So in the minefield that it is dealing with gender issues we come to the topic of the objectification of women. I’m always (how can I put this)... thinking how this is an inordinate amount of bullshit foisted upon men.
Just that statement is bound to get me in trouble but hear me out...
Look no one is saying that being boorish towards a woman is ever okay. That falls under common courtesy and manners though, it’s just a matter of being polite and nothing more.
Objectification, well I hear a lot of clamor about how women don’t want to be objectified but answer me this if you will: which gender spends an incredible amount of money and time trying to change their appearance and if not for some sort of objectification then to what end.
Case in point, I came across this article in the newspaper:
Think about this if you will, there are all kinds of products to make parts of a women directly associated with sexual attraction better and MORE ATTRACTIVE.
Fuller lips, eyes, bust, tummy flatteners, ass enhancers... REALLY? WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PURPOSE IF NOT TO OBJECTIFY ONESELF AND MAKE ONE MORE ATTRACTIVE?
There are whole industries built up around this and there’s a big difference from merely looking good and taking pride in one’s appearance. Understandably, this is not a zero-sum game and you can’t make a blanket statement that applies to all women but honestly how easy is it to navigate the mixed messages.
Even then, it’s not a question of objectification as much as it is WHO’S DOING THE OBJECTIFYING!
If it’s Brad Pitt... well I’m sure the level of indignity isn’t quite as severe as it may be if the same objectification comes from, let’s say Donald Trump. Mind you I can really understand why but it doesn’t lend validity to the argument about objectification.
Anyway, what do I know. I’m getting older by the second, more stupid every day and undoubtedly will be accused of ‘mansplaining’ because it’s alright in our culture to be a misandrist.
Just that statement is bound to get me in trouble but hear me out...
Look no one is saying that being boorish towards a woman is ever okay. That falls under common courtesy and manners though, it’s just a matter of being polite and nothing more.
Objectification, well I hear a lot of clamor about how women don’t want to be objectified but answer me this if you will: which gender spends an incredible amount of money and time trying to change their appearance and if not for some sort of objectification then to what end.
Case in point, I came across this article in the newspaper:
When Hollywood’s most glamorous actresses hit the red carpet at next Sunday’s Oscars, their bods will be made hotter with an arsenal of enhancers, from “chicken cutlet” bra inserts to shapewear. And in some cases, the ladies will be packing another concealed weapon: butt pads.
The caboose boosters are the latest awards-season essential, creating curves back there without the pain, expense and risks of surgery or endless reps in the gym. “Butt pads are a tool for a specific look: they work best to emphasize your body with a very slinky body-hugging gown or pants,” says fashion expert and television personality George Kotsiopoulos.
Think about this if you will, there are all kinds of products to make parts of a women directly associated with sexual attraction better and MORE ATTRACTIVE.
Fuller lips, eyes, bust, tummy flatteners, ass enhancers... REALLY? WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PURPOSE IF NOT TO OBJECTIFY ONESELF AND MAKE ONE MORE ATTRACTIVE?
There are whole industries built up around this and there’s a big difference from merely looking good and taking pride in one’s appearance. Understandably, this is not a zero-sum game and you can’t make a blanket statement that applies to all women but honestly how easy is it to navigate the mixed messages.
Even then, it’s not a question of objectification as much as it is WHO’S DOING THE OBJECTIFYING!
If it’s Brad Pitt... well I’m sure the level of indignity isn’t quite as severe as it may be if the same objectification comes from, let’s say Donald Trump. Mind you I can really understand why but it doesn’t lend validity to the argument about objectification.
Anyway, what do I know. I’m getting older by the second, more stupid every day and undoubtedly will be accused of ‘mansplaining’ because it’s alright in our culture to be a misandrist.
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