Me getting all controversial ;)

No, actually. I try to avoid it, but I've been stewing over this one for a few days and want opinions. With this whole is-it-ok-to-show-bottle-feeding-in-a-non-smoking-add thing that's been going on (and I SO am not asking to hear opinions on that, BTW), I've seen lots of references to 'breast-feeding nazis' and 'breastapo' and the like. To be honest, that kind of language makes me crinkle up in a ball, I've yet to meet anyt opinion in the parenting world that I think it's OK to compare to those endorsing mass genocide. I have to admit, I find it incredibly offensive, and I'm not one of the people being labled that way, how you must feel if you were I don't know.

To get things straight, I'd feel just the same way if someone was talking about the 'bottle-feeding nazis'

What d'ya think? Do I have an over-reaction button on that topic? Or is it just a very weird thing that that kind of lanuage just passes un-commented on?

(I checked the OB thread just in case before I posted this, and didn't see any references to it there, so you can rest assured that this isn't aimed at anyone on here. I just want your opinions, I'm genuinely interested).

Edited to try and make it super-clear that I have absolutely nothing against the people who think the removal of that certain section from that certain add was a bit over the top and have expressed that in a sensible and non-offensive way. It's just the use of those particular words and related ones that is weirding me out...

Edited by Hopes

Hopes I don't think you're alone. I definitely have opinions on things but the way some people (and I'm the same - definitely not directed at anyone specific or on this site) react to these sorts of things seems ridiculously judgmental and over the top to me. Instead of being a topic for debate it becomes hurtful all round.

I too cringe when I hear, usually read, those names being used. It makes me switch off/stop reading.

No matter how extreme or strong someones opinion is (whether it is parenting related or not) there is no need for comparison to Nazi Germany. I think it belittles the person using it, can they not come up with better words to describe how they feel?? My mum used to say to me when I swore that I am smarter than that and should be able to use more expressive words. I feel the same way when I see those terms used.

so yeah not an over reaction.

Edited by sbeach

Free2BeMe wrote: I agree that the word "Nazi" is thrown around far too freely in many inappropriate contexts, and it really is disrespectful to those whose lives actually were (and still are through generations) affected by German Nazis.

That's what I wanted to say but better :)

I have never really thought about it in the parenting context - I follow US politics and the way the politicians there (mostly Republicans) bandy those terms around is grossly inappropriate. Comparing Obama to Hitler, calling him a socialist etc etc - it's just so ridiculous. It would be funny if it weren't so offensive.

Now that you mention it, the main other context I have heard those terms used is in relation to the BFing issue and I'm embarrassed that I haven't reacted more strongly to it, like we've become desensitised to it almost? There is literally nothing that warrants the comparison with the Nazis other than, perhaps, other war crimes such as the genocide in Rwanda. To apply it to something like parenting by analogy must be deeply offensive to Jewish people and anyone else remotely affected by the Holocaust - as it should be to all of us.   

There is a thing called 'Godwin's Law" on internet forums which states as soon as someone brings up Hitler or Nazis they have lost the argument - Godwin's Law

I find it offensive when people compare comparatively harmless things to atrocities committed in Nazi Germany and it just makes the accuser appear stupid and uneducated

I think most people know breast is best don't need a lecture for that, , however its a personal thing, Many reason why Mums cannot feed their babies.

What about woman who get infected breasts etc. Anyways cannot imagine total strangers coming up and abusing people because they are feeding their babies milk from a bottle.

At lest babies in NZ are been feed and cared for, and no parents should feel bad for that.

Simply No ones Business.

Oooh total OT but congrats Kelzi on the birth of Evie!

ETA - I am SusieC from the old May 2011 forum (chenged name since then!)

Edited by catisla

I don't think its an over reaction Hopes, the term bothers me as well. And no doubt they are terms coined by the media who are great at stirring up people at the best of times

I have not seen the add (got sky so don't watch adds) but obversely it works in getting its message across as people are talking about it, does not matter what content they took from it but they are talking about it.

Personally this stuff does not bother me or should I say I don't usually let it...I switch off. My oldest son is 11ys & youngest is 5yr so I have BF & BB for yrs & who really cares?

I think people out there have to get over the Breast feeding V bottle feeding & disposables V cloth nappies etc...at the end of the day should it not be what is best for you/baby/family...too many people waste their time & efforts over stupid little stuff like this & turn a blind eye to the big stuff...too many little children are abused & murdered & I so wish that had people up in arms as much as BF v BB....

Oh & in my opinion any add than can get people to stop smoking all the better...

As for terms like "Nazi" it is used to provoke people...If people stopped letting it I bet it would not be used as much.