this blog if it continues in a more political vein. In general this blog remains very a-political and takes sides on very issues. I don't why I need to defend myself as a feminist against a blog called Smart Bitches or that glorifies some books featuring rape and violence against women. I need a break. If you need me, I am not availble to respond to this post.
Posted by Anoymous on 2011-12-29 15:21:40 I completely agree with you. There is nothing cute about ignorance, especially when that ignorance is based on the idea that change is stupid and wrong. That is the same reason given for homophobia and why gay people can only get married in 6 states. (I HATE HATE HATE the argument that God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve, especially since evolution pretty much discredits the whole Adam and Eve story. We come from chimps not clay from the Earth and women most definitely do not come from Adam's rib.) But I am getting away from my point. Women should not be told that they cannot do something as simple as breastfeeding because this country has trouble with the idea that women's bodies are not just for the arousal of men (or other women). I already stated that I am uncomfortable with public breastfeeding, but the reason is personal and has nothing to do with sexuality. To me, breastfeeding is an intimate moment between the mother and the baby, and if I see it I feel like I'm intruding.
Posted by Elizabeth Gunther on 2011-12-29 15:07:54 If he wasn't being a douchebag about breast feeding, he would be a douche bag about polar bears or Chevy Volts or how many rat feces are allowed in a shipment of black pepper. He's just a plain old douchebag. And who is he? A Nascar person? I'm not into Nascar. Let me go in a corner and think up some douchey things to say about Nascar.
Posted by VirginiaLlorca on 2011-12-29 14:59:15 Got that right about the attitudes about people where you live. I had a 22 year old Louisana man call me out online and say that if he ever met me, he'd beat me up. You see in addition to believing in God, the Maple Leaf and NASCAR, I'm also a strong breastfeeding/home birth advocate.
Posted by Alberta Rose on 2011-12-29 14:51:53 was that (the breastfeeding a boy makes him gay) a normal reaction? I would think it would reinforce being straight (going by this logic that implies that there is a choice involved).
Posted by Elizabeth Gunther on 2011-12-29 14:48:25 While it is impossible for me to gauge reaction of other countries and cultures to breastfeeding, the comments here and on Twitter about various places in the US vs different countries (i.e. Japan) have made me wonder if there is a loose correlation between length of standard maternity leave and cultural acceptance of breastfeeding in public.

The reason I pondered this correlation is that I know that US maternity leave is VERY short compared to other countries of the same economic development level, and perhaps the reason there is such a viscerally negative reaction to seeing women breastfeeding is because we simply do not as often see women breastfeeding. Maternity leave being 8-12 weeks leaves just enough time for physical recovery from childbirth and establishment of a feeding/sleeping routine (if you're lucky), and then many women go back to work.

Maybe if we saw women breastfeeding in public more often, maybe it wouldn't be such a big deal here in the US.

For example: US maternity leave is 8 or 12 weeks, depending on type of birth (C-section: 12 wks).

Sweden: 16 MONTHS.
This blog on breastfeeding in Sweden was fascinating:
http://survivinglifeinsweden.b...

So, while it's nearly impossible to quantify, I wonder if the negativity is in part based on the fact that we simply do not see breastfeeding in public because our maternity leave is so short.

Posted by SB Sarah on 2011-12-29 14:45:28 My first daughter is adopted, so I couldn't breast feed her. There were often times that other moms I interacted would ask me if I was breastfeeding. When I said no, I get the whole lecture on the benefits. Then I'd have to admit that my daughter is adopted just so they'd shut up. Asking about a woman's choice to breastfeed seems so personal yet, like all aspects of a woman's body, it is open to public scrutiny.
Posted by BrooklynShoeBabe on 2011-12-29 14:14:03 I don't know about "giddy with glee," but considering that women still get harassed by *law enforcement* in some places in the US (and it wasn't more than 10 years ago that they still go arrested) for breastfeeding in public, I think it's important to vocally counteract this attitudes.

If you don't like reading about it...don't read about it.
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-29 14:12:50 I sincerely hope they weren't, though I've known a few people who did have that professional training who could be pretty judgmental about it, too. Sadly, professionals can be just as wretched as the lay people, though hopefully in lesser numbers. (I do know of one friend who sought out La Leche for counseling when her oldest son was struggling to latch on correctly, and she said she never felt more judged or more like a bad mother. With her second child and a different La Leche group, she had a wonderful experience.)
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-29 14:11:32 Wow. Bigoted much? Thanks for making those of us from the north, the west, and the so-called "blue states" look like jerks. There's plenty of backwards nastiness in the blue states, too.
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-29 14:06:43 I don't know which I find more cloying and predictable: intolerant frat boys with medieval opinions about women, or the "lactivists" who are absolutely giddy with glee every time some douchebag guy says something like this. The canned and predigested outrage is a bit much sometimes. Both camps need to give it a rest. We get it already.
Posted by Alexander B. MacLean on 2011-12-29 12:11:06 Are you all really that surprised? Sports like NASCAR, Baseball, basketball etc... tend to attract men that aren't particularily smart/tactful. As long as these "celebrities" have fans that will pander and cater to their needs, we will ALWAYS have people like this guy. Unfortunately, this problem will always exsist in sports.
Posted by Karel Blechta on 2011-12-29 12:05:42 Must we perpetuate the trope of the backward South?

I work at the oldest public university in America, and it happens to be in the Deep South, where we have just as many enlightened AND backward individuals as the rest of the country.

Narrow-minded thinking occurs both above and below the Mason-Dixon line, unfortunately. Has anyone else been watching the Republican debates? I shudder.

Misogyny and bigotry are all too prevalent everywhere, but it's easy to pretend they are just a southern thang.
Posted by JB Hunt on 2011-12-29 12:05:12 Um. If I saw somebody eating their lunch in the supermarket I would think it a bit odd, but not disgusting. I mean yeah, sure, you don't normally see people eating their lunch in a supermarket, but it's not disgusting if they do. Supermarkets sell food; where did you think people were going to put it, the mantlepiece? So why's breastfeeding any different? You wouldn't expect it to happen in a supermarket, sure, but it's no different there than it would be in a cafe or on a park bench.

