Why can't women go topless like men do?
I know this OP will get some,"Huhuhuhuhuhuh that's okay with me," but I. serious.
I was trailrunning today in 100-degree heat, and a young couple in their twenties hiked by me the opposite way. He had his shirt off in the horrible heat, but she of course didn't. Because it's illegal. Because it's not socially allowed. But why? How is that fair? I wouldn't want to be topless running, of course, but how about why I was hiking? Or at the beach, or lounging on my front porch. It's especially illogical when there are plenty of men walking around shirtless who have a hell of a lot bigger breasts than I do. Why don't the so-called "moobs" have to covered?
What is the reason why it's like this? Is it because breasts are sexual, and men can't control themselves and would molest women? That is insulting to not only women and the natural function of breasts, but also to men. It's akin, imo, to one of the main reasons used to keep women from military combat roles: the men would go mad with lust with women so close, and even with bullets flying and bombs exploding, would have to rape their fellow soldiers.
I remember being a little girl, six or seven, and not being allowed to run around without a top on at the beach. Think about that, and think about how it's still like that. So, does this mean every single male wants to rape an eight-year=old girl playing without a shirt on??? WHEN SHE DOESN'T EVEN HAVE BREASTS YET?
Have you ever been someplace where topless beaches are common? Not a big deal, is it? Except for rude tourists. If it was a common thing, the huge, huge majority wouldn't even see it anymore.
And, lastly, how is this not discrimination under the law? It is.
It is discriminatory and ridiculous. A women -- and young girl -- should be able to go hiking, sunbathe, mow the grass without a shirt on if she wants. If she cannot, then why should anyone be allowed to go topless?
I am being totally serious, I'm not being snarky or silly.
= new reply since forum marked as read
I expect my own car would be in the body shop within a day or two. 
Seriously, it may help ease some of the puritanical repression that pervades America. 
We don't have air or a swamp cooler -just an oscillating fan & a spray bottle of cold water to keep cool. I finally said fuck it & took my shirt off. Even in my own home, with just me & the dog, I was very self conscious for quite a while! Now I'm so used to it I hope I don't forget to put my shirt back on when I step out to intercept my UPS man!
Most of it is religious based. And it's just getting worse as the media give the wackos an unlimited microphone to spout their perversion of what's considered immoral (bare breasts, contraception, homosexuality, & the list goes on & on) vs. what is really immoral (drone wars, economic injustice, lack of empathy).
Good post. Enjoying the comments. 
nude beach for most of the winter. Going topless is normal.
This is my extended family.
Women go topless. Men go topless. It's just no big deal. We teach our children at a young age that bodies are natural, so they do not grow up with any bizarre misconceptions about human bodies and sex.
The reason we are forbidden by law and custom to have our breasts "exposed" (lol!!!) in public is because twisted, unnatural religious cults have influenced and repressed American society ever since Columbus first brought them here from Europe, right along with the common cold and the love of gold.
