Women Want Less Objectifying in the Media to Lower Standards

[Anonymous]

Less Objectifying = Lower Standards?

Every time a good picture of a model comes up, or when one of my friends pulls out a picture of a hot girl on his phone, girls often make comments like, "That picture is so fake!" or, they'll say something about the photo objectifying women.

The thing about this that bothers me is these pictures exist of men as well, but no man would ever say, "Wow that guys got a six pack! They should have a normal guy on the cover!" Men don't say things like that, even though every overweight man would love to lose weight, achieve a six-pack, etc.

Why Do Women Care, but Men Don't?

Men are not bothered by these types of pictures, so why are girls so bothered by them? In my opinion, I feel it is because women want lower standards.

I'm not saying this to be a jerk, I'm saying this because women preach, "Guys shouldn't care about looks" and other things along those lines. However, girls are not shy about wanting a good looking guy with six-pack abs, even though they themselves may be overweight, have small breasts, etc.

Double Standards

People may say "Well it's not achievable," but the truth is, every guy can have six-pack abs, and every girl can have a slim and toned body - it just takes effort and work. It simply seems that girls expect a lot from guys, but expect the standards to be lowered for them.

So that's #myTake. I know I'm probably going to get a lot of hate, but I just wanted to see if anyone felt the same :)

[VulcanHades]

People are going to dismiss this take as simply being misogynist but there is some truth to what you are trying to say.

It's true that women are being objectified and hypersexualized at a much younger age. But it's silly to blame the media and men for it. At 6-8 years old girls get these hypersexualized dolls for Christmas (parents fault and doll designers fault) and at 12-15 years old they buy all these teen/girly magazines that tell them they need to put a ton of make up on, be thin and have a thigh gap to be attractive enough (women's own fault and fashion industry's fault).

If men become depressed because of unrealistic images and gender expectations presented to them in the media, most people would tell them to not pay attention to it, "get over it" or "don't be a sissy, you're supposed to be a man and men are supposed to be stronger than women".

So we can only presume that women are easier to manipulate by the media. Because the same level of objectifying and unrealistic standards are presented to men. In ads, movies, games and tv series we always see handsome ripped and tall men models achieving very manly tasks but men are not as affected or offended by it because most of us simply don't care and do not see it as an attempt to control us to change or to be as perfect. Men realize how ridiculous and unrealistic those standards of beauty and gender roles are. But women seem unable to come to the same conclusion and instead want to censor the media by removing those visual images.

But of course they want to keep their stupid girly magazines, anorexic fashion models and male models unchanged because that's just really hot to look at..

[VulcanHades]

*men became depressed
*easier to be manipulated
*level of objectification

How I wish we could edit our comments. All those annoying errors and there's fuck all I can do about it. :( #grammarnaziproblems

[32916]

Right on the head of the nail.

[MaskedSanity]

You are correct.

There is still a lot of pressure on women to be aesthetically pleasing. Many even place full value on women's looks, that looks are the sole purpose of her existence.

So it's not at all surprising that women are getting fed with constantly being shoved images of perfection in their faces, being told how we ought to look like and such, while everything else is being overlooked as unimportant.

Yes, men are also expected to look a certain way, but the demand for ultra looks is not as high.
In the eyes of society the perfect man is that, who has achieved a lot in his life, reached his goals, has a career/job he loves and is financially stable.

Women, on the other hand, need to be aesthetically pleasing to be considered perfect. That's it. Career? Achievements? Contributions?
Nobody cares, unless the chick is hot and fuckable.

So of course women are getting peeved off, when all their value is being placed on something so shallow and TEMPORARY. Because guess what? The perfect man will still have his career and success after his looks fade. What will the perfect woman have? Wrinkles and snide remarks about how saggy her tits are.

[myTake Owner]

While looks are only temporary and yes looks fade but you can work hard and maintain looks for that small window of time and you can take advantage of the best years of your life because you looked good because you worked out stuff along those lines

[MaskedSanity]

-----------------------------------> Point

You.

[BuchitaBuchys]

Well said!

[misupanda]

I think you've missed the point unfortunately. Obviously you're entitled to your own opinion, but the truth of the matter is it affects women very much psychologically. Truthfully, not just any person can be super thin, that's extremely incorrect. I am larger for my height, have been told I'm fat, have been told I should lose weight, because I'm not stick thin. When I was younger and thinner, people still said these things even though I was healthy (still am) and a perfect weight. The media has models that are skinny to the point it's unhealthy, and it sets that ideal standard for women, even though it's not a healthy standard. Women take issue with this not because they want lower standards, they want HEALTHY role models. Most photos are digitally alterated as well. This actually does affect men as well. About 10% of body image related disorders are diagnosed in men, and most men admit to feeling they need to work on their bodies in order to be accepted into society. Same with women. So just because you don't personally care, doesn't mean other men don't.
I don't expect people to be attracted to me. I know I'm not model thin. I'm a curvier girl. But I'm extremely healthy, and honestly, it's a guy's loss if they won't like me because I'm not stick thin. I've tried losing in absolutely every way possible, and I still try, but in the end, I shouldn't have to hear "you need to lose weight" when I'm actually probably healthier than the person who says that to me. Women with larger breasts are depicted as sluts. As such, I've been groped in public quite a few times. It's violating and makes me feel like crap, since essentially, I'm an object to that person. My feelings don't matter. Women with small breasts are depicted as "boyish". Well, stick thin + huge boobs just doesn't happen naturally. Sorry to break it to you. These girls are told they're undesirable. That is why it's a problem in media and that's why it matters. It is an issue for BOTH genders.