And while, yes, perhaps calling the guy a "douchebag" was stooping to his level a bit, I'd say the reaction was completely justified. He was calling a random woman nasty and disgusting for the crime of not doing something the way he'd have expected it to be done. That's douchebag behaviour, and KnittingRad is not a "dumb bitch" for noticing.
Posted by Rei on 2011-12-29 12:00:49 I never thought of breastmilk as a "bodily fluid" - when I'm grocery shopping I don't want to think about urine or snot, either, and would happily call nasty on someone not covering their mouth while sneezing in the produce aisle. But breastmilk isn't something bodies eliminate as waste - it's food. It's sanitary and deliberately nutritious and beneficial, which I'd foolishly hope most things in the supermarket are, as well.

You're right that it's entirely his right to THINK whatever he wants about breastfeeding. As it is with all of us. But as a highly sponsored public figure, it behooves him to also THINK before he writes such controversial claptrap about it.
Posted by Melanie Cremins on 2011-12-29 10:47:58 Well, obviously the guy is a moron. The world is full of them. I was most excited to see that Sarah used his tweet as an opportunity for a grammar lesson. Good for you! You made me smile this morning:)
Posted by mom2handh1975 on 2011-12-29 10:28:11 1. Women raising children today - there is a push against it. The push is for women to be in the market place and not raising their own. Coupled with rising prices there is a NEED for women to take up the role of making money for the household as WELL AS raising the children. Having 2 jobs at once never ends well for anyone. Least of all the child.

2. Breastfeed vs Formula: it's all cyclical. In my mother's time it was all about the bottle. My mother looks back now and told me "If I had known breastfeeding would have helped you I would have injected myself with those hormones, no matter how hurtful." (FYI I'm adopted so that's why she didn't straight up do it). Now it's a push for the boob. On top of it all is the psychological pressure of being the perfect mother and providing the best for your child.

3. Sexuality of the Boob: Men have the strange problem of dealing with with their Person Whom They Have Sex With turn into a mother. That does NOT in anyway preclude sexy times again but you'd be lying to yourself if there aren't any moments that are strange. Men who tend to view women as sex partners (I'm staying away from objects just to be nice) see that new role of "mother" as a threat. How can she be sexy and someone eat at the place that they want to play with? What happens if boob juice gets on them??? OH SWEET LAWDY! I wouldn't expect someone who hasn't had a child or gone through this to understand. I DO expect them to shut the fuck up about what they don't know or are experiencing themselves. Just as I wouldn't mock NASCAR in front of a NASCAR driver so they should be smart enough and kind enough to keep their traps shut about things they don't know elsewhere.

Common Courtesy. We needs it.
Posted by Flo_over on 2011-12-29 10:23:05 I know, I can't get my head around that either. Warm, gooey feeling seeing your woman feed your baby? Check. Overcome by lust and wanting to taste the milk? Back off, bucko. I don't know about anyone else's experience, but swollen, sore, leaking breasts do not make for good sex toys, LMAO! And honestly, the babies left me feeling very "touched out", and that became a non-erogenous zone for the duration.

It also floors me when heroines are so eager to jump back in the sack as soon as humanly possible after childbirth. And some of them don't even wait for the 6 week doctor check. Their mileage definitely varied from mine, because first let's wait for the bleeding to finally stop - longest. period. ever. - and then, yeouch, handle with care, my ladybits have been abused sorely! And let's not even talk about wonky hormones and the effects of sleep deprivation. Six weeks easily turned into eight or more.
Posted by Nadia on 2011-12-29 09:38:36 I have also come across the lust by watching "their" woman breastfeed and find it weird. Also it makes me instinctively go "No! That's not for you, get your own milk! Greedy!" as it always seems like they're jealous of the baby getting to feed.
Posted by Copa on 2011-12-29 08:55:13 Someone mentioned a slightly hippie angle of the Pacific NW, and I just may happen to live in Eugene,Oregon...ahem. I have seen plenty of breastfeeding and it has never bothered me, even though I myself wasn't breastfeed, yet am not dying, weak, or mentally unfit (or at least have never been judged so by a court of law).

I totally understand the viewpoint of a penis or a breast being whipped out as equivalent, and honestly I could care less if I catch a glimpse of either breast or penis, though if I walk through a puddle of any bodily fluids all bets are off on my tolerance.
Posted by Copa on 2011-12-29 08:49:12 I grew up in the land o' Nascar -- this doesn't surprise me in the slightest.
Posted by Patricia Eimer on 2011-12-29 08:47:43 What does he think boobs are supposed to be used for? I am so tired of some assholes thinking that breasts are just for some kind of sexual purpose. How do they think babies were fed before bottles? Duh! And he can't handle seeing a boob in public? A douchebad indeed!!!
Posted by K Angel2 on 2011-12-29 07:46:40 Liztalley's comments reminded me of my years in the "rural south" as a member of the U.S. Army, how despicable the entire region and its pig-ignorant redneck majority was then and still remains in so many ways, how destructive the influence of southern politicians in Congress is now and always has been, and how much better off the rest of us would be now if the ancestors of the said politicians had gotten their way in 1861 and peeled off to live in their own self-reflecting barbarism, hypocrisy, and completely unmerited arrogance. Plus, those of us who live in blue states wouldn't need to keep exporting tax money to prop up the miserable red states of Dixie and preserve them from a total collapse into something like Somalia. And Kevin Kahne, trashy-rural Washington lad that he is, should probably move down there if he hasn't already--it seems he would fit in perfectly.
Posted by Guest2 on 2011-12-29 04:10:06 This reminds me of a Sarah Franz article that analyzed sexy breast feeding scenes in romance novels (obviously not NASCAR Harlequins!). Not that I have anything against either sex or breast feeding, but something about guys getting turned on by watching women feed their babies and the descriptions of the milk sensually squirting into their mouths - *disturbing*...
Posted by Zohar on 2011-12-29 03:36:31 If you see someone breastfeeding in public, and it bothers you, look elsewhere! MYOB. And move on and go about your business.

I hope the nursing mothers of America start having "nurse-ins" at NASCAR events. The one today seems to have done wonders for Target's attitude. If I'd known about the nurse-in thing today, I'd have made a sign saying I'm in solidarity with them and joined the one at my local Target. Only heard about it after the fact.

