General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: DU should be collectively ashamed that people here deny that objectification of women is a problem. [View all]The Straight Story
(48,121 posts)"Do people really think that David Beckham appearing on billboards in his underwear proves that men and women are equally treated as sex objects by society?"
Here is what I think based on all the threads here over time:
If someone sees a billboard with Beckham on it and they say 'wow, he is hot' I don't immediately want to run about telling others that the person who remarked that way only sees men as objects, wants to have sex with them, and should be ashamed of themselves for finding someone attractive based solely on the physical image they just saw (chances are they are never going to meet him and become friends with him to get to know him better).
What is natural, at least in my 48 years on this planet, is that...oh I dunno...people are generally attracted to others and looks are part of that whole attraction thing. We all know that you don't judge a book by it's cover but being a visual species we tend to at least factor that in from time to time.
The idea to shame others and tell them the only reason they like something is they are objectifying and are probably off whacking off to it (as has been alluded to if not directly said) is just plain silly.
Most everything in the media, movies, magazines, etc, centers around selling to the consumer. Women may prefer men in suits and powerful positions, so tv shows mad men or some such show that reflects what that group may want (notice I said 'may' as this was simply an example of consumer/producer relationship).
Do you really think CSI and Bones are realistic? I don't, but still enjoy the show and I don't think all detectives work like that. I don't think all women want to be half dressed on a beach smiling at me either or that they are just objects to be consumed. But I am told that I do because the 'show' I saw on DU didn't offend me enough.
Told I am not offended enough for others and because I am not I just hate women and their causes and am not liberal or progressive.