On public breastfeeding: I don't understand how folks can get so worked-up over this. How often does anyone even witness this in public? I've waited tables for many years in various family-friendly neighborhood restaurants and can count the number of times I've noticed folks breastfeeding on one hand. OK, maybe I'm busy, don't notice, whatever. But I also eat out quite a bit and have NEVER noticed someone breastfeeding nearby. I've always attributed this to our (to me) unhealthy attitudes towards the body here in the U.S. I recall a billboard here in Big D that at one time had an ad of a naked supermodel (I think the add was for PETA); no problems. Later that year, a billboard on that same expressway showed a lovely black & white of a nursing mother, (breast with baby attached); LOTS of complaints. What is weird and surprising about this is that it seems to be WOMEN who complain. What IS the deal? Also, in response to the woman on the show who finds it "unattractive", I have to confess, I find obese folks unattractive to the point of being disgusted and put off my lunch. But I consider that a weakness on my part, and not a point for debate in the public sector. You won't see me on Dr. Phil arguing that fat people should stay home.
On "disciplining" other's children: As a waitress in neighborhood restaurants, I have had the opportunity to witness all kinds of folks of all ages at their worst. Families come in, they are hungry, they are tired, they are in a hurry, and the parents apparently cannot be bothered to mind the behavior of their kids. ON A DAILY BASIS I have seen kids of all ages running about the restaurant, going in and out of the bathroom, standing in front of the kitchen door, screaming, throwing SOCKS, lying about in the booths, sitting ON TOP of the booths, etc. Once I was standing at a booth of 4 adults and 2 kids, and one of the kids (about 6 years old) was lying in the booth, feet out, and as I stood there, she KICKED ME. The parents did/said nothing, just kept looking at their menus. She kicked me again, and I said "Ow!" Again, nothing from the parents. Then another kick, and I said "don't do that again, that hurts, and if you do that again, I won't come back to the table." The adults looked at me like I was Satan, and one simply invited the child to sit up in the booth. What I said was not disciplining the child, it was letting her know my boundaries as a fellow human being. Kids need to be exposed to the perspectives of their neighbors, whether the parents agree or not. The parents are responsible for raising their children with ethics of which they, (the parents) approve. If those principals are strong, they can withstand the occaissional challenge. I understand that parents live in fear these days, from sexual predators, etc. But we are kidding ourselves if we think that teaching kids that zero respect for other's feelings equals safety.
Dr. Phil and his guests strike up heated conversations as they debate the latest hot topics. Should women give up their right to breastfeed their babies in public so other people don't feel uncomfortable? Will passing out condoms in schools prevent unwanted pregnancies or just send the message to kids that it's OK to have sex? And, is it acceptable for others to discipline your kids if they see them acting out in public, or should they just mind their own business? Dr. Phil weighs in on these controversial subjects. Share your thoughts, join the discussion.