Of course, I'm not shopping at Target right now anyway because I'm participating in the Moveon.org boycott...
Posted by The Other Susan on 2011-12-29 02:52:31 Yes. Exactly! Where you live (at least not in western countries) is not an excuse, not in these times when you have all the information you could possibly want (and more) at the tip of your fingers! Ignorance and unwillingness to better yourself and see there is more than one way to do things the "right" way is never cute and shouldn't be viewed as such. How can we overcome any kind of prejudices if we make light of them and explain them with Oh, it's ok to be close-minded 'cause that's the way it's always been where I live and isn't that charming! And yes, I do feel that comparing mothers milk to urine is ignorant.
Posted by Annika on 2011-12-29 02:26:52 In NASCAR the white flag means one lap left to go, right? Heh. Really though, I appreciate the insights and discussion!
Posted by Static Airwave on 2011-12-29 02:24:58 can't be professional lactation consultants or educators...
Posted by Thecatmama2 on 2011-12-29 01:58:05 Liberalism at it's worst. So now people have to put up with public breastfeeding. I suggest combating this by leering at the women or filming it for porn sites..
Posted by Guest on 2011-12-29 01:53:03 If a person finds breast feeding as nasty as urine or feces that is their opinion. Who are you to tell someone what they should or shouldn't be disgusted by?
Posted by John on 2011-12-29 01:50:46 Yup, as soon as they could pull the blanket away, all bets were off. Too many other interesting things to look at, including the favorite show of Mom's face. I nursed in the car, in the dressing rooms of major department stores (my go-to place), and even, yuk, in bathrooms. But there's always a day where nothing goes as planned, and you are out to lunch, and the food just gets there, and the baby goes nuts, and the toddler can't be left alone at the table...and the people in Chili's are just going to have to deal. And unless you were staring right at my breast you likely wouldn't even notice what's going on, so eyes up here mister!

I live in TX, and a conservative part of TX at that, and I never got hassled about it, but like most moms I didn't make a big fuss about it either. You just do what you do. The only time anyone ever gave me shit about anything was when I took the first baby out when she was a newborn because I desperately needed something to wear in between maternity and pre-baby sizes. Some busybody in Target got on my case: "You shouldn't have a baby that little in a public place!" "Yeah, well, if you keep your germs over there to yourself, she'll be fine!"
Posted by Nadia on 2011-12-29 01:15:58 oh wow... so many thoughts on this...

1. Twitter-guy (NASCAR guy) comes out looking very bad. Granted, he can have whatever opinion he likes about what he does/does not like to see, but... his chosen manner of expression - it looks bad for him.

2. In a grocery store? bwhhhhaaaa? Is this a special grocery store that has some form of seating, or was the woman just walking or standing around feeding baby? Because... I don't think I've ever seen a grocery store with seating. On the other hand... walking while attempting to breast-feed sounds ALL KINDS of awkward. My mind boggles at the logistics.

3. On the topic of logistics, it WOULD be nicer if more stores/shopping centers/restaurants had places where you could go attend your small child. Granted, now many (but not all!) restrooms have some form of changing table, often fold-down, but it would be nice if more of them had a quiet place with seating where you could go feed your baby. None of this is of benefit for those of us whose babies are past that stage - it might have been nice back when mine needed it, you know? Progress is being made, but...

4. I can understand both sides of the breast-feed wherever yes/no debate. Yes, it is a natural and good thing for a mom to be able to breastfeed her baby, it isn't about sex, it shouldn't be considered thrilling/stimulating/whatever. Yes, there have been studies that say breast feeding boosts the immune system and helps create a stronger mother/child bond. No - There are places where it might not be a good idea - be it due to social norms, logistics, or environmental factors. (in church. At a wedding/graduation/funeral. in the rain. At a noisy sporting event. at a school. in a store.) Please define 'in public' for the purpose of your question...

5. I am not surprised that some people would stare/gawk/make rude remarks. I would be rather surprised at such a sight in the middle of a store as well. The very fact that you know there are people who would stare (completely setting aside the question of should they stare) would be enough to put some people off of attempting such things in public, as well as some people's sense of personal body-modesty causing a reluctance to attempt in public. In short, many women would be reluctant to attempt breast-feeding in public die to either the knowledge that some people would stare or their own body-modesty. - Let's face it, some people are just more willing to expose more of themselves than others (for whatever reasons) and while one woman may be okay opening up her shirt to feed baby right there, the next may not.

6. Yes, some people on either side of the breast-feeding yes/no question can be very forceful. Sometimes even scary.

Honestly, I can understand being surprised. I can understand feeling like breast-feeding baby is something that might be better done in a less public area (my babies were both highly distracted by crowds, noises, lights...) I do know that behavioral norms change over time and region.

But there was no need for him to be so rude about it.

...and it would be nice if someday, the question of breast-feeding in public wound up the same as debating if two inch heels were appropriate (can you walk in them? is it not-problematic for the place - beaches and places with lots of grill-work should be right out), or a particular color of clothing (would you prefer that in red, ivory, or teal?). But I think we can all admit that this is not yet that day.
Posted by Lu on 2011-12-29 01:03:45 It's not that putting a blanket or cover over yourself and the baby is "wrong"--it's that some babies won't stand for it. Really. And why should they have to? I don't want to eat under a blanket.
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-29 00:23:49 i couldn't breastfeed my 1st because she was in an isolete for a week because of jaundice and back in 69 parents weren't allowed in the nursery much less allowed to go in and breastfeed them. my 2nd i breastfeed and my husband was a you know what about it. he wanted her breastfeed but he didn't want to see it. to bad i did it where i wanted. i lived in Japan from age 10 to 14 and saw it all the time as natural. my 3rd my inlaws had fits over the breastfeeding because as my fil put it if you breast feed a boy he will be gay. (OMG) and a girl should only be feed for a couple of months. i feed my 2nd and 3rd up til they were 18 months old and they decided they were no longer interested. It is natural and anyone that doesn't want to watch can go elsewhere a baby eats when and where they no matter what when they get hungry. and it is so stupid the pressure people put on us.
Posted by Dee Horn on 2011-12-29 00:11:12 While I personally have no problem with breastfeeding, and won't glance twice if some lady whips out her boob to feed her baby, I understand that lots of people find it unappealing to look at, and I honestly don't understand why, unless it's ridiculously hot out, draping a blanket over yourself is considered to somehow be "wrong" or "bowing to the pressure of prudes," or whatever the argument is.

