WASHINGTON — A complaint made by an Arlington, Virginia, mom about the physique of her daughter’s swim instructor has stirred up a heated response online.
According to ARLnow, the woman — who wanted to be referred to only as “Lynn” — penned a letter to the Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation complaining about a “male instructor’s breasts.”
“We felt extremely uncomfortable with her getting into the water skin-to-skin and in such close proximity to his intimate space,” the mother wrote, in a letter sent to various news outlets. “Lynn” wrote that she wants her daughter switched to a different instructor who is “more appropriate.”
The story, first reported by ARLnow on Thursday, sparked an immediate response on WTOP.com and on social media. Comments ranged from mocking and incredulous to shock and anger.
“Thanks for teaching your daughter the fine art of body shaming!” Jean Burlingame-Pulley wrote on WTOP’s Facebook page. “I do not think his man boobs has any to do with the life saving swimming instructions she would be receiving.”
Dozens of others also referenced body-shaming in their comments, including Jennifer Stuntz who wondered, “So if he was ripped, fit and there were no ‘man boobs’ would the no shirt still be an issue?”
“Would she be writing this letter about an instructor with a 6-pack? What if the instructor were, say, a large-chested female?” a WTOP commenter voiced similarly.
“I think the Arlington Parks and rec Dept should ban this woman from entering and of their public facilities. What if it was a guy body shaming a woman? He would be banned, maybe even arrested for harassment. Am I right?” a different WTOP.com user wrote.
Other common themes among the responses have been support for the swim instructor, and sympathy for the child involved.
“Feel sorry for the child, as she is the true victim here. Not only will she potentially miss out on her swimming lessons, which are important as a life skill, but she also has that woman as her mother,” Steve Cooperstein posted on the WTOP Facebook thread.
“I think this male swim instructor is a victim of body shaming here. And the park’s management responded professionally,” Soo Wilson posted.
ARLnow reports the Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation responded in an email to “Lynn” earlier this week.
“To address your concern, all of the instructors teaching for DPR wear swim suits that are appropriate for swimming pools, active movement, both in and out of the swimming pool and for teaching swimming lessons. … I am sorry that you feel uncomfortable, however, [the instructor] handles himself in a very professional manner in water with students,” the letter reads, in part.
What’s your reaction to “Lynn’s” letter or the Department of Parks and Recreation’s response? Continue the conversation in the comments below, or on WTOP’s Facebook page.
