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Home My WebLink AboutClinton News-Record, 1985-10-23, Page 41fiogg' Regional Value Spotter, October 23, 1985 By Susan Crain Bakos here is no more potent sex symbol than the female breast. No other part of the anatomy, male or female, has held the place of sexual prominence for so long. No other body part has been as throughly scrutinized, idealized, worshipped and, yes, sometimes viewed with such contempt as our breasts. The disease most dreaded by women is, of course, breast cancer. Many women endanger their lives by putting off the inevitable visit to the doctor after they have discovered the Ironically, many others may also be endangering their lives — by seeking, through surgery, the perfect breast. While the size and shape of our breasts are genetically determined and thus out of our control, breasts, like clothes, are still judged by the prevailing style standards. The color of our eyes is accepted by anyone who looks into them. Breasts have never won such easy acceptance. Girls who came of age flat -chested in the '50s when Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe possessed the ideal mammary glands suffered psychological torment. Justine, who "couldn't fill a trainer bra" at age 21, says, "I believed I wasn't a real woman. I was sure no man would ever want me; and I was very shy because of my -chest. As soon as I could afford them, I had silicone implants. They helped, but I still only approximate the feminine ideal." Justine fails to mention the - problems that implants, which the FDA is only now beginning to study seriously, have caused her. More about that later. In recent years, large breasts have been out of favor with everyone but the Playboy Man. The 'large -breasted woman, like NEW SELECTION ®fHALLOWE'EN MASKS and MAKEUP w�L/rr.�%� 4 aye% R Hensall IWSHEALTH CENTRE Ontario Breast 5 New Techniques, New Thinking Beth Popper, 25, complains she is not take seriously on the job. "People think I was born to be a sex object. The expect me to be dumb because I have big boobs. I know my out -sized breasts have lost me job interviews. I'm thinking about breast reduction surgery." She cups her hands beneath her ample breasts and bounces them "1 hate these things." How many women are happy with their breasts? And aren't those who do seem satisfied wearing a "normal" 34B? If we aren't made to feel uncomfortable about the way our breasts look, then we're made to feel guilty about how we do — or don't — use them. Breasts became a political issue in the '70s when bralessness was a statement. Going without a bra was a declaration of independence, a declaration not to be made comfortably by a woman with large breasts. Breast-feeding also came into vogue and quickly became one issue on which traditional mothers and feminists found accord. Yet, 25 years ago breast-feeding was strongly discouraged by a medical establishment sold on the benefits of baby formula. Doctors warned women who timidly expressed the desire to breast-feed about the cosmetic • • disadvantages of nursing. Cheryl Broadway, a new grandmother at 45, says, "I wish they had let me nurse my babies. When I had trouble getting enough milk the first time, they whisked my daughter away and started her on formula. Now that it's her turn, she got a lot of help at nursing." Yes, she got "help" — but no more freedom of choice. Leigh Knapp, a new mother, says, "When I told my doctor I didn't want to breast-feed, she said she was disappointed in me. At the hospital the nurses had no sympathy for my painfully swollen breasts. 'If you'd use those like nature intended, you wouldn't hurt,' one said. Everywhere I went I had to defend my decision not to use my breasts to feed my child. "My friends accused me of vanity and selfishness, of wanting to keep my breasts to myself." Often it seems our breasts don't really belong to us. Our decisions about breast surgery, clothing and nursing reflect the strength of those tyrannies imposed from the outside. The form and function of our breasts are decided by committees, including the growing number of surgeons who cut and shape breasts for cosmetic purposes and medical reasons. One surgeon says, "Styles in breasts certainly do change. NASH Witches of the 80's Show Since 1918 182 Dundas Street • London, Ontario N6A 1G7 672-7780 011.1, E('1'1()ti X >RD. F11L; ET 1I 3,IiltiH;li ti(; Imeinwelgrai \ OCT. 24 to NOV 2nd TRADE-INS ACCEPTED INtusi /%I 111 1111 H h i COLLECTION: 18K, legendary among the world's thinnest' watches — water-resistant. shock -resistant, elegance in simplicity MARINER: 14K.Sportwatch for him or her Slim, rugged, water-resistant • Electronic quartz. Hand-crafted in Switzerland FREE DRAWS For a Gents and a Ladies MOVADO- 1 he,titutic'um Wati-h. DURING 1��21 THE SHOW... IU a perfect opportunity to get rid of that old clunky Rolex, Seiko, or family heirloom you've beensaddled with. - All timepieces are potential trade-ins during the sale. 9 DRAWS TO BE MADE OCTOBER 31st. } 5 PIAGET The world's most expensive watch 18K. hand crafted in Switzerland. subtle symbol of achievement when discretion is \ your choice . The elegant watch tor him/her. 18K gold micron finish bezel with stainless steel back Electronic quartz Swiss crafted. / Re 01501 1'r 1 Page' 1:4 Implant patients want a different look now than patients 10 years ago chose." - The '80s breast is firm and average -sized to slightly smaller or slightly fuller than average. -It sits atop a well -muscled rib cage and lean waist and is best displayed in exercise togs yet is the mounting evidence that breast implants are health risks. Before you make any choices about breast surgery, or even nursing, examine the facts and get a second opinion. Dr. Carol Massey, a surgeon, says, "In the area of breasts more than any other body part, You'll find some good news and bad news. neatly hidden by business suits. The '80s breast is also hard-working: It feeds offspring, even if it's owner has to carry a breast pump to the office. But there is some good news for women in a breast -conscious society today. Breast cancer need not always necessitate a radical mastectomy, and techniques of reconstructive surgery for breasts deformed by cancer and pendulous breasts in need of reduction have greatly improved. On the negative side doctors are apt to be influenced by their cultural biases. You need to sort out your feelings and theirs before making a choice." Implants. "The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons labels small breasts 'underdeveloped'. and calls them 'deformities' which are really 'a disease.' Most of these surgeons are men — men who have their own breast biases, men who have Please turn to page 12 87th ANNIVERSARY SALE IS NOW ON Every item in the store is reduced by up to 50% 13 MIL is P)." MEN'S WEAR 388 Richmond St. OPEN DAV 9-5:30 tir,/ Thurs. & Fri. 9-9