The global “Free the Nipple” campaign was brought home to South Africa recently when a photograph of a Durban club-goer’s sheer top exposing her nipples went viral.
While many cheered Andiswa Luthuli and her celebration of the nipple, there were many who decried her actions. Luthuli said her decision was driven by her independence as a woman. She was reported as saying: “it’s my body and I can do what ever I like”.
Some have been charged with public indecency, disturbing the peace, or lewd behaviour – even where it was legal. According to wikipedia, one such woman was Phoenix Feeley, arrested for being topless in the state of New York in 2005.
Because it was proven that the law was misapplied – considering female toplessness had been legal for nearly 15 years in the state of New York – Feeley was released and later received $29000 in damages.
Last year American campaign founder Lina Esco said “Free the Nipple” was more than about seeing breasts, it was about women having the choice.
“The shaming of the female nipple is a direct reflection of how unevolved is. “You can pay to see women topless in porn videos and strip clubs, but the moment a woman owns her body, it’s shameful,” she said.
International celebrities like Miley Cyrus, have supported the “Free the Nipple” campaign. In 2011, Cyrus posted a picture of herself holding a large and fake nipple over her eye.
“America is just so weird in what they think is right and wrong. Like, I was watching Breaking Bad the other day, and they were cooking meth. I could literally cook meth because of that show. It’s a how-to,” she said in an interview with Rolling Stone.
Rihanna and Kendall Jenner are also some of the celebrities who have been seen braless, sporting sheer tops on the red carpet. — siyab@dispatch.co.za
Keeping abreast of times
While many cheered Andiswa Luthuli and her celebration of the nipple, there were many who decried her actions. Luthuli said her decision was driven by her independence as a woman. She was reported as saying: “it’s my body and I can do what ever I like”.
Some have been charged with public indecency, disturbing the peace, or lewd behaviour – even where it was legal. According to wikipedia, one such woman was Phoenix Feeley, arrested for being topless in the state of New York in 2005.
Because it was proven that the law was misapplied – considering female toplessness had been legal for nearly 15 years in the state of New York – Feeley was released and later received $29000 in damages.
Last year American campaign founder Lina Esco said “Free the Nipple” was more than about seeing breasts, it was about women having the choice.
“The shaming of the female nipple is a direct reflection of how unevolved is. “You can pay to see women topless in porn videos and strip clubs, but the moment a woman owns her body, it’s shameful,” she said.
International celebrities like Miley Cyrus, have supported the “Free the Nipple” campaign. In 2011, Cyrus posted a picture of herself holding a large and fake nipple over her eye.
“America is just so weird in what they think is right and wrong. Like, I was watching Breaking Bad the other day, and they were cooking meth. I could literally cook meth because of that show. It’s a how-to,” she said in an interview with Rolling Stone.
Rihanna and Kendall Jenner are also some of the celebrities who have been seen braless, sporting sheer tops on the red carpet. — siyab@dispatch.co.za
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