“A woman should never leave her house without a bra” — I think not!
Does society really need to fear breasts so much as to impose an undergarment on all women? I should hope not!
This is an expanded version of my answer to a question I found on Quroa: “What is your opinion on the statement “A woman should never leave her house without a bra”?”
I think this rather oppressive statement is indicative of a society that does its very best to control women, and in particular women’s bodies, in any way it can. Even if this phrase, or something similar, is not said aloud as an instruction too often, its sentiment surely sits in the minds of many women as a constant source of shame.
While some women, find practical and physical comfort in how bras can constrain the movement of breasts, transfer weight somewhat, or not agitate sensitive nipples against other fabrics, for many more wearing bra is nothing but a socially constructed and imposed habit born out of shame that breasts must not be seen, that nipples in particular should be invisible, and that breasts should never ever be seen in motion! How awful it would be for society if we could all see that breasts do exist and move!
All these things are more about averting the desires of the male gaze, all blaming women for how men have been socialised to be lusty predators. If…
