In a recent controversy, Governor’s Square Mall in Clarksville, Tennessee, has come under fire for its decision to exclude breastfeeding photos from its Mother’s Day photo contest. The mall invited mothers to submit pictures via private Facebook messages, promising to showcase them in a photo album where the image with the most “likes” would win a $100 gift card. However, it quickly became clear that images of breastfeeding mothers were not welcome in the contest.
After receiving complaints from mothers about their photos not being posted, the mall issued a statement on Facebook. Their message began by claiming to support nursing mothers, stating, “We warmly welcome nursing moms and encourage them to breastfeed their babies wherever they feel comfortable.” While it is legally required for malls to allow breastfeeding, the mall’s claim of being supportive feels disingenuous given their stance on photography.
The mall further explained their reasoning, stating, “Not everyone has the same idea of what that means,” and expressed their intent to take a conservative approach to the photo submissions. This implies that while they permit breastfeeding, they are unwilling to share images that they believe might be deemed inappropriate by some. In essence, the message conveyed was that nursing mothers are welcome, but their breastfeeding photos aren’t.
This decision sparked outrage among local mothers, many of whom took to social media to express their disapproval. One mother, Lisa Johnson, shared, “I’ve fed my children in public, and I refuse to let a mall dictate what is tasteful. Breastfeeding is natural, whether it’s covered or not!” Another mother, Emily Parker, added, “How can you promote motherhood and then judge how we express it? This is about normalizing breastfeeding.”
In a world where social media often showcases images that may be considered provocative, the exclusion of breastfeeding photos feels hypocritical. A mother’s right to show her journey in a way that is natural and empowering should not be dismissed simply because it might offend a select few.
Governor’s Square Mall has made it clear that they will take submissions at their discretion, stating, “We reserve the right to not post a photo that we deem as inappropriate.” This has led many to question what exactly they consider inappropriate.
In summary, while the mall claims to support breastfeeding moms, their actions suggest otherwise. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges mothers face in normalizing breastfeeding. As we continue to advocate for breastfeeding rights, it’s crucial to support each other and share our stories, whether through social media or community discussions.
For those interested in exploring how to start your own family journey, check out our post on at-home insemination kits. For more information on pregnancy, visit CDC’s pregnancy section. Read more on this topic at Modern Family Blog.