Earlier this year, a photo of a woman breastfeeding her son went viral on the Internet. The photo depicted not just any woman, but a woman dressed in fire turnout gear, holding the naked infant to her mostly concealed breast. The image was part of a series by an El Paso photographer who was depicting women breastfeeding at work.
Initial reaction to the photo was strong and largely positive. Then it was revealed that the woman in the photo was not actually a firefighter herself, but rather the wife of a career firefighter. And her husband's department disciplined him for allowing the photo to be taken using his turnout gear.
At this point, there was a tidal wave of response. Many criticized the chief of this department for his intention to discipline the firefighter. Some supported the chief. Some found the photo beautiful. Others thought it was inappropriate. Others still questioned the infant's safety.
It seems helpful in this situation to take an analytical approach rather than an emotional one. One unanswered question is exactly why the department intended to impose discipline on this firefighter.