Watching Rachel Ray...

[Hillbeans]

I went to an RR taping a few weeks ago she had some help during the commercial breaks. They prep some of the food ahead of time, but I do have to say it all smelled great and I love the orange stove and cookware!

 

[Conservative Hippie]

Interviews like that purpose to serve to do nothing but make the act seem disgusting and perverted and "private" as in hide it away from everyone.

While I have not seen the interview, I really don't think that Rachel Ray should have been expressing her agreement in the manner as indicated in the transcript. It was simply a PR mistake on RR's part. But boycotts don't typically work out well for such a minority issue and RR isn't seeing any impact in her ratings.


And even though it is a legally protected act, there are still many people who do not know that and instead of making a choice, they feel they are not allowed (legally or socially) to BF in public. For many advocates, it amounts to shaming the act and it does discourage moms to consider their options.

Additionally, it further adds fuel to the fire for those who do feel it is always inappropriate in public even though to express that opinion and enforce it as some businesses still attempt to do is a violation of civil rights.

Rachel Ray nor her producers made any indication of the legality of the act. Had she added that one little disclaimer, folks would just be complaining about Bethenny.

I don't do boycotts, so I don't have anything against Rachel Ray other than as someone with platform as she has, her producers should have had some type of disclaimer on the legality of what they were against.

That is exactly why I quit watching her show and buying her magazine. Even though it is legally protected, breastfeeding is still socially unacceptable in a lot of places. Some states have dismally low breastfeeding rates. Off-handed remarks such as this by someone in the public eye can discourage moms who are on the fence, and it makes the job harder for breastfeeding advocates such as myself. I don't think I'm going to change anything about RR's life by not watching her show anymore, but I just don't feel like someone who thinks a big part of my life is a joke should be getting my money and support. It made me think less of her and less of Bethenny Frankel (who I never paid attention to in the first place).

Again, the question was not, "what do you think about women who expose themselves while breastfeeding in public," the question was about appropriately breastfeeding in public. RR and Bethenny Frankel both apparently think breastfeeding in public is the same as exposing yourself (which they both apparently think is ok if you are Pamela Anderson), which is a very sad attitude to have.

 

[Angelhalo]

!" It is pretty sad that both of these women equate public breastfeeding with public nudity.

A lot of the people who DO equate it that way are the ones who have actually had to watch a woman plop her bare breast out in front of everyone in a public place.

I am all for women being able to breastfeed wherever they want, but there is a certain tact and decorum that should be and USUALLY is involved.

However, some people have actually had to experience the mom who just exposes herself to everyone. It may not be big deal to her, but that doesn't mean everyone else is comfortable with it, nor do they WANT to be comfortable with their entire family seeing it. Not all breastfeeding moms are "sneaky like that".


Anyhooooooo I really don't like Rachel Ray but I do love her cookware. I received the entire set as gifts at my bridal shower 3 years ago and I still love them.

 

[DisneyChula]

Exactly. It doesn't matter if a person "doesn't want to" see it or doesn't thinks they "should have to" see it, it is legally protected. Chances are good you have seen it many times and didn't know it. We breastfeeding moms are sneaky like that.



The question asked on her show was what does Bethenny Frankel think about public breastfeeding, not should you be showing your breasts in public. Two very different questions. However the response was, "I think, unless you are Pamela Anderson, you shouldn’t be showing anyone your breasts besides your husband and your baby." "Hee hee, exactly!" It is pretty sad that both of these women equate public breastfeeding with public nudity.

I have no problems with a person who is breastfeeding their child in public. I have a problem when a person makes it a point to do so and make it extremely obvious to the point of making other people feel uncomfortable. I may have been vague in my statement and for that I apologize. Honestly, I don't care if there is a law or not. I think it is pathetic that there even has to be one put in place. I may feel uncomfortable if I see it happening, but I move and get over it. I do see the comparison that she was trying to make (with the exception of Pamela Anderson). Unfortunately, I have come in contact with many less then sneaky breastfeeding moms and I have seen way more than was needed. You have the right to breastfeed wherever you want and more power to you. I have the right to walk away if I am uncomfortable and speak my opinion of the situation. I do not equate all breastfeeding moms with public nudity. I have an issue with the ones that do push the limit.

 

[DisneyChula]

Well, this is why breastfeedng moms have laws protecting them and giving them the right to breastfeed in public. It is a protected right and perfectly fine.

Carry on breastfeeding moms! The more people who see it will see it is no big deal and is the normal way to feed a baby. It's not a dirty secret or being an exhibitionist. It's feeding a hungry baby.

I don't think of it as a dirty little secret or being an exhibitionist. It makes me feel uncomfortable and I have a right to express my opinion as such. You're right - carry on breastfeeding moms because my opinion shouldn't affect your decision either way. I will still express my opinion which is also a protected right and perfectly fine.

 

[paysensmom]

So, how about that cooking show

I love to watch her show and always want to try the recipes out. Just haven't found the time

 

[si-am]

Wow. The people mad at Rachael Ray for that seem to be hyper sensitive to this issue.

RR's "exactly" was probably an off-the-cuff, move-the subject-along-now kind of thing. It's not like she gave a speech about it.

I like Rachael Ray's recipes.