Three things women can only do

Sudhirendar Sharma

Sudhirendar Sharma

It was in 1758 when Linnaeus came up with two simultaneous new terms –mammalia and Homo sapiens – which effectively linked women to animals and men to a higher intelligence. Linnaeus thought women lacked rational thought and opposed educating his daughter because he wanted women to be ‘hearty, strong housekeepers, and fashionable dolls.’ Not only him specifically but menfolk in general were convinced. It never occurred to them that women can do ‘three’ big things that men can never imagine they could – ‘create life, give birth, and breastfeed’. Women have to do proclaim that power rather than be ashamed of it.

TITS UP by Sarah Thornton

Many biopsies and after a double mastectomy, sociologist Sarah Thornton decided to write Tits Up, the book about the history, cultural significance, and social valuing of breasts. Written with candor and humor, the book is grounded in research to provide the reader with a nuanced understanding of its intersectionality. Thornton tells the stories of sex workers, milk bankers, and cosmetic surgeons, without missing on society’s obsession with boobs. Negative views on breasts are so common that any attempt at improving women’s esteem is taken lightly. Unless the breasts could be seen anything but erotic playthings, these will remain in dominant patriarchal system.  

With more than 700 expressions of mammary glands in English language, it loses nomenclature when it is not in divine bodies in time and space. Yes, the spiritual significance as an alternative to the breasts represented in the media is altogether different. In scriptures and religious practices, the elemental feminine energy is the prime source and sustainer of the universe. However, unlike other religions, the continuous goddess tradition in Hinduism do not extend any material benefits for Indian women. Are the goddess mere protagonists who have miraculous capacity to save life?

Central argument of the book is that women’s breasts is unnecessarily sexualized and trivialized. Whatever be its size and shape, breasts give women distinct identity and dignity. The sexual difference thus constructed is universally accepted, and along with it comes the fear of anatomy that makes women perpetually susceptible. Curiously, it is this distinction between ‘physical sex’ and ‘social gender’ that is only widening.   

Tits Up does not allow easy dismissal of breasts as shallow or superfluous organ. Thornton aims to protect women by exploring business opportunity and empowering possibilities around breasts. Women’s chest surely means business, but critical is to ascertain how much of this business is in woman’s own control. Come to think of it, breast is as much a site of empowerment as divinity. The core idea is that if planned and positioned properly, breasts can help women create a new vision for themselves. It seems a tall undertaking!

Without breasts, humans could not be humans. Homo sapiens is distinguished by the superlative communication skills that develop as a result of the lengthy dependence of human babies on their mother’s milk. Infants need to solicit love and, in turn, develop interactive ability to adore. Every child experiences it but that this experience doesn’t last long. As a result, women are left to decide on what she decides on her body. ‘I hope it will be get considered that a woman will exercise her right to choose what she does to her own body’. 

Sarah Thronton wants to hold the power of the women to elevate the status of their breasts, because that in itself makes her weak. Imagine, the world would be like if she insists on owning them and exercises right on the choices they make on their own chests. The cornerstone of women’s subordination hinges on the lowly status of her breasts, and it is time these are given the necessary Tits Up.

Tits Up

by Sarah Thronton

Pan Macmillan, London

Extent: 320, Price: Rs. 899.

(Dr. Sudhirendar Sharma is a writer and researcher specializing in development issues. He is based in New Delhi, India.)

First published in Deccan Herald