Question

You have been given an assignment to speak to your local town council. The title of your speech is “Breastfeeding in public: A right that ought to be protected.” What types of sources would you start with to get an overview of this topic? What other research might be needed? What information might you include in your speech?

Answer 1

my advice: first look at precedent, or the pre-existing laws/cases that establish what sorts of rules have already been made pro or against public breastfeeding and why. you can find scholarly articles through databases like EBSCO or through the library

another piece of advice would be to seek public opinions through local newspapers/editorials to see what the general opinion is, and why people are pro/against public breastfeeding

for your speech, you are already given a position (breastfeeding is a public right). so you should strive to include quotes/information that help back up your position. keep in mind the title: "a right that ought to be protected". you don't necessarily have to agree with the practice, but your paper should argue that people have that right

Answer 2

@Shadow when you get a chance could you look at this? I attempted to address the question but perhaps you may have something else to add :S

Answer 3

Vocaloid has provided a good foundation of where you should start. I would only add that you should define your terms. Whilst public is generally well defined, breastfeeding and right are not.

What is breastfeeding? What is a right? The first thing you do after you present your thesis (argument) is defining your terms. Because if you don’t, your opposition will, and they will choose a definition that either benefits them and/or hurts you.

For example, breastfeeding is with exposed breasts or under a shawl of some sort. If the opposition is allowed to build an image of a half naked woman in a children’s playground, you will run into some trouble.

Next, how does your definition of breastfeeding qualify as a right? Look at relevant cases and precedent as Vocaloid suggested. This is key.

Whilst this is no debate, there are benefits to provided a well defined structure of what your argument is. Not only to withstand the assault of the opposition, but to formulate an understandable position within the audiences mind. Hint, make it relatable.