Why can't girls show breasts?

Answer 1

It's a cultural thing. Basically, because in much of the western world (particularly the US), women's breasts are considered to be "erotic" -- that is, they trigger sexual reactions in men (and some women). At the same time, our culture encourages women to emphasize their breasts by wearing somewhat revealing clothing, and even by getting them enlarged surgically. In this way, we reinforce the message that women's breasts are "sexy."

Our culture actually teaches boys to think of women's breasts as sexy through advertising, pornography, and making a huge fuss over things like Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction". ("Just in case you weren't among the few thousand people who caught a glimpse of Ms. Jackson's breasts, we're going to call your attention to it and tell you how bad it is -- don't look at those breasts! Janet Jackson's breasts! Those breasts are evil! Don't look!" Believe me, if you're a guy who didn't give a darn about breasts before all that fuss, you do now!)

If you look at classical art, though, you'll notice that prior to the 19th century, exposed breasts weren't all that controversial. During the Victorian period in England, exposed ankles were considered sexy. In cultures where women routinely breast-feed, most men apparently don't consider the breasts erotic.

And while I'm on my soapbox, how come boys can run around bare-chested and nobody makes a fuss?