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Free the Female Nipple

by Kirsten Spiteri -

Why are women’s nipples, specifically, so taboo? Why are people so shocked by women’s nipples? Why do they have so much power?

Men have them. Women have them. We all demand equality and want to be treated equally, yet women are still vilified for 'indecent exposure' for showing something that both parties naturally have. Why only women? As if the public is simply too delicate to handle seeing female nipples. When did a nipple become offensive? Where do you draw the line at 'indecent'?



What is it about women’s nipples that can stir so much interest in today’s society? They are, after all, a normal part of all women regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.

I’m trying my best to understand why society looks upon women’s nipples as offensive. I understand the whole religious morality issue – even though, as an Atheist, I don’t agree with it. Women were taught since early childhood that displaying their nipples openly is offensive, slutty, and completely against societal morals. This belief system dates back thousands of years.



I do believe this belief will never change. Yes, we have become a more openly accepting society, but at its core, men will always view women who display their nipples as sluts, or somehow starving for attention. 

What really boggles my mind is how men’s nipples are perfectly acceptable to display openly and yet women’s nipples are not. It is also acceptable to display women’s breasts as long as the nipple area is covered. Now, who the heck implemented these standards? They can display the under-boob and the cleavage, but if that nipple area shows – don’t even think about it! And what about those 'micro' bikinis which pretty much show off the whole boob, and just cover the nipple?



We are constantly seeing nip-slips primarily from celebrities, whom I believe, do this on purpose. I want to understand why women have a different set of rules. I can’t seem to wrap my head around the fact that it’s ok for men, and not for women. There’s a double standard and it’s time to change that.

Female nipples have been neatly wiped from mainstream media. Even today – in 2018 -- we’re still censoring women’s nipples. Why can’t women show their nipples, but Putin can?!



I have a hard time understanding the message we’re sending when we delete such a beautiful part of a woman’s body. Nipples are harmless, but deliberately removing them from existence makes us think otherwise.

What I am arguing for is a woman’s right to choose how she represents her body — and to make that choice based on personal desire, and not a fear of how people will react to her or how society will judge her. This is not simply about nipples. It’s about equality. It’s about having that choice.



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