What Happened When I Legally Exposed My Breasts...

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I found it an interesting read.What Happened When I Legally Exposed My Breasts in PublicBy Meghan PletichaExperiment: Under New York state law, all chests are created equal: both men and women can go topless in public, provided you expose your breasts in a manner "neither lewd nor intended to annoy or harass." On a hot summer day, would going topless in a public park prove empowering, or would I get burned?Hypothesis: Guys do it all the time, and the law says I have the right to bare breasts. Moving this equal right from theory to practice should be just as relaxing as any other afternoon in Central Park.Materials:Breasts (literally)Public ParkBalls (figuratively)Method:Even though I knew the law was on my side, female toplessness still felt like the medical marijuana of the east coast: legal but somehow illicit. I was nervous as hell the morning of my experiment. Even worse, I couldn’t decide what to wear. I settled on gym shorts and a tank top, with a nice bra underneath since everyone would be seeing it. It was like getting ready for a hot date: I was apprehensive, flustered and had already decided how naked I'd get by the end of the night.I promised a day of sunshine and laughs (perhaps at my expense) to two friends/bodyguards, and we arrived at the Sheep's Meadow in Central Park with blankets, books, and my boobs. The clearing was packed with sunbathers; although no one was topless, there were a rainbow of skimpy bikinis and skin across the lawn. We claimed a clear patch of land and, far sooner than I would have liked, it was time to take off my top. "Here," my friend Jim offered, removing his own shirt, "I'll do it too."Easy for him to say, he’s been doing this for decades, I thought as I pulled off my tank top. So far, so good, but still nervous as hell. I thought perhaps I could ease into the public nudity by acting like I was sun-bathing. I lay on my stomach and removed my bra, and rested a moment, thinking feminist and empowered thoughts. We were making progress, but I couldn't hide face-down all day.So I sat up. My hand instinctively grasped my breasts for modesty, my bosom spilling over my fingertips. I didn’t want to let go. "I'm gonna do it. I'm just gonna remove my hand," I said to no one in particular.And then I did.Results:There they were — in the sunlight, the eyes of God and New York Penal Law 245.01 — my boobs out, nipples blazing. The girls sitting on the blanket next to us giggled. Some passersby glanced over, smiles on a couple of the guys' faces. My nipple ring glinted in the sun. Amazingly, I felt relatively calm. Warm. Neither lightning nor cops had struck me down. Furtively looking around, I noticed some guys attempting to be respectful. Maybe they were just thinking be cool or she'll put her top back on, but gentlemen would glance over and grin, but rarely stare. No one cat-called or made lewd comments. So many people were showing skin, and it was so hot, my toplessness didn't feel like a big deal.Five minutes in, however, my skin was sizzling. The Irish were not made to be a topless people. Rubbing SPF 15 onto my nipples made me feel a little dirty — and a little silly for bringing only SPF 15. I tried to chat with my friends, but I found it hard to concentrate. More and more people were looking over at me, and when everyone's staring at you, you can't look anywhere for fear of making awkward eye contact. I may have been topless, but I was still shy. It's not common for me to make eye contact with strangers. It's even less likely if they're staring at my tits or taking pictures with their iPhones.Three sunscreen applications later, my girlfriend Megan pointed out, "The trouble with sun bathing is I'm already bored. I want to get a hot dog or something." A quick scan revealed a hot-dog stand at the corner of the Sheep's Meadow, just outside the fence marking the lawn's border. I didn't know what would happen if we left the sanctuary. But for hungry, topless women everywhere, I would find out.Sunbathing topless was one thing, but walking through the masses with my nips out was a new kind of topless entirely: moving topless. The closer we got to the edge of the field, the more agitated I became. I was attracting significantly more attention now that I was in motion, and I became overwhelmed with the idea that crossing onto asphalt would induce some sort of mini-apocalypse. The hot dog cart, however, was only feet outside the meadow. And the law was on my side.Barreling on, tunnel vision guided me to the stand. I didn't breathe as I stepped off the grass onto the concrete. I let my eyes unfocus; if I couldn't see them, they couldn't see me.Waiting in line, the couple behind me discussed public exposure: "Oh yeah, it's legal. There was that court case in '92. If guys can do it, so can women." Just knowing that a