By Kiersten Finch
Sexual objectification of women is a growing dilemma that is occurring all throughout society today. From advertisements to the way we simply socialize with each other, we don’t realize the effect it has on our view of women.
For those of you who may not know, sexual objectification is referring to a person as an object simply for sexual pleasure. So, it’s evident why most women would not appreciate this.
Studies have shown that some men find objectifying women an easier way to seek gratification, although it is superficial. They claim that it is a safer way to get a woman because if too many feelings are involved, there is a chance of rejection and losing their “man card.”
However, not all men are like this. In the end, it comes down to nature and nurture. It is in a man’s DNA to be sexually attracted to other human beings, but it does not mean that they are conditioned to objectify women from birth. “Boys will be boys” is not an acceptable excuse for this behavior. It is known that the less cultured a man is, the more he sees women and the world around him as objects. A cultured man will appreciate a woman for more than just her appearance.
Women aren’t off the hook in this issue either, though. Women are known to sit around gossiping about other women and essentially tear them down based on appearance. Little girls are brought up to always be conscious of their looks in public because “appearance is everything.”
Companies target men to buy products by using women dressed in a sexual manner in their advertisements. If you look at just about any product intended for men, you can find an attractive woman there to sell you the lovely product that has nothing to do with her whatsoever.
Even products specifically for women use models that are severely photo-shopped and unrealistic in order to persuade women to buy from them in hopes of looking like the models.
This may just seem like a good marketing tactic, but it also has serious consequences for its viewers.
When constantly being persuaded with ads like these, men start to believe that all women should be seen as sexual objects solely for the purpose of their pleasure and that all women should have perfect bodies, hair, and skin, as well as big breasts.
On the other hand, women have to deal with very traumatic effects because of this objectification. Women are being held to a certain standard by these men and others in society to be the ideal and perfect woman. However, these images that are portrayed in society are so photo-shopped and unattainable that it greatly affects women’s mental and physical health when they try to attain these looks.
Body shaming and anxiety become frequent occurrences as well as constantly feeling self-conscious and inadequate. This can even lead to depression and eating disorders once this fascination with looking perfect becomes and obsession.
Everyone needs to start standing up to those who sexually objectify women and challenge those who make remarks. Stop surrounding yourself with those who talk poorly about women and who objectify them and instead spread awareness and educate those who may not realize the issue at hand. Women need to stop stressing over how they appear to the public and focus on what makes them comfortable and feel good about themselves.
