The College Fix

A 25-year-old woman sparked controversy recently after posting a picture of herself breatfeeding during her college graduation.

“Karlesha Thurman graduated from California State University, Long Beach, and during the ceremony, she had a picture of her snapped wearing her cap and gown and breastfeeding her child,” Opposing Views reports. “The Facebook page ‘Black Women Do Breastfeeding’ posted the picture, and soon after it went viral.”

According to the online reaction on the Facebook page, some people applaud the picture, others have panned it as inappropriate – and still others don’t understand what the fuss is all about.

Here are some of the comments, most of which appear to be positive:

“Good for her. This is ridiculous. Only in the US is it such a big deal.”

“There is a time and a place to do this! Why take a picture in a highly public environment while breast feeding other than you wanting to use your baby for the purpose of getting attention. People will do anything for that all sought after 15 minutes of fame even if it means adding a little shame to the fame!!! Sooooo sad.”

“Kudos to Ms. Thurman for graduating and making the best choices as she sees them for her child.”

“I’ve seen the picture, it is a beautiful mom showing everyone her love for her child and that she hasn’t let motherhood stop her from achieving her dreams. If that offends you, YOU are the problem, GROW UP!”

“Nobody is saying it’s disrespectful we’re saying there is a time and place.”

“If America would STOP looking at BREASTS as so SEXUAL rather then looking at them as a way to provide nourishment and food to babies their wouldn’t be all this hype.”

After the image went viral, the administrator of the Facebook page explained the idea behind it, saying:

In response to the influx of wall posts and inboxes about why our name is “Black” women do breastfeed….I have stated time and time again, statistics show African-American women’s rates of breastfeeding are lower than other races. Why? I don’t know, but I want to change that! Breastfeeding advocates everywhere across the country are looking for BLACK women to be advocates, leaders in our communities to get more of us breastfeeding our babies! Tell me there isn’t a problem….. This page has been here since 2010….. Suddenly its an issue on what its called? Why?! Because a BEAUTIFUL, YOUNG BLACK MOM could possibly be the forerunner of changing this country’s course.

What do you think? Is the picture, or breastfeeding openly at a graduation ceremony, inappropriate? Or are those who found it distasteful off the mark? Post your comments below.

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IMAGE: Facebook