couple random people on the street knew the legality of my actions eased my anxiety. However, these were only two people. Joggers, dog walkers and couples on dates all glanced my way, and now it was my turn to order a phallic symbol — with just ketchup, please.The guy behind the stand started yelling at his coworker in a language I couldn't speak. His coworker came over and gave him some change, but I knew that was just a ruse to check out the boobs ordering a hot dog. He thanked me as he handed me my change and thanked me even more when I left him a tip. I guess it doesn't get any better than a topless chick giving you a couple of singles for your trouble.Topless hot-dog consumption felt only slightly less pervy than massaging sunscreen into my breasts. Megan put on her sunglasses and whispered, "I keep worrying that people are staring at us, but then I realize they're just staring at you." I was turning pink, both from the sun and the stares, so Megan and I decided to use the facilities and call it a day. Unfortunately the bathroom, like the hot dog stand, was outside the sweet confines of the lawn. As I strode towards the restrooms, a Frisbee hit me in the ankle. I picked it up and handed it to a man who made very steady eye contact and did not glance down for a second. He smiled at me and said, "Be careful." I gave him a genuine smile back.The smile faded as soon as we saw the comically long wait for the ladies' room. I asked the woman at the end if it was the line for the bathroom; she looked at my breasts through her sunglasses, but didn't respond. I asked another girl, and she said yes, also staring at my boobs.I would have thought that women, used to having men stare at their cleavage, would be more subtle when they checked out a woman's chest. But the ladies in line weren't subtle, nor were they polite. I heard murmurs about breasts and "that girl." If I turned toward the whispering and offered a nervous smile, all I got in return was the lady in question looking away or continuing to whisper to her friend. I hid behind my bag as much as possible.I was almost to the front of the line when a cop walked past. His back was to me, but my mind was racing. I was suddenly paranoid that what was legal in the meadow was a crime at public restrooms. The cop was almost past us, but I was terrified that one of the whispering women would tattle on me. I was only three ladies away from getting into a stall and peeing in peace, then two more steps, then one…Just inside the door, I heard, "Ma'am, I'm sorry but you need to put a top on. If an officer sees you, that's a summons." A cool and collected park employee stood in the women's restroom with a mop and bucket. "Oh!" I fumbled in my bag for my top, "Thank you!" I was flustered. I was blushing. I felt like a scolded child, even though my bare chest pretty blatantly indicated I was a grown woman. "It's fine if you're sunbathing," she explained without scorn, "but if you're walking around, you have to wear a top."I breathed another "Thank you!" and pulled my tank on as my heart beat in my throat. The women around me were validated, and their whispering returned in full-force. I couldn't get in or out of the bathroom fast enough. Back outside, I waited for Megan awkwardly while the line of women continued to stare, some even bolder now that my nipples were tucked away.When Megan finally made it out, it was time to take my titties home. It wasn't until I was hopping down the stairs of the subway that I realized my mistake: I'd never put my bra back on. As I rode the train home, I rested my breasts on my tote and willed my nipples not to get hard.Conclusion:Being carefree and topless was incredibly stressful. Perhaps with every right comes responsibility, but between sunburns and smack-talk, I found toplessness exhausting.Other women's scorn was by far the most disconcerting thing I experienced that day. I went into the experiment naively thinking that since female toplessness is legal, it would be akin to smoking a cigarette in public: offensive to some, but as long as I didn’t blow smoke in anyone’s face (or ask anyone to motorboat me), no big deal. I was just looking to take advantage of all New York City has to offer, like twenty-four-hour subways or the tram to Roosevelt Island. I wasn't flirting with anyone, I wasn't doing anything to draw attention to myself — except dressing like a guy on a hot summer day. But it was certain ladies who couldn't handle it.On one hand I'm glad I moved beyond my fears. (Public speaking will be cake from now on.) But I don't foresee any further topless sunbathing in my future, at least not if I go it alone. Perhaps I'll try once more on National GoTopless Day. It might be an enjoyable experience if I were surrounded by hundreds of other casually topless women. In fact, it might just be the relaxing, bare-chested summer day my male counterparts take for granted.