[misupanda]

Also, no hate. I just think you're severely misinformed. Which is why I typed this whole big thing up for you. I've done a lot of research on this subject over the years, because I feel it's a huge problem in our society. The point isn't to lower standards. It's that the models used are usually not healthy and set an unhealthy standard for women.

[misupanda]

Also, think about how many men complain on this very site how women expect them to be confident, stoic, outgoing, and attractive. This is also a problem in media. Media says that is what a "real man" is. Similarly, the same is done with women. Real women should be super skinny, but have big boobs and a nice butt and submissive and sexual and the list goes on.

[dartmaul15]

bingo. OP's going to hate me for it, but that little rant was better than his take. Because he's blatantly ignoring the very basic proven theory of "not everyone have the same body build".

[misupanda]

@dartmaul15 Haha xD I actually did a huge research paper about it a few weeks ago, so all my information is still fresh in my mind. I don't blame OP for his thoughts, as this isn't something that is talked about too much. That's why I wanted to explain it to him. I also didn't want people to think it only affects women, because that's a huge misconception. A lot of men do feel uncomfortable as well.
I guess I got a little carried away with writing... maybe I should write a book. LOL.

[dartmaul15]

hehe, yeah. write the book.
Write one about objectification. MAybe the world will realie it's objectifying everyone. Because women are judged and valued by looks. Men by their ability to make money, and so on.
remember "if you're ruthless, look fat. If you're smart, look sexy". Make people underestimate you.

[myTake Owner]

While I understand what you wrote here and I think you have a good point every girl no matter you body type can be slim and toned it is hard it's not an easy thing to do I lost 60 pounds in a year it sucked dick but now I've got a six pack it was hard it was not fun but now I did it I would never go back I thought I was just destined to be a big guy but you can decide your destiny you were given a body you can decide how you use it if you go to the gym twice a week and eat a health diet you can get close to these looks everyone wants. For the stuff regarding "Real men" I'd say most men are confident and outgoing it just appears a lot of people are coming on here talking about it so therefore we see a large minority because honestly I can count the quiet guys I have met in real life I have on one hand so most guys exhibit these traits it's just all the guys who don't complain.

[misupanda]

OP, although losing weight was easy for you, it doesn't mean it's that easy or possible for everyone. (and body image implies more than just weight as well, such as perfect skin) I eat about 1,200 calories a day, and have trouble eating anything more. I exercise about 2 hours a day, sometimes more, to the point I developed an incurable foot injury. I still work through that injury, even though it hurts like hell (imagine a needle being thrusted into your heel with every single step. That's how it feels and it never stops). I was still gaining, so finally I went to my last resort and got put on pills (by my doctor) similar to meth. Most people lose about 10-20 pounds in the first 2 weeks. I've been on it a month now, lost 5 pounds in the first 2 weeks, and now haven't lost at all in the past 2 weeks. I have tried everything. I am very healthy, but tired of people telling me I'm ugly, need to lose weight, etc.

[misupanda]

So, that's my point. It's not even that it's 'not easy', sometimes you can try your absolute hardest, and it still doesn't matter. You can never live up to that perfect ideal. I am perfectly healthy, healthier than most of my skinny friends, however because people call me ugly and fat and treat me poorly because I don't fit into that ideal, they claim I need to lose weight. In order to be treated with respect, I feel I have to lose weight.

[Theguyoverthere]

Women will objectify themselves when it gives them personal gain. When those girls say "it objectifies women" a lot of the reason behind it is because that girl can take a guy's attention away from her and she doesn't like that. You will never hear about a playboy model "being objectified." She made the choice to pose. Your typical insecure girl will dart her eyes over pissed off if she's with a guy and a more attractive girl enters the room. She'll see the more attractive girl as a "threat" because she's scared she'll lose "her man."

The only real criticisms people can make are things like photoshopping and such. Plus honestly six pack abs for many guys can actually cause health problems. The definition in a guy's abs is heavily dictated by body fat % and usually requires them going below 10% body fat which in many cases can lead to true health issues. Most guys with six pack abs don't have those defined abs year round unless they are on anabolics. I'd say a "4 pack" is totally legit and honestly I don't see that many girls going nuts over it. I don't think most guys care because they're secure with themselves but also don't feel the need to "get in shape" in order to "pick up chicks." Only some guys go that route.

