[Beyond Borders]

(07-07-2013 12:43 AM)Timoteo Wrote:  

I merely used toplessness in Europe as a way of contrasting the over-the-top issues we have with sexuality. How can I state toplessness as an American standard if it ISN'T the standard here?

Judging by the above, I can only assume you've severely misinterpreted my responses. If you really care to drag this conversation out, I suggest a reread.

(07-07-2013 12:43 AM)Timoteo Wrote:  

The point is that other cultures are more consistent. We're overreacting to a bikini in a place where it's appropriate to wear one, while in Europe not wearing a top isn't an issue. And actually, there are topless beaches in the US. In America, we're arbitrary regarding what's offensive and what isn't. I don't see how modesty comes into play at a pool or a beach, where it's appropriate to dress that way. That particular pool should be more specific regarding what's appropriate in terms of women's swimwear (no high-cut bottoms). They were being arbitrary at this particular pool. No one here argues that businesses shouldn't be able to dictate who they will serve. They do, and most of us comply. That's still way beside the point of the thread. And my opinion was based on the pictures of what the woman was wearing, not my general opinion on the particular subject of modesty or provocative dress.

None of this here represents what you said in your initial post, so once again, I'll stress that I was only addressing the things you did say and imply.

Here is that initial post for reference:

Quote:

This is such an American problem. In Europe, topless beaches are prevalent, and of course, kids see public nudity early on. A Spanish woman I used to see used to go topless when she returned to Spain, in front of her kids. If they had been raised there it wouldn't have been a big deal, but because they were raised here, they saw mom going topless as a big deal as they got older. Finally, before returning to Spain one summer, one of her sons asked, "Are you going to take off your top on the beach this summer mom?" That's was her cue to stop going topless in front of the kids. Obviously, in Brazil, the bikini bottoms some women wear are a small triangle to cover their slits, with some string to hold in in place. The thong bottoms don't cover much more. And on Copacabana Beach, some also go topless. I know we're too far along to kill the prudishness in our society, but it won't kill kids to see someone in a bikini. Their problem with this woman is more about how she's built, and not how much the bikini bottom is covering. If she were less voluptuous, they wouldn't have wanted her to cover up. Those bottoms are high-cut on the sides, but the coverage in back appears adequate to me. Considering our cultural mores, she probably should have worn a sarong around her waist.

In the context of that post, everything I brought up was perfectly relevant, whether it correlated with your opinion or not.

As far as me being beyond the point of this thread, you asked me a direct question (Where to you stand on that?) and I responded with a direct opinion. If this discussion isn't going to follow a logical train of communication I really don't see a reason to continue.

You can't ask me a question like that and then becry my answer as beyond the scope of the thread.

I mean, I guess you can, but I just don't understand the point...