In a troubling move, Governor’s Square Mall in Clarksville, Tennessee, has stirred controversy by announcing that breastfeeding mothers are not permitted to submit their photos for a Mother’s Day contest. While the mall claims to welcome nursing mothers, their actions paint a different picture.
The mall’s contest invites mothers to send in their pictures via private Facebook message, with the promise that they will be showcased in a public album. The entry with the most “likes” will earn a $100 gift card. However, it appears that breastfeeding images are being excluded from this celebration of motherhood.
When mothers noticed their breastfeeding photos were not being shared, the mall took to Facebook to clarify their stance. Their message began with a seemingly supportive note: “We warmly welcome nursing moms and encourage them to breastfeed their babies wherever they feel comfortable.” But the tone quickly shifted, as the post explained that the mall is opting for a conservative approach regarding which photos to feature.
The message implies that while breastfeeding in public is acceptable—because they must comply with the law—the mall believes some photos could be deemed inappropriate. The statement, pinned to the top of their Facebook page, suggests that they are prioritizing the potential discomfort of some patrons over the normalization of breastfeeding.
Community Reactions
Responses from local mothers have been swift and passionate. One mother, Jessica Lane, expressed her frustration, saying, “I will not be silenced by a few individuals who may feel uncomfortable. Breastfeeding is a natural act, and all photos showcasing it should be seen as beautiful.” Another mother, Sarah Jenkins, declared, “I entered my photo while nursing my baby, and it is just as valid as any other submission. This is about normalizing breastfeeding.”
Kylie Thompson raised a pointed question: “How can you justify allowing images of lingerie models while excluding breastfeeding moms from a Mother’s Day celebration?”
In essence, Governor’s Square Mall is happy to welcome breastfeeding mothers but refuses to recognize them in their Mother’s Day photo contest, fearing backlash from a small segment of their audience. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle for breastfeeding normalization in public spaces.
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In summary, the decision by Governor’s Square Mall to exclude breastfeeding photos from their Mother’s Day contest has drawn significant criticism from local moms, who are advocating for the normalization of breastfeeding in public spaces. The mall’s attempt to strike a balance appears to undermine the very essence of motherhood they aim to celebrate.