Tipping Point and Lactivism

[vxclayborn]

Has anyone read The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tipping_Point

I just finished the audiobook and it's a cross of epidemiology and sociology.... incredibly intriguing to me.

It got me thinking of how normal breastfeeding relationships in the US could reach critical mass and become the norm.

At one point it talks about innovators; certain people who tend to stray from the norm, think more critically, and act on new knowledge (I'm guessing that would be us lactivists). While the general public often agrees with the reasoning of the innovators (immunity, ease, bonding,ect. ) does not act upon it until there is a certain number of people doing it also within their group.

Any thoughts on the books and the implications for lactivism?

[PatioGardener]

I've been meaning to read this book - now I have another reason! Hopefully this thread will stay alive and I can join in once I've read it. Off to the library...

[Janice in Canada]

Yes, I've read it.

I think books like these are critical, mandatory reading for any serious lactivist. Reading books like these, which are outside of the normal breastfeeding/birthing topic, perhaps make us even better, more motivated lactivists, that reading ANOTHER breastfeeding book!!!

I loved it - but I have a sales and marketing background and I just love these kinds of books.

Janice

[flower01]

LOVED this book. Read it before I was pregnant. I think if we read it and tried to apply the principles we could make some serious changes in every area that we think needs work. This is not typically my type of reading, but I read in like 2 days.

[Chavelamomela]

I've read portions of the book and enjoyed it, found it to be really smart.

We need (well, we do have) people who are "Paul Revere's" who can carry the positive message and example about BFing to the general society.

I think I have tried to be that kind of person in some of my circles, and it's made a difference (I think!). Being a resource and advocate is one thing, but having the communication skills and the connections to the right people is a second key component.

[dirtgirl]

I am fascinated by this idea too. Cultural change happens SLOWLY but then in retrospect, there seems to be a moment that a new paradigm takes over. I've been wanting to read this book forever! It feels to me like we are approaching a tipping point with breastfeeding. Some geographic areas are already there, while others have a ways to go. Breastfeeding is totally normal where I live, so I feel like I have a responsibility to use that to my advantage as an activist to "pave the way" iyswim.