Wicked Local Mamas

Maiesiophilia: You don't even want to know...

[fa icon="calendar"] Aug 28, 2015 1:00:53 PM / by Di Ciruolo

Di Ciruolo

So we've all run across this at one point, creepy people who want to take pictures or touch the belly. Usually older, clearly iffy men. I was working with a pregnant young lady at one point, and a man was talking to her about her pregnancy-not in the context of having children himself, but just how "beautiful pregnant women are", and then he asked if he could take a photo of her. She politely refused, again she/we were working, but he wasn't interested in being put off, and took one anyway. She was 25 he was easily 60. I was 17 and never forgot it. 

Now, we've all seen that our husbands sometimes think we're sexy when we're pregnant, but scientifically they should, it's their child. Not to put too fine a point on it, but they remember putting it there. 

Cut to today, when Ben Stein ("bueller, bueller"-that guy-ugh) gets caught up in a sexting scandal with  24 year old performing artist, Tanya Ma, who he would like to "hug and kiss". Is this a thing you may ask? (Not what I said, i said "what the actual f*ck?!") It's a thing. It's maiesiophilia: the 'fetish' toward pregnant women, or pregnant bellies. I'm including the screen shots, you know in case you were poisoned and need to throw up. I'm saving lives here: 

See? feeling better now, aren't you?? Just kidding. I'm hoping this goes the way of the dodo. I'm not exactly excited to hear-or see (god forbid)-more on this one. It's ironic, isn't it, how maiesiophiliacs are so comfortable being misogynists? That while being turned on by pregnant women, they are also perfectly okay hating women enough to take pictures without their consent or blow up over being told no? Feels like there should be a Criminal Minds episode on this one. Remember: it is never, ever okay for people to touch you without your consent. Don't feel bad saying no, you'll need to get used to it, you and your baby aren't public property. 

Stay safe out there, Mamas!

Topics: Sexting, Ben Stein, misogyny, Motherhood, pregnancy

Di Ciruolo

Written by Di Ciruolo

Di is a freelance writer, blogger and newly minted WAHM and a Co-Founder at Wicked Local Mamas. She shares a son with her beautiful, well-bearded husband, Jay and 3 dogs of varying size and commitment to the happiness of the household in North Beverly, MA.