Teen Interview: Breast Shame

Breast development is a normal part of growing up, but most girls are not prepared for it. The inadequacy of education about breast development isn't unique. Studies of girls' experience of menarche (first menstruation) reveal that most girls aren't prepared for that event either, and suffer because of the lack of preparation. (1) There is some evidence that young girls have lower self-esteem and a more negative body image than boys in grade six -- age 11 -- when breasts are usually developing. (2)

However, this documentary is not about sexuality and has no sexual content. No information in this interview, the related blog or book should be misinterpreted or misrepresented as a defense or endorsement of illegal pornography or an encouragement to individuals or groups to violate any laws or disregard conventional moral conduct. Children and young people should always be protected and safe from any kind of physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

The documentary "Girl Becomes Woman" reveals that what is needed are comprehensive educational materials on breast development for parents and children, and teacher training to offer that material in primary and middle schools. Children need to learn that breast development is normal and that breast pride is conducive to health. Parents who meet a child's normal curiosity with cold silence or a slap across the face should be confronted with the possible consequences of such backwards behavior.

Your constructive feedback is welcome. For more information see my detailed public blog on the complex subject of Breast Shame: http://sexhysteria.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/breast-shame-tradition-deception-...

All images, audio and text Copyright © 2011 by Frank Adamo, except portrait of the photographer © by Enrico Rubicondo; background music: medley from Giacomo Pucini's La Bohéme, performance © by Maurizio Salvi, used by permission. All rights reserved. Amateur video clips shot with a Panasonic Lumix GH1 and various Nikon and Leica lenses, edited with Pinnacle Studio 14.

1. Variations in the Experience of Menarche as a Function of Preparedness. Jill Rierdan (Menarche, Sharon Golub ed., Lexington Books, 1983)
2. Moving into Adolescence: The Impact of Pubertal Change and School Context. Roberta G. Simmons and Dale A. Blyth (Aldine De Gruyter, New York, 1987).

Category:

Education

Tags:

• girl
• teenage
• adolescence
• puberty
• growth
• development

[GirlBecomesWoman]

Thanks for your comment. I am glad to see many women participating in political demonstrations for topless equality, but breast pride is also an important health issue.Children and young people need open discussion and dispassionate debate on the subject of breasts,,not an emotional war over political correctness.

[gregorylggregory]

This timely video cites the correlation between "breast shame" & the consequent hiding of the breasts under tight clothing and bras, potentially contributing to the development of breast cancer by impeding the lymph system. Many women are uncomfortable performing periodic self-breast checks, impeding early detection of problems. And there is a reluctance on the part of many doctors to avoid examining the breasts of young women for fear of being accused of "improper contact." much more info...

[libertarian99x]

It's a great topic - too many people are ashamed of their bodies, leading to psychopathology (e.g. psychogenic sexual dysfunction) and even physical disease like cancer. The audio is not working on my computer at the moment, but I can't wait to hear what the video has to say.