The bra----is it a symbol of male oppression or not? ?

Question

Back in the 60s and 70s some feminists burn bras and other undergarments, seeing them as symbols of male oppression. Sure, they have a point----all those lace and silk and flowery designs only turn men on only more, and what's more sexually arousing than seeing a woman unhooking the bra clasps to expose her b*****s and nipples? All those bra outlines and exposed bra straps only made men to imagine what's beneath the women's clothings more eagerly.... To conclude, all those effects created by the bra seemed to turn a woman into a sexual object more.

Still, I don't think that the bra has to be viewed as a symbol of male oppression (it has nothing to do with me being a guy). As a matter of fact, I think the practice of bra-burning itself, ironically, is sexist because the whole practice is based on the MALE taste and interpretation of the symbolism of female underwear. By burning the bra, the feminists of those days were actually submitting to this MALE taste and interpretation. A true feminist would create a FEMALE taste and interpretation of the symbolism of female underwear, instead of just submitting to the MALE one and burn the bras off, and this female symbolic interpretation would give the bra a new meaning from a truly female perspective, instead of a male one. Don't you agree?

Furthermore, after doing some research in Women's Health section, I know now that women have a practical need to wear the bra, and as a matter of fact, without a bra it would create certain problems.

I'd expressed my view. Now I ask for yours: the bra----it it a symbol of male oppression or not?

Answer 1

Im a 34F, trust me they are not oppressive, they help ALOT! Thank you man who invented brassiere support  

Answer 2

yes it is burn it down with men...

Answer 3

Its the symbol of male oppression to women who don't want to attract men.

Answer 4

It's NOT any kind of symbol period, it's an item of clothing to keep a woman's breast from dragging the ground...

Answer 5

My 36d's will gladly take the repression (literally). It flat out hurts to not have one on when up and doing stuff.

Answer 6

Not. It's the symbol of unsagging b***s.

Answer 7

1. The whole "burning bra" thing is a myth.  The rumor started after women protested the 1968 Miss America Pageant threw their bras in a trashcan.

2. I see the bra as a symbol of my b*****s not being able to be thrown over my shoulders like a scarf.  Eww...

3. You're right, a lot of women, particularly large breasted women, need bras to support their b*****s, or else they'll have back issues.

EDIT: Orignal Poster

It's okay, I only added that because a lot of people believe that it was something that feminists just did for fun or something.

Answer 8

No, it's not a symbol of male oppression.  It's my bolder holder.  I need a bra because I am top heavy and it would really hurt my back if I didn't have support from a bra.

Answer 9

It prevents drop and supports your stand, ease sports or movements, however at times it is boringly advisory, infact compulsory,  

Answer 10

I don't see it as a symbol of male oppression at all. It keeps me in and from bouncing all over. I would be incredibly self conscious and I feel it would make men stare even more if women didn't wear a bra.

Answer 11

No I don't see the bra a form or symbol of male oppression. It actually should be seen as a symbol of freedom because, before the bra was...the...Corset. Now that is an oppressive undergarment.

Answer 12

I think that the bra is simply a garment for a woman's comfort and in the modern era has no symbolism beyond that.

In the era of "first-wave feminism" it may have symbolized female oppression such that bra-burning was symboic of breaking free of oppression of society.

In the modern era, Feminism is the greatest symbol and, indeed, measure of oppression of men and boys as it is predicated entirely on hatred of men and boys.

Answer 13

No I feel that the bra is a needed part of my wardrobe. If we want to question any artifact of female under garments then why not the thong?

Answer 14

Capricorn- I've seen a picture of bras burning in a barrel in a history book.  Somebody did it somewhere, it's not entirely a myth.  I can't remember where.  It is overblown by many people though.

Anyway, considering that most women still choose to wear them, I don't see how it's a symbol of oppression.  But then again, I don't see how about half the things stated on this site are symbols of oppression.

Answer 15

Okay, first of all, feminists never burned their bras.  They tossed them in trash cans, but never burned them.  They weren't allowed to do that.  It's true.  Check it out.  

As far as bras I see them as a way to keep my b***s from sagging.  Nothing more than that.  Frankly, I find it more comfortable to wear one than not!

Answer 16

It was the same with pornography and prostitution, now all the feminists are ok with it since they realized that it is, for the most part, done out of choice.  

Answer 17

Not at all. I think it keeps your b***s from sagging - women should be thankful for it!

Answer 18

Another sad attempt to attack feminism.  You do know that the bra burning really didn't happen unless women misunderstood what was said.  Some may have decided to do so but it was started as just a saying.  

From my second link:

Asked if the Atlantic City government had objected to the protest, Robin Morgan told a reporter the mayor had been worried about fire safety, but "We told him we wouldn't do anything dangerous--just a symbolic bra-burning." This article made clear that no fires were set, but by Sept. 28th the _Times_ refers to "bra-burnings" as if they happened.

Answer 19

No it's not a symbol of male oppression.

At the time it was an expression.  The bra is really the only garment that women wear and men do not or normally do not.  It was also a social statement since it was considered very wrong for a woman not to wear proper undergarments.

Thus the burning of the bra which means the ending of social restraints upon women.  

Answer 20

I'd have to go with "not". I don't think bra-wearing has anything to do with male oppression. They are worn to make women more comfortable, to help our clothes look/fit better, that kind of thing. It has nothing to do with patriarchy and everything to do with having b*****s and not wanting them to be always swinging free because that's not very comfortable for most women.

I do wish they weren't so darn expensive though. Surely it doesn't cost $48 to make a bra. And that's just an average price. Yikes.

Answer 21

I can see both views but I personally think that it would be more of a male taste if women didn't wear bras, I mean you'd be able to see more if they didn't. Now if they told women they couldn't wear bra's because it hides the b*****s and makes men sad, then I would think that would be male oppression. The bra is a positive thing for women so  their b*****s don't hurt and drag and have stretch marks. There are times where wearing a bra is very uncomfortable and times where not wearing a bra is uncomfortable. Really, having b***s is just uncomfortable in just about every situation. :)

But I don't believe, especially today, how a bra is a sign of male oppression, especially since there are plenty of ugly bras women can wear that might actually turn males off.

Answer 22

without bras we would all have b***s round our ankles. they are a fantastic invention

Answer 23

its a symbol of support.

lol

Answer 24

Feminism used it as symbol of freeing women from constraints.

It was/is viewed by some people as symbol of male oppression.

The truth is it was invented by a woman, for other women.

"A French woman named Herminie Cadolle was the genius behind the cups and straps. Cadolle came up with the concept in 1889, originally dubbing it the "corselet gorge." Her creation premiered at the Great Exposition in Paris and was a smash with the ladies, propelling the budding entrepreneur into a life-long career in lingerie."

Answer 25

I wonder if the burning of bras symbolised refusal to be bound by corsetry - i.e. over the centuries women have been forced into garments which restrict and squash you into an "acceptable shape" which varied depending on the era whereas modern bras are designed to provide comfort and support to the back and shoulders.

Answer 26

No, bras are worn for a means of support, period.