How does one satisfy millions? How do producers, directors, those who are controlling the narrative of another, achieve success that is so great and growing? Within films, music videos, anything presented in a visual manner attempting to capture the attention of another, women are often sexualized and objectified as their advertisements, resulting in the attraction of a certain male audience. However, the pressures to be presented in a more sexual manner attract more than a male gaze, as a hyper focus surrounding the physical appearance of women can lead to distractions among their accomplishments and attract dysmorphic struggles within the real world, leaving women with the question, is to be seen to be sexualized?
Sometimes while watching films, this question lingers within the minds of women as they are four times more likely to be shown undressed on screen compared to a man, or while walking down everyday streets, this question comes to light, as 80% of women have experienced a form of sexual harassment within these outings. Society desires to sexualize women at any possible given moment, within the media and just as much without it. However, to be or to not be sexual is a decision individuals can only make about themselves, as the only body people should have control over is their own. Within music, movies, and varieties of media, varieties of women choose to illustrate themselves through self sensuality, which is the idea of embracing one’s body and empowering others with it, without desires of validation from others. These women often inspire others to see and be confident in the beauty within themselves, advocating for celebration and acceptance of our bodies, as every individual deserves the right to feel comfortable with the anatomy they were given. But just because a person presents themselves with greater self – sensuality, does not make them any less human or deserving of harassment. Sexual and sensual expressions mean different things to different people, meaning communication surrounding these topics with individuals is so incredibly important, and is often not done within the media, leading to generalized stereotypes, and stigmatized ideas. To engage in these negative perceptions are forms of societal regression, and overall contribute to concepts that go against the “My body my choice” movement. Women within the media and not, deserve the right to illustrate themselves in whatever ways they desire, as for one to have control over their own body is a liberty which should never be up for debate.
The only body individuals should have control over is their own, meaning presenting oneself in a sexual manner is a decision individuals can only make about themselves. Unfortunately, this idea is often lost and disregarded within the media, and is instead often replaced by sexual pressures and demanding expectations which ultimately target all women. Whether it is one of thousands of comments on a digital post, or a unwanted request from a weirdo at a party, no matter the circumstance, to pressure others to perform or present themselves in a more sexual way than they are comfortable, is by definition sexual harassment. To obsess over the looks of women, to pressure some to show more and to shame some to show less, this hyper focus on what is and what is not considered beauty, steals focus from their achieved accomplishments, their applauding talents, and their personalities. This constant mania of appearance simply takes away the internal aspects which are just as beautiful as the outside ones.
Pop culture, novels, movies, music, the arts and entertainment industry contain all aspects of what now defines generations, meaning the ignored oversexualization of women within it will have major and meaningful effects as well. If neglect continues to be more popular than change, women will continue to be the victims of it. Societies need to un-normalize the constant sexualization of women, and see them as who they are, as people, as real life human beings, with minds, talents, along with their beauty. As it should be known that to sexualize those who do not want to be sexualized is the crime known as harassment. Like all individuals, women deserve to wear whatever they desire, act in ways that suit themselves, and be treated equally without objectification and the haunting question of, is to be seen to be sexualized?
