![](<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6NeZWu-NtfRVw2Vb-RF1Y67pNoNVML2eL6MFmb7SZfg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_foMdij7no_M/TSFupHRNAqI/AAAAAAAAA3U/PGtfJWSEP4o/s144/DSCF0281.JPG" height="108" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/amymlumsden/JustUs?authkey=Gv1sRgCK2c4ofA8aadRw&feat=embedwebsite">Just Us!</a></td></tr></table>)
"Green"
"Crunchy"
"Tree-Hugging"
"Jesus Freak"
"Conservative Bible Thumper"
etc, etc, etc...
I have a love/hate relationship with these labels. Because of stereotypes, you usually don't see these labels together in one family. I'm happy to say that they describe us- but hopefully without the bad stereotypes.
The other day I was in a natural baby/cloth diaper store in a very liberal SE Portland neighborhood. I visit that store when I need a quick item right away, and I needed immediate help troubleshooting a problem I have been having with our cloth diapers. I chatted away with the woman in the store for quite a while, and then sat down and nursed Maddy when she got hungry. Right in the middle of the store!
This is something I would NEVER usually do out in public, because sadly, its frowned upon. (Even when staying covered up). I even used to frown upon it.
While nursing Maddy in the Nordstrom mother's lounge adjacent to the ladies bathroom, I have gotten many dirty looks from women. Even though I was in a designated "mother's" area and totally had my boobs covered! Again, the sad thing is that I used to be weirded out by it too. How did we get this way? I understand its awkward if a woman just throws her boob out in front of everyone, but why is even just the idea of breastfeeding so creepy to people (my former self included)?
As I sat there nursing Maddy in the natural hippy store, I couldn't help but feel so comfortable and wished that there were more places like that. But then it also occurred to me that the store owner would probably not appreciate it if she knew I am a republican :) Yes, I have gotten the look of horror when people hear this fact. We have even been yelled at in a restaurant in downtown Portland from a woman who overheard us discussing politics.
Again, I ask, why is that?
For now, I will remain a secret republican to the hippies; and a secret natural breastfeeding mother in more conservative public places. I just need to learn how to be confident in my values and not care about what other people think (what a concept. I have been struggling with this since I was 12 years old).
Thursday, January 14, 2010
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2 comments:
You go, girl :D
You are what is known as a "crunchy con"... hehehe. I guess I'm one too, in some ways!
I've never been giving too much flack for breastfeeding in public (always covered), but I'm sure people have *thought* negatively about it towards me. Oh well. Baby's gotta eat, right? :)
It's SO nice to find a store that has a designated (and relaxed) spot for nursing moms and babes. It really does mean the world, sometimes! Carrie met one of her best friends at the nursing area at Babies R' Us! hehehe.
Haha, gal I think many struggle with this. When I went through my social work program I considered myself a republican so I totally hid that from others in my program. Anytime I'm in North Bend I keep many of my other opinions to myself, especially now that I consider myself a progressive. ;-)
I think when it all boils down to it, often the underlying values can be the same...it's just the interpretation and how it sometimes gets enacted (or doesn't).
However I'm glad you're able to straddle both sides of the fence! :) And I love hearing about all the happy, healthy little choices you're making.
I just looked at your blog and it's great. So I'll leave my real blog address too....
OH and on the breast feeding I love it! Stare back at those women!! I totally agree that the first time in college that I saw a woman breast feed in front of me I was shocked (I was helping her w/ social services and she was indigenous from Mexico...in the small office she just started feeding....). But I thought to myself "here was a female providing for her child just as females are naturally inclined to do...at least before our social norms kick in! So more power to you!! :-)
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