Why There is Nothing Wrong With Objectifying Women! (Or anyone)
Tags: Sexuality, Feminism, Sexism, Politics, Gender Equality

Disclaimer: I am talking about a very specific mentality that exists within the feminist movement. I understand that not ALL feminists feel this way, or feel as strongly about this subject. And I am not trying to make broad sweeping generalizations although it may come across that way at times. If/when I do speak broadly I’m doing so solely for simplicity’s sake since I don’t feel like constantly putting “But not all of them!” every other line. Happy reading!

So… I’d like to talk about feminism and its gripes with female sexual objectification. What is objectification anyways? Let’s look up the exact definition on Google… “These include treating a person: “as a tool for the objectifier’s purposes … as lacking in autonomy and self-determination … as lacking in agency … as interchangeable with other objects … as lacking in boundary-integrity … as something that is owned by another (can be bought or sold)

Hmmm. And what do many feminists like to point out? The objectification of women in media, advertising, Playboy magazine, strippers, female portrayals in gaming/fantasy/anime/comics/art, sex robots and sexdolls, women in cinema, escort services, pornography, Nyotaimori (Eating sushi off a naked woman), modeling, the beauty industry blah blah blah basically anything involving the “male-gaze” right? Ok…

But what are some ways that all of us in modern society, including feminists, do that objectify others nearly every single day? Now remember… Objectification includes using someone

“as a tool for the objectifier’s purposes”

“as interchangeable with other objects”

“as something that is owned by another (Can be bought or sold) ” — (You know, like how professional athletes and sports teams often are! $$$)

This is the type of language many feminists use when arguing that the objectification of women is wrong.

But, here is the problem with that… Technically every time a feminist goes out to eat at a restaurant she/he is objectifying their server. Every time they go grocery shopping or go to a fast food drive-thru they objectify the cashiers. Everytime they hire movers to move his/her furniture from place A to B they are objectifying. Everytime they hire a plumber, pest-control, or carpenter, they are objectifying someone. Because remember, when you objectify someone you are using them as a tool for your purposes whatever that may be. You don’t give a crap about who your cashier is as an individual, as a human being, they are there to serve you. And guess what? That’s ok!

So why is it that, when women are involved and sex is involved that objectifying someone is now suddenly an immoral and unethical act to many feminists? Where is the feminist outrage on low wage workers being used by big corporations as objects for profit making? Or the outrage of hiring someone to do a service and treating them as nothing more than a means to an end? If you ask me, the major flaw in these feminist arguments is that it’s selective outrage.

Now mind you, when I’m saying sexual objectification is ok, I’m not talking about rape, sex trafficking, molestation, etc. I am talking about the willing participants in society of legal age, that use their bodies and sex appeal for commercial purposes whether in marketing or to provide a service such as male entertainment. I think many of us are tired of feminists complaining and hearing them say things like: “OMG look at that billboard! that sexy model with her large butt who was paid to do a job is being objectified!” Or “Those disgusting action movies or video games where the women are portrayed as nothing more than sex objects with their tight revealing outfits and unrealistic blah blah blah should be banned! … Meanwhile the very same people are participating in other forms of objectification with the ONLY difference being that it doesn’t include female bodies and sex. Somehow those additions make objectifying suddenly an issue. Why do those distinctions make it worse?

What it comes down to, is that all of us objectify others in one way or another and no, it does not make you some sort of oppressor. If you’re not hurting anyone or taking anyone’s freedom away, then what’s the problem? (seriously) And for some, just because female portrayals in media and marketing makes you feel insecure about yourself doesn’t mean it should be taken away from others who enjoy it. This may sound harsh, but your insecurity is not society’s problem that’s for you to deal with and for you to figure out on your own.

If you ask me, this gives feminism a bad rap and it doesn’t have to be that way because I truly believe it’s why many people (including myself) can no longer get behind the movement even though feminism has accomplished many great things in the past such as women’s right to vote, more access to education, the right to initiate divorce proceedings, the right to access contraceptives and abortions, gave women choices outside of the household, created a more equal work environment, etc. but attacking the “male gaze” and attempting to erase all things catered to heterosexual men is not only wrong, but extremely hypocritical.