I mean, I'd like it if lady nipples were to somehow become less sexual, because it would be great to not have to wear a chafing bra or bathing suit in the summer to avoid lecherous stares, but the unfortunate truth is the immediate association with breasts is sex.

And yeah, obviously they're formed from mammary glands specifically for breastfeeding, but in my experience, at least, they definitely have a purpose when it comes to the sexytimes, so I don't see that association from people on the street going away any time soon, even if a baby is what is attached to the nipple, and not an adult of the breast owners sexual preference.

I also agree with the person who said they're more shocked by the guy calling the woman a dumb bitch than by him being grossed out by breastfeeding.
Posted by Tania Kennedy on 2011-12-28 22:56:07 The only romances I've read featuring nascar all have sex and crashes and alcohol. Wait, does Erin McCarthy just say they're race car drivers and I somehow assumed it was Nascar? No, no way, it's totally Nascar. Which I have never seen. And don't car about. And I'm over her books (strangely enough, it was the devoid of redeeming qualities alcoholic heroine that was the last straw, nothing to do with the cars), but the fact remains, these are not PG romances. They may not be harlequin, but they've got nascar all over the place, and I assume nascar could put a stop to it if they cared to.
I'm not thrilled when I see women breastfeed in public, but I would never question their right to do so. It's simple to look away, and it's not like it's a scarring experience or anything. It just seems private to me. Like when people are kissing I don't stare at that either, not because kissing is bad or shameful or shouldn't happen in public, I just feel like I'm witnessing something...personal, I guess. Not for me.
And I thought the exchange with your husband was funny, liztalley.
Posted by kkw on 2011-12-28 22:29:22 As someone who grew up not far from Enumclaw, I can say with authority that this *does* reinforce my theory about it being a rural attitude.

We used to jokingly call it "Enumscratch." Enumclaw is to other parts of King County what West Virginia is to the rest of the nation. (And as I now live in and will defend West Virginia, I imagine that Enumclaw is probably a lovely place with a few issues.)
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-28 22:08:21 Good to know! I actually wasn't sure--I've only lived in WVa for a couple of years (2.5 almost exactly, I think), and I'm still learning. I'm actually fascinated by what a mass of contradictions it is. I had friends there who are from the Deep South (and who are moving back :;sob::), and they find WVa to be "Yankee." I laugh and say that if we're below the Mason-Dixon (well, if it extended beyond MD), then we're emphatically NOT in the North.
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-28 22:04:30 Kasey Kahne's sponsers include: Farmer's Insurance, Chevrolet, Quaker State, Sunoco, Good Year, 3M, Coors Light, Moog, USG, Mahle...there are a few others but I couldn't read the decals on the car image. http://www.hendrickmotorsports...

Posted by rayvyn2k on 2011-12-28 21:56:31 When I breastfed in public (when I had to; babies nurse every couple hours and are pretty insistent when they are hungry, and you can't spend your whole life at home) I found that with a loose-fitting shirt, nursing bra, and skilled baby--you have to be pretty close and at the exact right angle during a split second to see the breast at all. Because the baby's head blocks the view of the breast, and the shirt and baby cover the rest of your torso. And this is also what I observe when I do spy women breastfeeding while out and about--sling nursing is also similarly modest, and none require covering the poor baby with some weird tentlike contraption (which I also see, but more rarely).

And seeing bodily fluids at the grocery store? You do know you're walking around in a building full of dismembered farm animal organs, cow bodily fluids, chicken periods, and bee vomit, right?
Posted by Joykins on 2011-12-28 21:49:48 Holy smoke - thank you for the link, Simba!
Posted by SB Sarah on 2011-12-28 21:37:27 I'm glad you shared your perspective, Liz. It gave me a lot to think about today. I went to college in South Carolina at a school that was mostly local women (it was a women's college) and for the first 2 years I think I was the only Yankee. I learned a LOT about Southern culture, and the variations between, say, Irmo & Lexington, and Charleston & Edisto, let alone the differences between SC and PA. (Which are huge.) (OMG.)

There are vast cultural differences between different parts of the country, and I think that part of what leads to some of the more contentious battles politically is how little different parts of the US understand one another.

Breastfeeding is a small example of that. I've seen women breastfeeding in the mall, and once in a diner, and thought very little of it, except how she kept the baby from whapping his head on the table was beyond me, as he was a very! energetic! feeder! it! was! lunchtime! *fistpump!* yeah! (This is Jersey, after all.)

But it sounds like, from your account and others, that there are places where you live in the US where it's considered by many to be really, truly unacceptable to do in public - and that makes me sad. As I said, there's enough pressure to breastfeed when you have a baby that to then face censure when and where you do so is miserable. It shouldn't be shameful to breastfeed anywhere you need do, but I understand that some people feel that it is embarrassing for them to witness.

Good thing we all have eye muscles and can choose where to direct our eyeballs.

What is worse to me are some of the negative reactions that not only reject the idea of breastfeeding anywhere but in total seclusion so no one has to see it, but then go on to castigate the mother in question for not knowing better, and employ sexist and demeaning language in order to further state their opinion. (Liz- I'm not saying you did this *at all*! I'm talking more about the lovely people who engaged with me on Twitter about where they prefer to see tits and where they prefer not to see them) (0_o).

I've joked that it doesn't take a village to raise your child, it takes a village to tell you how you ought to be raising your child. Mothering a baby can be alienating enough already without that pesky village. I think it's fascinating to discuss how and where opinions differ, but this issue seems to bring out frightening levels of sexism, misogynist comments, and vitriolic defenses of breastfeeding, too.

Which is a really long-winded way of saying I'm glad you shared your opinion, Liz, even if I disagree with your husband and neighbor, as you gave me a lot to think about.