Good for her. There's that stupid false mentality that women can't do what men can. It's not fair if society decides to sexualize everything. Women she had every right to do so just as men.I hate when people refer to breasts as tits... uugh so juvenile.

That is interesting. I think this woman has some serious nerves of steel, good for her.However, she calls this an "experiment"? She's an adult so she shouldn't be as naive to think that the results of her walking around topless wouldn't have been any different. People are going to stare or make comments no matter what.Funny thing is, I would imagine women being the majority staring and shaking their heads.

Originally Posted By: JapanFan14It's not fair if society decides to sexualize everything.I don't think it's so much society's fault, but rather our natural instinct. We're sexual creatures and we are attracted by physical appearence. Originally Posted By: JapanFan14I hate when people refer to breasts as tits... uugh so juvenile.  Quote:When Megan finally made it out, it was time to take my titties home.Heh heh.

coincidentally, I was just discussing breast feeding in public. I swear, the next time I hear some fucker suggesting a woman should take her baby to the bathroom for dinner, I'm going to MAKE him take his plate to the bathroom.People are stupid.

society influences the way people think

Society has nothing to do with natural human sexual behavior. Breasts are for indeed feeding our babies, but their secondary function is a sexual one. They gives us pleasure during intercourse. And it's a physical sign of attractiveness, no more different from our butts or legs or face. Again, we easily become attracted to someone who's physically appealing. Yes, maybe society demands hot people to be in our TV's, movies, and magazines but that's because it's only natural. I fully understand that objectifying is unfair, but you can't deny the fact you and everyone else in the world has drooled over a hot guy or girl at least once.This is why sex sells because it's in our DNA.

Not the way I researched it.Man... my anthropology class I swear to bob is a big hoax. Not a good sign at the beginning of the year.

To each their own. Not something I would ever do..

Originally Posted By: JapanFan14Good for her. There's that stupid false mentality that women can't do what men can. It's not fair if society decides to sexualize everything. Women she had every right to do so just as men.I hate when people refer to breasts as tits... uugh so juvenile. Right on!! All women should follow her example! Starting with you Abi! Whip of that top show New York what your twin towers are like!

Originally Posted By: JapanFan14
Good for her. There's that stupid false mentality that women can't do what men can.
If you take a natural male and a natural female (ie, NOT using artificial hormones and surgeries) then the simple truth men and women are physically and mentally different. Can men give birth? Can women produce spermatozoa? Can men feed a baby with their breasts? Can women on average lift the same amount of weight a man can?
We are built and function differently. Additionally whether you like it or not society sexualizes many things because reproduction is our most important function in our DNA. As creatures we are designed around surviving and breeding. Even tribes and cultures that see breasts all the time know that there is sexual attraction to them. It becomes a direct comparison. A feature to analyze when choosing a mate. We just happen to look at them through clothes, where women use crafty techniques such as push-up and padding to make them appear to have more than they really do.
Personally, I wouldn't be with a woman that took her top off in public. It's not my thing. I won't bother justifying it. There's too many women out there not to be selective, and that would certainly be a deal breaker for me :smile:

So if you went on vacation to Europe where topless is quite normal, and your GF took her top off, you would break up with her? Interesting & sad.

he would probably fear that he was losing absolute control over her body and her will

It's nothing like that at all Breasts are for feeding, but also are wired into male minds as an object aiding in sexual attraction.Ass cheeks cushion our falls, and our sitting, but also are wired into both male and female minds as an object aiding in sexual attraction.The penis is used for urination, but also in copulation.Likewise the vagina is used for urination, but also in copulation.These parts of the body are all equal in the fact they have a place in both sexual attraction and function. If you believe in toplessness, I take it you also believe in nudism in general. Which that's fine, I don't judge anyone. I just personally am not interested in nudism. As such I'm not interested in toplessness. I wouldn't be interested in a girl that did such things anyways.There is no wrong or right in the matter. Like anything else its a simple preference The nudist girls wouldn't want anything to do with a boring guy like me anyways :PI'm sorry if it doesn't meet your expectations though. I suppose if I cracked a whip and punched a girl in the teeth I would look the part more? roflmao

Don't forget lips and eyes and face structure. They're three of the most important features for determining attractiveness.

