July 2: LETTERS


 "BARE BREASTS lead to bare knuckles" reads the headline on the abandoned copy of the Toronto Sun I found on the subway on June 26. As I flip through the pages I can't help but notice the Sun is filled with pictures of bare breasts. You see them daily one Page 3 and a full page of bare breasts can be found in the sports section, where women for sex are advertised. Baywatch, Fashion Television and countless TV sitcoms regularly show bare breast tissue. Cosmopolitan has the breast of the month cover girl, proudly displayed at my grocery checkout, and we have seen just about every celebrity breast -- natural or surgically augmented -- on the covers of People, Vanity Fair etc. So why all the fuss? Ever since Gwen Jacob was arrested for removing her top on a hot summer day, this province has been debating the topless issue. But the issue is really whether or not women should be allowed to expose their bare nipples. Exposure of women's breasts has long been accepted and exploited by our society.
 Louise Durand
 Toronto
 (Dare we say, good point?)
 

 I'VE NEVER written to a newspaper before, but I'm so outraged at this issue of toplessness that I would like to comment. I've read all your coverage of this issue and the running line at your paper is we're running out of black ink, but everyday you run more and more articles covering (or should it be uncovering this.) I have lived here for about 15 years, and I can't get over the depths people will sink to for a little attention. Which, in truth is the heart of this entire situation. It has nothing to do with freedom and equality. Men and women are built different in case noone has noticed. Women feel sexual stimulation from their breast different then men do. Womens breast are thought of as sexual objects by both men and women. If women think they are going to change mens attitudes by releasing their breasts they will join the list of ultimate fools. it ain't gonna happen. Whats worse is that it will probably bring a load of perverts to the area. Everyone cannot agree on this, some believe the bible strictly forbids it, others think it tasteless and it shows no class. It boils down to respect in alotta different ways. Absoltulely so far noone has any respect for anyone. As a women I can think of countless ways to display my womanhood that keeps are dignity in tact. Woman who do this only destroy how woman are viewed and seen in this world. Woman make some use of your brain and wake-up!
 Sharon Arseneault
 (Comment)
 
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