Posted by SB Sarah on 2011-12-28 21:35:30 Wow, Sarah, witness the awesome extent of Smart Bitch influence. The news story in the Seattle Post-Intellegencer about his apology quotes your comments. http://www.seattlepi.com/sport...
Posted by Simba on 2011-12-28 21:34:55 Breast feeding at the supermarket? Sorry, I don't expect that any more than I expect to see an adult munching his lunch at the supermarket. It's not an objection to breast feeding—I breast fed my children. But not at the supermarket, or at the hardware store, or walking down the street. Let's not get ridiculous here. Not every activity, no matter how "natural", needs to be done in public. Nor are people entitled to do anything they please in public.

And I don't see that calling someone a "dumb bitch" is any more offensive than calling someone a "douchebag." Less offensive, actually.

Yes, he's an ass for having twitted these comments. But that's one of the problems with Twitter, isn't it? People say dumb things and all of a sudden their stupidity is spread all over the universe.
Posted by Pat on 2011-12-28 21:28:14 Yeah, so that totally destroyed my theory :) I'm waving the white flag ...but I still enjoyed hearing from various people from all over on how it's viewed in their neck of the woods. And it's made me think, and ask other people what they think, so I'm glad I "discussed" it here today. Although maybe next time, I'll just keep my thoughts to myself.
Posted by Liztalley on 2011-12-28 21:08:12 Kasey Kahne is from Enumclaw, WA. Any further north and he'd be from Canada.
Posted by Static Airwave on 2011-12-28 20:50:09 So maybe it's not a regional thing as much as a gender thing which would give credence to the thought men find it more offensive because breasts are not being used as they *think* they should be. Or should I clarify and say *most* men. But there are some women who aren't comfortable with it either, so maybe it's merely a personal view? Regardless, I've found the conversation here today so interesting, and other than a few who took my comment as it was not intended, enjoyable. I don't often comment on blogs such as this, but found the various thoughts enlightening. I an only hope that Kasey found it the
same case. Or at the very least, will be more careful with his words.
Posted by Liztalley on 2011-12-28 20:23:38 I agree with you 100%. As someone who lives in a country routinely portrayed as violent in the news (well, until recently but still), I'm more shocked by the amount of violence on US television. As my mother likes to complain "Do they ONLY have crime dramas on tv? How do they sleep at night?" LOL.
I too am surprised at all this baby covering nonsense. It's not a big deal here. Breastfeeding is not sexual but somehow the duality of the breast (Nurturing and Sexual Stimulation) is not allowed? I don't understand at all.
This reminds me of something a famous advertising specialist said about how in France you don't talk about money and in the US you don't talk about sex and the body.
Posted by Lakaribane on 2011-12-28 20:20:15 I like the fact that this has lead to some discussion on the topic of breastfeeding amongst women. As someone who has breastfeed I think that either way the needs of the child not the needs of the public are what is important.
In his post he said he had to look twice to confirm she was breastfeeding - why bother if it grosses you out? I am not a huge proponent of breastfeeding in public, for myself personally, but do I care if others do? Not really. When my kids see it I view it as a chance to educate my kids on what is happening.
I will also say that juggling a sometimes squirming baby, and keeping a blanket covering all the important stuff is a bit of a challenge if not downright impossible but what is "hanging out" is generally less than what you see hanging all over a car in a bikini. He does not deserve the publicity this is gaining him and as for Nascar I will likely now always associate them with that driver who was too loose with his words on twitter.
Posted by Marc on 2011-12-28 20:19:01 @Snarkhunter: I breastfed my eldest (now 10 years old) all over West Virginia when we were vacationing there, and I never once got a single person make any comment or ask me to stop. He was probably about 12 months old at the time. I never did anything to try and cover up, either, because I wasn't aware of the cultural necessity to do so. The only even slightly unusual event was when I was breast feeding him on the Durbin Rocket steam train and an older couple (70's) had a big look and asked lots of questions because neither the man nor the woman had ever seen anyone breastfeed before! So, in my expereince WVa is a fine place to bf.
Posted by eggs on 2011-12-28 20:10:47 Except Kasey Kahne grew up in Washington State.
Posted by Angela James on 2011-12-28 20:04:03 Wow. That was not what I intended at all. My husband did not equate lactation with excretion in any manner. He was merely indicating the showing of the body part and the manner in which some people can find the baring of a body part as offensive no matter the reason. As to the serving of food I was being sarcastic. I don't serve my husband dinner (or anything) unless I want to. I guess humor doesn't translate.

As to making excuses for a region, I don't. I don't necessarily approve of this attitude in my area. My intent was merely to explain why the driver may have reacted as he did. Not excuse it.
Posted by Liztalley on 2011-12-28 19:05:00 No idea about Santa, but Jesus was definitely breastfed.
Posted by Ros Clarke on 2011-12-28 19:00:00 Americans are funny about breasts...
Since moving here from the UK where breastfeeding is encouraged (but god help you if you choose not to do it), I went from watching UK T.V. with breasts all over the place to US T.V., with guns and violence all over the place but all breasts removed.
Weird.
I think this guy will live to regret that comment.
Posted by Kate Pearce on 2011-12-28 18:38:22 LizTalley, do you equate mother's milk with urine or feces? That's apparently what your husband does, and you seem to think it's cute. I know, I know - he doesn't mean that. But that's exactly what he said and it is extremely offensive. Being a Southern man or woman should not be an excuse for boorish behavior - or a reason to expect others to fetch and carry for oneself. Most wild animals won't eat feces or drink urine either, and often bury or cover it up. If what a nursing mother is producing when feeding her baby is as offensive as that which is expelled by the body as waste products, can I assume that he does not consume any dairy products at all, or if he does, do you also have animal waste products in your fridge next to the skim milk or ice cream?

My kids are grown now. I couldn't breastfeed my first and breastfed my second, and hated every minute of it. I didn't do it in public, but I never had a need to. Activists on both sides can be extremely offensive. Well-meaning ladies of the LaLeche League made me fell unnatural and like a poor mother when I had difficulty with my first daughter.