Originally Posted By: rune-sanIf you believe in toplessness, I take it you also believe in nudism in general. Which that's fine, I don't judge anyone. I just personally am not interested in nudism. As such I'm not interested in toplessness. I wouldn't be interested in a girl that did such things anyways.After college I went to Europe for an extended period. There I experienced "topless" sunbathing. At first I was kind of shocked and uncomfortable when chatting with someone who was topless... After a short while, it all became mundane and normal. Topless is not exactly nudism. The fact that you can not disassociate the sexuality of going topless is unfortunate and is very typical of American mentality.

Originally Posted By: sdp

Originally Posted By: rune-san

If you believe in toplessness, I take it you also believe in nudism in general. Which that's fine, I don't judge anyone. I just personally am not interested in nudism. As such I'm not interested in toplessness. I wouldn't be interested in a girl that did such things anyways.

After college I went to Europe for an extended period. There I experienced "topless" sunbathing. At first I was kind of shocked and uncomfortable when chatting with someone who was topless... After a short while, it all became mundane and normal.

Topless is not exactly nudism. The fact that you can not disassociate the sexuality of going topless is unfortunate and is very typical of American mentality.

I knew a girl last semester on this college campus that would go swimming topless or completely nude several nights a week in the campus lake. I would talk to her on the beach short for several hours at a time. We became great friends for the semester it lasted. I never even blinked at the fact she was nude. I didn't care. It never bothered me. Sure I noticed she was a very attractive woman (again, from the aspects of her body that provide both some key function while doubling as an object of sexuality). I would never be able to love such a woman though, simply because I don't feel I could be with such a person. I have no problem with her as a person. That's acceptance. Something that you seem to lack.

I explained why toplessness and nudism are indeed identical. The fact that you can not bother to explain why I am not correct is unfortunate and is very typical of someone who demeans others because they disagree with other people's beliefs.

I'm not sure why some people think that in a utopia no one feels any sexuality from the human body. I thought Puritans were people that taught that sort of thing. Like you're a naughty little boy to be turned on by a boob! XD

Originally Posted By: rune-sanI knew a girl last semester on this college campus that would go swimming topless or completely nude several nights a week in the campus lake. I would talk to her on the beach short for several hours at a time. We became great friends for the semester it lasted. I never even blinked at the fact she was nude. I didn't care. It never bothered me. Originally Posted By: rune-sanPersonally, I wouldn't be with a woman that took her top off in public. It's not my thing. I won't bother justifying it. There's too many women out there not to be selective, and that would certainly be a deal breaker for me Please clarify because I see a bit of a contradiction. You have no problem with talking to a friend of yours who's nude, and yet, you still have a problem with a female who goes topless in a public place?Like sdp said, would you have a problem with your girlfriend if she went to a topless beach just to sun bathe, or would you break up with her? How is that justified?I don't understand how you have no problem with your female friend but still believe (whatever your reason is) that being topless is a deal breaker for you.

Originally Posted By: Virtual_Star Originally Posted By: rune-sanI knew a girl last semester on this college campus that would go swimming topless or completely nude several nights a week in the campus lake. I would talk to her on the beach short for several hours at a time. We became great friends for the semester it lasted. I never even blinked at the fact she was nude. I didn't care. It never bothered me. Originally Posted By: rune-sanPersonally, I wouldn't be with a woman that took her top off in public. It's not my thing. I won't bother justifying it. There's too many women out there not to be selective, and that would certainly be a deal breaker for me Please clarify because I see a bit of a contradiction. You have no problem with talking to a friend of yours who's nude, and yet, you still have a problem with a female who goes topless in a public place?Like sdp said, would you have a problem with your girlfriend if she went to a topless beach just to sun bathe, or would you break up with her? How is that justified?I don't understand how you have no problem with your female friend but still believe (whatever your reason is) that being topless is a deal breaker for you. Because I differentiate a friend from a someone who is a life-long partner. And I hold that person to much higher standards. I have no say over my friends. Friends come and go. If she wants to be topless that's fine. I don't knock anyone for their beliefs or habits. NO ONE.My girlfriend / wife though, I wouldn't want her doing that. Again, I don't debase her, demoralize her, criticize her, or anything of the sort. But I don't want a partner that does that. I don't believe in it and one of the requirements for having a partner is having as many shared beliefs as possible.Is that more understandable? EDIT: BTW Star always meant to tell you that Death Note ended up being an awesome series to me. Dark at some points, but overall very enjoyable Kudos to the avatar.

Yes, thank you. And yes, Death Note = love.