Was interesting to note last week's poll on The National Online (http://www.thenational.com.pg/082808/) regarding the public's opinion on whether it is appropriate to allow young women to bare their breasts during traditional shows. 75 % said yes while 23% disagreed and 2% said they didn't know.

I would tend to agree that young women should be allowed to do so during traditional shows. I assume that those who disagree take on the view that it is 'inappropriate' in this day and era, or that it is inviting harassment etc. Yet before our society was bombarded with western thought and images (which has somewhat further eroticised the young female)it seemed that the sight of bare breasted women was not as big a deal as it is now.
Does seeing it, make people uncomfortable or is it just a field day for perverts?

Being a young female myself, i dont particularly have any qualms about baring in a traditional show (apart from body insecurities that are not uncommon at my age). I'm more worried about perverts.

So what do you ladies think?

nothing is traditional if the breast is covered. But true, these days you have to be more careful. It is sad indeed that women cannot dress in full traditional regalia and show off their beauty without fear of harrasement from the "perverts".
Yu yet skelim...if uncertain or uncomfortable, then don't. I get dressed in traditional gear but I use 'bilum' hung over the neck which falls over my chest to cover up my breasts. But I am a senior citizen so don't care much for 'perverts' or the likes.

In this day and age things were not what they used to be. It was not a very big deal when I was a teenager. It was considered normal for us to dress barebreasted,but today if I were to dress my daughter up in traditional regalia, I will definitely cover her up. It's just the times.

Yes, it's the times, cultures and traditions naturally evolve, it will never be like once it was. Atleast, we have motion footages and actual documented literature to remaind us of our cultures. You know if you come to think of it, I would ask a question, is it good to commercialise culture, i.e, through the promotion of cultural diversity, as done by Tourism Promotion Authority in PNG?

It’s a real shame we think these days our society is influenced by the western thoughts/ways. Where does this leave our children/grandchildren? They are our next generation and should carry on the traditions. I used to enjoy the cultural days in high school in early 90s (not long ago) where we the female students, proudly dance in our provincial attire with bare breasts beside our male students. Why should we let perverts control & destroy our beautiful culture in our own homeland? I’ll always be proud to see our girls dancing bare breasted in their traditional costumes anytime compared to westernised girls in jeans dancing to pop music (so fake!).

Why are barebrested women portrayed on the cover of Air Nuigini inflight magazines and telikom directory? I wonder why they have to use barebrested ladies. I partially agree with the other poster, and the question I leave is should culture be commercialised inorder to preserve it?

Anyway, interesting reading susu mama!

laikimz!

TPA may have the right idea about promoting our culture but am not sure if people are paid to perform for the camera. If so, then the whole concept has lost its meaning. Performers might only be interested in earning a few bucks and aren't genuine about the performance they are putting on.

If I remember well, most of the Papuan region,highlands and some in between are the ones that dress barebreasted with ornaments.

Considering the times, well, coz of the outside influences and getting an education has opened peoples' minds, what was considered no big deal in the past is seen today as erotic/causing a man to sin so it has to be covered up. I think it really depends on what area of PNG we come from. I think men from the regions mentioned above, seeing their females in traditional regalia barebreasted is normal but the momase and NGI might have a problem with it. Guys, help us out here coz am only assuming. No hard feelings.