People should live and let live, and that applies to nursing mothers and their babies. Where one lives may be an explanation of sorts for one's early education, but not an excuse for continued ignorant attitudes when one knows better.
Posted by Joannef425 on 2011-12-28 18:34:31 Well, Kasey might be able to figure out the proper usage of "your" and "you're" if he reads the NASCAR romances. Why do men with little education and fewer brain cells always result to the "you're a dumb b***h" insult when they've been bested by a woman? Guess they can't come up with anything better.
Posted by Heather on 2011-12-28 18:32:34 Don't know if you realize it, but you've just described yourself, your husband, and the people that reside in YOUR PART of the deep rural south, as mentally ill misfits. You must feel very proud.
Posted by Jayson2 on 2011-12-28 18:28:15 In my experience, I HARDLY EVER see anyone breastfeeding in public. It is such a rare occurrence that when it does happen it's not that big of a deal, and usually is being done in such a way as to not make it obvious. For instance, my best friend and I were at the mall and she has a bib-like covering that the baby goes under (I realize that this will not work forever, but she is not comfortable just pulling out her breast). And with her older son, I don't really remember it being a problem.

As for the anti- or pro-lactation people, IT'S NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS. It might be healthier for the baby to breastfeed, but that doesn't mean it is the most practical option for the mother. If you have a mother who is working, they logically cannot be home to breastfeed their child. And once you have given your child a bottle they don't like how hard they have to work in order to breastfeed. I have a friend who has tried breastfeeding with all three of her children but she just can't produce enough milk to feed them. It's something that happens to a lot of people, either they don't have enough milk or the baby can't latch. So if you don't know all of the particulars of someone's situation, you shouldn't comment on it.
Posted by Katherinelynn_04 on 2011-12-28 17:52:45 What a twit!
Posted by Amy Andrews on 2011-12-28 17:24:06 gnoltstudio has a valid point. If the woman was the one who started the name calling with "douchebag", then she should have expected to be called something back.

If this Kasey Kahne was grossed out by seeing a woman breastfeeding her baby (as Nature intended), why didn't he just look away?
Posted by Beggar1015 on 2011-12-28 17:20:28 "no sex, no crashes, no drugs, no alcohol use in the content of the story"

Well, where's the fun in that kind of book?
Posted by Lily on 2011-12-28 17:18:38 how did she rationalize breast feeding = child abuse?
Posted by Elizabeth Gunther on 2011-12-28 17:15:04 "Dumb Bitch" is a little strong, but I hate the double standard where a woman can call a guy a "douchebag", but if he returns the insult, he's a misogynist.
And as far as him thinking that breast feeding in a supermarket is nasty, that's his right. He didn't say breast feeding was wrong, he said he didn't want to witness it in the supermarket. And frankly, I'd rather not think about bodily fluids when I'm at the supermarket either.
Posted by gnoltstudio on 2011-12-28 17:09:13 I think one of the key things is that there really need to be more places for women to care for their babies, including breastfeeding - in malls, in big stores, etc. I don't have kids myself, but many of my friends do, and I doubt any of them would have felt comfortable breastfeeding in public; not because of other people's views, but as their own choice. It would be really good for women to have options besides 1. stay home 2. use a bathroom (ewww) and 3. breastfeed in the middle of a store/restaurant.

I don't think being *uncomfortable* with breastfeeding in public makes someone a bad person - but being a jerk about it is certainly not appealing.
Posted by Yulie29 on 2011-12-28 16:46:15 I don't think he mixed those up. I think he was thinking about the duality of the two organs. Both are used sexually and both serve other functions that don't have anything to do with sex (I really don't want to comment on fetish).

And don't worry, he'd never serve you food. He's a man who lives in the South. A woman must bring food to him and a beer, too, please.
Posted by Liztalley on 2011-12-28 15:39:06 I think this is probably on target. I actually live in a small city where there is some progressive thinking, especially in regards to raising children, but I grew up in a rural area where I still find a predominence of "yesteryear" thinking. Some of it's good. Some of it is way off base.
Posted by Liztalley on 2011-12-28 15:31:10 Who are his sponsors? Can we email them links to this article?
Posted by Laura T on 2011-12-28 15:30:37 I'm wondering if Mr. Kahne's management and sponsors know about his unfortunate comments on Twitter yesterday.

I also wonder how Harlequin feels about THEIR brand being associated with the knuckle-dragging goodness that is (allegedly) Mr. Kahne.

Sarah, you have two healthy, happy babies you obviously adore. Those who shame other women for things that are none of their business need to shut it.
Posted by Julieinduvall on 2011-12-28 15:11:13 How strange. If you run afoul of the most ardent lactivists in the US or Canada, you get told that *not* breastfeeding is child abuse.
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-28 15:05:54 It's possible, but I wonder if it's partly a rural issue, too. If I took the same informal poll in eastern Montana or over in Idaho, I'd bet serious money I'd get the same responses. Where it might be really different is in Southern cities--people there might be more likely than in Northern or Western cities to object to public breastfeeding. I guess my theory is that, with the exception of the hippie-granola communes you sometimes find in the Pacific Northwest and a few other rural areas, rural America in general shares a mentality that is most commonly associated with the South?
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-28 15:04:46 People who equate breastfeeding with urinating are -- regardless of education or socio-economic level -- displaying exceptional ignorance. And I'd never, *ever* want to be served food by anyone who creates a false analogy between elimination and consumption. ::shudder::
Posted by MBZ on 2011-12-28 15:03:57 I live in Northern Ireland and breastfeeding here is rare (but starting to get more common with the rising cost of formula milk). I breastfed both my children and got so much hassle for it, one woman told me that to her breastfeeding was akin to child abuse, while others were that the whole thing was disgusting, now I don't admit to breastfeeding because of how irrational it makes people behave.
Posted by NatashaB on 2011-12-28 14:51:28 I don't think you're saying that breastfeeding in public is like urinating in public. But I'm bothered by the comparison because there are designated places to urinate. Often there are not designated places to breastfeed. I've breastfed in a public restroom stall and it sucks, no pun intended. Especially if there's no toilet lid. More often that not, I would feed my babies in the car because I loathed being stared at by strangers. But there are situations like long trips and visits to the mall in which options are limited. I wouldn't pop out my boob at the grocery store, or any public place if I could avoid it, but sometimes going elsewhere is just impossible or inconvenient. And ditto the other comments about keeping the baby covered. Once they know how to grasp a blanket, good luck with that.

