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And he obliged, since according to Kate Purchase, director of communications for Justin Trudeau, the Liberal leader obliges thousands of Canadians who ask him for photos. I’d assume there is some discretion at play; for example, Trudeau might hesitate to wrap his arm around a man with a swastika emblazoned on his forehead. But breasts do not carry the same sort of taboo messaging as does a swastika: Whereas the latter might say “Kill all the Jews,” the former says, “Hello, I have ovaries” or “Yes, I use these to feed infants.”

Predictably, however, the photo caused a stir, which was catalyzed by right-wing commentator and TheRebel.media commander Ezra Levant. “What politician would pose for this picture? What strategist would advise it? What point does it prove?” Levant tweeted, then deleted. Then, on his website, he added: “What does this say about Justin’s judgment? His attitudes toward women?”

I’d say it says Trudeau rightfully doesn’t approach women’s bodies as something pernicious and I’d add it would say a lot more about his judgment if he refused to take a photo with a topless woman.

Nevertheless, the supposed scandal took off on Twitter, as these things tend to do, with critics parroting to each other the usual lines about how Trudeau is “just not ready.” This photo, to them, was further evidence of that.

The effect of this sort of attack, however, is nothing but good news for the Liberals: They come off as progressive and egalitarian while their critics appear out of touch and curmudgeonly, spooked by a couple of nipples. There was a similar effect this time last year, when the CPC sent out a series of flyers warning residents about Justin Trudeau’s “plan to make harmful drugs more accessible.” The flyers breathlessly warned that “The Liberals WANT to make buying marijuana a normal, everyday activity for young Canadians,” deaf to the fact that the majority of Canadians actually support decriminalization or legalization of marijuana. Such attacks might have worked in the old echo-chambers of campaign politics, but now it comes off as tired and musty.

Had Justin Trudeau — or any other politician for that matter — refused to take a photo with a topless woman, it would surely say more about his character and judgment than did his compliance. It’s not 1950 anymore, nor is it 1991, when Gwen Jacob would be charged for taking off her top on a hot day. While toplessness is still not “normal,” it’s certainly acceptable in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of many women. Maybe in another 20 years, Justin Trudeau’s critics will come to recognize that.

National Post

Robyn Urback • rurback@nationalpost.com | robynurback