General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Because the 'Swimsuit Issue' is not an original concept… [View all]TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)...on the subject of objectification and porn. It is my opinion that not every image of a woman is objectifying her and certainly not every image of a woman in a bathing suit or shorts and a tank top, or whatever she chooses to wear, should be considered porn. I'm not saying that objectification doesn't exist. What I am saying is that the concept is subjective and open to interpretation.
At what point does my choice of swim attire make me a victim of objectification? Just the simple act of showing up at a public beach makes me an object? If I wore a muumuu would that make me any less an object in some people's minds? (An object of ridicule, no doubt, but no less an object.) If someone photographs me, will that seal the deal?
Is it possible that women make decisions about their bodies based on what fulfills them personally as fellow human beings and that it might have nothing to do with how they want or expect to be perceived by men? Is it possible that some women don't give a rat's ass what men think of them?
or what anyone thinks of them, for that matter, because how they view themselves is really the only thing that matters at the end of the day?
Intent should play a part in whether something is actually an example of objectification or not. It would seem that objectification is in the eye of the beholder. If I want to go to the beach to take in the beauty of nature, soak in some sun and feel the ocean waves against my bare skin, that's my decision. It's a decision made by me, about me and for me. Solely me. It's not about how someone might view my decision to go swimming in the ocean, sans clothing or otherwise. I'm not objectifying myself. If someone chooses to perceive me as a victim of objectification, that's on them and their warped view of reality. Someone's skewed opinion of how or why I exist is not my concern.
For people to claim that every situation involving a woman is somehow objectifying her is to take steps in the wrong direction by taking her power of autonomy away. Removing her power to make decisions about her own body and how she views herself and presents herself in this world is just another form of subjugation; only in these instances, especially here at DU, it's being perpetrated by women claiming victimization where none exists and on behalf of other women who don't happen to agree and who can think for themselves.
TYY