I understand that nudity makes people uncomfortable, but I'd rather see a nursing baby than listen to a crying one.

Posted by Jill Sorenson on 2011-12-28 14:50:33 I have to agree with the other posters who observe that people are offended by the fact that a woman is using her body for something other than their titillation (you knew somebody was going to go there, didn't you?). To make a very broad generalization, in the U.S., women's bodies are only considered attractive if they are being objectified; otherwise, they are dirty and shameful. Thus, breastfeeding is disgusting, but flashing your breasts at Mardi Gras is sexy. Pubic hair is icky and must be waxed, shaved, dyed, plucked--anything to make it less recognizable, unless you're a porn star who specializes in hair fetishism. For that matter, a woman who pleasures herself is sinning, but a woman who poses nude for a man to pleasure himself is hot.* The double standard is breathtaking, and unfortunately all too familiar.

*Please don't read this as me attacking porn, because I'm not.
Posted by DreadPirateRachel on 2011-12-28 14:49:58 Oddly, I find myself less disturbed by Mr Kahne's breastfeeding remarks than by the fact that he lashed out and called a total stranger a dumb bitch. Regardless of what people may think of Nascar, he's still a public figure and has a responsibility to act as such. His fans and followers raised him up, and they can bring him down just as quickly. His ability to continuously make left turns isn't that impressive, after all.
Posted by Brooke Shelby on 2011-12-28 14:21:17 This is probably true, but I do think it's more pervasive down here.

After I typed this, I walked across the street to a neighbor's house and did a little poll (very little since it was my husband and my female neighbor). I asked them what they thought about a woman breastfeeding at the grocery store. My husband's first question was "What does she look like?" He was joking, of course. I think. My neighbor said she thought it was inappropriate and wouldn't want her kids, especially her son, seeing a woman's breasts exposed in public. My husband agreed and said it woudl be okay if she covered herself up. I said, "But it's natural." My husband countered, "So is urinating, but you don't want a guy to whip out his penis in front of you, do you?" I said, "What does he look like?"

My husband and neighbor are both intelligent, college educated people. Very traditionally Southern. In fact, after I said something about it being regional, my neighbor and I spent several minutes talking about how different we are in the South. One of her comments about touring Harvard was so funny. She said, "They don't fix themselves up or wear makeup or anything. They all looked like homeless people. I just don't get it," and it reminded me of my grandmother making me go fix my hair and put on lipstick before we went to the grocery store.

Okay, I'm off topic, but I agree that this attitude about breastfeeding covers the entire country, but I stick to my guns that in the South, it's likely considered more wrong than in any other region...even if those same boobs are prominently displayed at races, football games and wrasslin matchs. :)
Posted by Liztalley on 2011-12-28 14:06:44 This is always going to be a hot button issue I'm afraid because everyone has differrent tolerances and viewpoints. Yes, it's more frowned upon in the conservative south, like Liz said. I live in north central Florida in an area that's predominantly redneck-ish. It's okay for a woman to bounce around in a pair of shorts that show the cheeks of her butt and a bikini top that barely covers those boobs but let her attach a nursing child to one of them and oh boy, people start squirming. Not just men either.

Mr. Kahne needs to learn the lesson a lot of other celebrities have...not every thought that pops into your head needs to cross your tongue. Think before you speak, or Tweet as the case may be. It'll save you a lot of grief in the long run.
Posted by Jeannie on 2011-12-28 13:55:30 Also, I feel like it's actually a lot less informed by region than you think it is. Bill Maher once famously went on about how hideous it was to see a baby hanging off of a breast (that was his emphasis, btw--the baby was the problem, not the breast), and he's hardly from the South.

I live in West Virginia, and while the attitudes you describe are common there, too, people's attitudes are not homogeneous (not even in West Virginia), and you're just as likely to find people grossed out by public breastfeeding in Washington State (where I'm from and where I am as I type this) as you are in WVa. As a nation, we're disgusted by certain kinds of public displays of nudity--basically, we hate women using breasts for what they're for, rather than for public entertainment. B/c I bet that in North Louisiana, just like in West Virginia, the men don't have a problem with women in low-cut tops bouncing around cheering on their team or their favorite NASCAR driver. (Elderly ladies probably do.)
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-28 13:28:49 Also, no crashes and no alcohol? What the hell's the POINT? If I read a story about a racecar driver, I want to see some crashes, damn it.

(This is like when I watch NCIS:LA. My friend said, as we watched it, that it was becoming a very good show--lots of character development, for instance. I retorted that i watch that show b/c I like to see shit blow up. I don't care about character development! Bring me explosions [and LL Cool J in t-shirts]! Shortly after my complaint three cars blew up so I felt better.)
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-28 13:22:43 Charming. And utterly unsurprising.

I have had friends and relatives who couldn't breastfeed, and I've known women who chose not to. As important as breastfeeding is, I get really freaking sick of the lactivists who get right up in women's faces and shame them for being unwilling or unable to breastfeed. So I'm sorry that happened to you, Sarah. :/
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-28 13:20:18 There are babies who, once they reach a certain age, will *refuse* to be covered while eating. I have known women whose babies would pull that blanket or diaper right off. Not newborns, obviously, but once they hit 5-6 months old? It's not even worth the trouble for some women. (Plus, once the kid is that old, his or her head is covering the bulk of the breast, unless you're *extremely* generously endowed.)

Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-28 13:18:14 Liztalley - I'm not from the south so I found your response very educational. Thanks!
Posted by Julie M. on 2011-12-28 13:14:31 Wow, what a sexist asshat. I'd boycott NASCAR, but they already get none of my money.
Posted by Alpha Lyra on 2011-12-28 13:12:39 Maybe the people who tell breastfeeding moms to go into the bathroom should just take *their* lunches into the bathroom.

What, you don't want to eat near a toilet? Then why should the baby?
Posted by snarkhunter on 2011-12-28 13:12:34 I have never heard of Kasey Kahne. Which pleases me greatly. He does sounds like a little boy. He's probably the kind who finds pregnant women replusive too. Sadly because he is known (by some) for his sport, he'll be idealized and as Amber said, grow up and ... be even more self-absorbed.
Posted by Julie M. on 2011-12-28 12:42:05 Okay I'm fixing to no doubt piss a lot of people off, but here we go.

