Feminist Professor Exposed … Literally

A California professor has been exposed … well, actually, she exposed herself (and with a smile).

Dr. Diana York Blaine—a women’s studies professor at the University of Southern California—has decided to post topless photos of herself (warning: photos contain nudity) on the Internet.

Based on the pictures, Blaine enjoys burning her bras and being “liberated.” Unfortunately, that “liberated” feeling is available for everyone to see on her personal website.

The USC professor’s “titillating” site is causing quite a stir, but the university, apparently, won’t be making any “busts.”

A KNBC reporter said “a university spokesperson was caught off guard when asked for a reaction to Dr. Blaine’s pictorial,” according to the station’s website.

The university then sent KNBC a copy of the university policy that basically said a professor can do (or in this case “show”) anything he/she wants on a personal website because it’s a matter of “free speech and academic freedom” and “that must be protected in a university environment.”

And, of course, the policy also states, “The University will not be held responsible for the content of personal Web pages. Personal Web pages shall not imply that they are representing or speaking on behalf of the University.”

KNBC goes on to report that “USC would not say whether there was a code of conduct for its professors that extended beyond the stated policy on person Web pages.” However, NBC10 reports that school officials will be looking into that further.

Professor Blaine holds a PhD, which could also stand for “Posing Half Dressed,” and describes herself as a “philosopher, writer, adventurer, bon vivant and buttkicker” on her personal site, although “breast barer” should also be added to the list.

Although I find her public exhibition tasteless, I couldn’t help but laugh at one of the posted pictures.

While Blaine stretches out topless on a daybed with a nonchalant expression across her face, hanging on a wall in the background, above a desk, is a painting of a topless woman. Now, I don’t want to bring any more sham upon Blaine (as if I could) by saying the image in the background is more attractive than that which is in the foreground, but, here’s a perfect example of life imitating art.

Unfortunately, in this case, the imitation is a “boob.”