It is not surprising that the issue of boys in the ladies’ change room has become an issue. With the ever-growing numbers of people using the pool, this was bound to happen.
I would however suggest that Ms Fulton examine closely what she wrote (Gazette, July 28). You must be part of the growing number of women who do allow their children to see them naked at any time and I say good for you. I do not know whether you have an older mother or aunt who would allow your four- or five-year-old son to see them naked at any time? As we get older, many women feel that they should be allowed this privacy and it can be very disturbing to discover that a four- or five-year-old boy is staring at your naked body. In my case, I am not as upset, just surprised that a parent or guardian is not suggesting to the child that staring is somewhat disrespectful.
In fact, it is interesting in the course of the year, we see many small girls taking lessons from school who rush into the ladies’ change room and fight to get a change room stall because they do not want any of us to see their bodies!
There are ladies who do use the stalls and because of the crowded conditions, some days it is not easy to find an empty stall. Further I am one of the many women who like to take off their swimsuit when showering and then walk into the change room to dress.
Yes, it is a grey area, and in the best of all possible worlds nudity would be acceptable. However a little respect for older people and for those whose culture and religion forbids viewing the opposite sex naked must be accommodated. You wrote, Ms Fulton, that your son-in-law does not take his daughter into the men’s changing room. If we are to believe that your standard is that we should not be ashamed of our bodies, then surely a small naked girl in the men’s change room could be acceptable? Just a thought.
Elizabeth Allchin, St. Albert