I don't watch NASCAR and I don't know who this dude is, but many, many of the men where I live would have been offput by a woman breastfeeding (without being covered) in the grocery store...or any other public place. And this includes my husband. Why you may ask? Because I live in the deep rural South where people still tsk if you don't wear a slip under your dress. Hypocrites abound, but it's the way it is. Backwards? Maybe. Prudish? Certainly. But it's really different down here. I live in an area that doesn't recylce. Yeah, you read that right. And people who use midwives to birth their children are granola freaks. Here we carry guns in our trucks, environmentalists are nuisance tree-huggers, education is gained in life experience and wives still fix their husbands' plates. And breastfeeding is way optional...and you don't see anyone doing it in public.

Now, I don't know where this dude is from, but if he's from the South, his response (other than the dumb bitch one) doesnt' surprise me much.

I breastfed my boys. I didn't often do it in public and when I did, I covered myself with a cloth diaper. Wasn't uncomfortable for my baby or any onlookers. If someone whipped a boob out and fed her baby, it wouldn't bother me a bit, but here in North Louisiana, you're going to get stared at. A lot. BUT, I think however you wish to feed your baby is your business. Raising your child is your business. No one should be made to feel guilty for not being able to breastfeed or not wanting to breastfeed or breastfeeding in public. None are a federal crime.

Oh, and I'm not making excuses for the race car guy, just pointing out that where you live often affects the way you view things. And maybe he did gain some valuable perspective from his thoughtless comments.
Posted by Liztalley on 2011-12-28 12:34:20 I hate to say this, but seeing a woman breast feeding in public makes me uncomfortable. That said, I would never ask a woman to stop, leave, or anything quite as ridiculous just because she happens to be doing it. She has every right to breast feed in public and it is me that is the problem. I think it is stupid to have a heart attack when someone is doing something natural (and apparently healthy for the baby).
Posted by Elizabeth Gunther on 2011-12-28 12:24:17 I think Angela James hit the nail on the head: it's childish. This is the sort of reaction you'd expect from someone in junior high. One of these days, he'll grow up and probably be even more self-absorbed.

And yes, OMG, is there shaming and pressure when you can't breastfeed. From strangers, from parents, from doctors and lactation consultants. While we need to continue to push back against ignorance like Kasey's, we also need some awareness and compassion for those who can't breastfeed.
Posted by Amber on 2011-12-28 10:30:59 Face it, it wasn't the bare boob that offended him. I'm sure he doesn't go to the beach and complain about all the knockers in barely-there bikini tops. If some buxom beauty flashed him her double Ds with a 'come on big boy' look, he'd be all over that. No, it was the INFANT attached to that breast.

What a dick.
Posted by Inez Kelley on 2011-12-28 10:29:20 Well, that was entertaining reading on his Facebook. Dude, do not piss off the lactavists, they are passionate and organized, LOL. I met Kasey Kahne briefly years ago, my husband is a Nascar fan and my girls had a little crush on him so we found him for autographs at the track. Cute boy. Sad to see he's still a boy. At 31, he's old enough be more mature than "Eww, boobies!"

I laugh when I read all the "you should just go the bathroom!" "you should cover the baby up!" "you should bring a bottle!" commentary. Yeah, right, they should have to deal with a hungry baby who won't take a bottle or a pacifier and hates a blanket on her head - I would take a few glares from feeding in public over inflicting myself and others with a screaming baby. Sure, I tried to work outings around a schedule and find a quiet, private place for my own benefit, but babies don't pay attention to our timetables, LOL! And hey, my boobs looked better then than they do now seven years later, people should feel privileged they caught a glimpse of them in their prime. ;)
Posted by Nadia on 2011-12-28 10:27:57 Gaaaah! This upsets me so much! What an asshole!
How can you be offended by something so natural?! I don't get it! I remember reading an article in a newspaper about a young mother who was breastfeeding her baby at a restaurant in a big department store. The restaurant manager asked her to leave, she said she had to finish feeding her baby (who was screaming), the manager then called security who escorted her from the restaurant without letting her feed her baby first. I was appalled. Nobody forces you to look if a breast used in a non-sexual manor offends you that much (I mean come on, how much breast do you really see? You really have to look hard to see something to be offended about!), it's not like women who breastfeed run around waving their boobs in peoples faces. Sometimes I think it is the fact that the boobs aren't used in a sexual way that offends people!
As you said Sarah, there is already too much pressure surrounding breastfeeding, if you don't do it you are a bad mother, if you don't do it long enough you are a bad mother, if you do it for too long you are a bad mother, this makes it really hard to live up to peoples expectations.
Feeding your child is a wonderful and beautiful thing regardless of whether you are doing it with your breasts or a bottle, I think people should mind their own business and stop being offended by it.
Posted by Annika on 2011-12-28 10:13:30 Come on lady, let your child starve so you don't offend delicate sensibilities. She obviously needed to adjust her priorities. *sarcasm*
Posted by Avery Flynn on 2011-12-28 10:03:30 Perhaps then Nascar will move to ban breastfeeding in their books. My understanding is that the Nascar books are so restrictive you can't even describe a person disrobing. That's far too scandalous. So while Nascar can associate itself with Talladega Nights and its cursing, drinking, and boorish behavior, it will not allow Harlequin to publish books with romantic love expressed through sex.
Posted by Jane on 2011-12-28 09:46:09 Of course sexist men don't like to see women breastfeeding because it's proof that breasts were not made just for their pleasure and men are not the center of the world. That's a difficult lesson to learn.
Posted by Karen H on 2011-12-28 09:45:01 We're big Nascar fans in my house, and I've always kind of viewed Kasey Kahne as a harmless child. My view of him as a child certainly hasn't changed. I hope his sponsors have a few words with him. The power of those who believe in breastfeeding is a little terrifying, and not inconsequential when gathered in righteous fury, so I suspect he's in for a time of hearing about it in various formats.

I think it's bad enough that he made the original tweets, but frankly, calling someone a "dumb bitch" for calling him out is even worse. That really shows how his mind works.
Posted by Angela James on 2011-12-28 09:44:38

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NASCAR, Kasey Kahne, Women and Breastfeeding