It’s the middle of a blazing hot summer on the beach — you look around, shirtless guys everywhere.

Tan, handsome, men.

You look more and spot a shirtless woman — all around people are staring, moms are shielding their kids’ eyes until she is told to put her shirt back on.

“Tasteless”, “inappropriate”, and “bad-influence” are words you hear muttered.

What is the difference between a man’s nipple and a woman’s? Even the subject makes people uncomfortable and a bit squirmy.

But why?

If it is the same body part why is a woman’s nipple censored in movies, TV shows and photos? Women should not treated differently than men for going shirtless.

In three states, it is actually illegal for a women to show her breasts in public, whereas men are allowed to go without a top. This means women could potentially get arrested for doing something men do every day.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s women did not have the right to vote, and some people thought it was very wrong that the United States granted women that right.

In the 1950s and ‘60s, African Americans were thought of as less than human, but over time and through protests, people have changed their way of thinking.

Our nation’s history is filled with people who have fought for equality between all people. Why is this any different? Changing the way of thinking about a woman’s nipple will make gender equality seem less of a dream than a reality.

Instead of staring at a woman and calling her names for going topless in public, we should pride her on breaking the barrier of social norms.