So overall, the whole "objectifying" thing is just something insecure harp on too much because they don't want to get in shape. Looks do matter. They're just not everything.

[Izzy2102]

I don't like the way this take thing is being used. I don't think you should be able to post anonymously and I hate that something as stupid as this is gonna be on my frontpage for a while.

First of all, you're wrong, it does bother men. Often those who have daughters because they are able to see it from her perspective
Second of all you're missing the point completely. It's that it's not realistic for anyone. Photoshop these days is used to create proportions that aren't humanly possible. They say it's fake because it is. It's not even the pictures that are the problem it's that they look so real men and many women can't tell the difference anymore.
I can't count the number of times I've seen men gush over a pic like on the left claiming it's completely real and achievable, when evidently it's not

cdn.lolzbook.com/.../...s-Why-I-Love-Photoshop.jpg

In the words of cindy crawford "I wish I looked like cindy crawford"
This is what Photoshop can do and I don't think enough people realize this
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x3oEQQObUAw/hqdefault.jpg

And you've missed the point on so many other levels also. So much more than I could write here. But I don't think anything is going to change your opinion. I do hate how guys claim male bodies are idealized in the media as much as female ones. Open your eyes!
Also this take is poorly phrased, you kinda expect more from that. You should work on that

[Izzy2102]

Also I don't think you understand what objectifying means. You should look at up, because you keep using it but it doesn't mean what you think it means. No one should be objectified in the media. I don't think that is even controversial, but it's a completely different issue

[misupanda]

I wouldn't blame OP too much, as everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone is ignorant about something at some point (since we're not all-knowing). I'm not sure if I would say females are more idealized in media... rather we see women being affected by it more (similar to sexual abuse), because men tend to be more quiet about their disturbances, as that's what society says a "real man" does. I would say, however, that women are more pressured by the ideals in media physically. I see men more affected by what media says their personality should be (stoic, outgoing, confident) rather than their body. I really think it's a problem for everyone, children, women, and men. I hope some day they will find a solution for this issue.

[Izzy2102]

@misupanda when clicking on this I just saw that OP is under 18, so maybe. But what bothers me is not that he is uneducated about , what bothers me is that he feel confident enough in his misconceptions that he goes out there and preaches it

Idealized is a big vague, I didn't know how to put in one word. But there is a huge difference between women and men in the media. The vast majority of ads are of women. Something like 80%. Naked women are used to sell everything these days. On the internet there are dozen of Facebook groups and website dedicated for sharing image of naked or half naked women. For men, not so much.
In ads aimed towards children around half of the ones for girls talked about beauty or looking good, while none of the ones for boys did

I agree men are less affected by it, but that's because they'e less targeted. Which is not to say that it's not an issue but IS lesser of an issue compared to women

[cipher42]

@misupanda: yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. He's entitled to his opinion, and we're entitled to our opinion that his opinion is idiotic. And no, we should not go easy on him, because how else will he get the idea that his opinion is indeed ignorant?

Also, the entire thing about objectification is that it's primarily physical. And even factoring in other things, I would contend that women really are affected far worse by media than men. Women are underrepresented, sexualized, objectified, and even women harmed by media's representation of women's personalities.

[Izzy2102]

@cipher42 I don't know if tough love is the best way to go here, but I agree with the rest.

Additionally to all that there is a lack of good female characters on TV. Mostly female characters defined by their looks
www.youtube.com/watch

[been_waiting]

Photoshop doesn't exist. Every hot girl in every ad actually has zero percent body fat except in her tits. Duh. Hater!

*sarcasm*

[misupanda]

Ah, I didn't even see his age, but yes, I feel it's probable. I agree, that if he states his opinion, he should probably have facts to back up his statements if he writes something about it. But mostly I was meaning that OP probably isn't writing it maliciously just to hurt people. I think OP is just misinformed. If we got our forks and pitchforks out at every person who is 'ignorant', we'd all be after each other, since absolutely every single person is ignorant about some topic. (ignorant simply means to not know something) Although don't worry, I simply stated that, I didn't think you were getting out your pitchfork. Haha. :)

It depends which type of media we are talking about. Keep in mind that media is any form of mass communication- not just magazines. I definitely think women are more used in advertising, as sex does sell. I think there's no way to find an exact number of all the media that affects body image, short of counting every single movie, ad, radio show, etc.

[myTake Owner]

While it's unfortunate that photoshop is used to extremes as in the second picture you showed and it can change some pretty outrageous stuff but at the same time the first picture you showed, that's a good looking girl while she doesn't look like that in real life obviously she still is a good looking girl who obviously works out a lot to achieve a good looking body. On the issue of claiming some stuff is achievable when it's not (The first picture you showed) a lot of the pictures of models the models are good looking girls they're by no means ugly and these models have to work out a lot in order to achieve that look and while you can't have a butt fat as a meter stick you can have a toned body it just takes a lot of work which it seems girls aren't putting in the time.

[misupanda]

In the end though, whoever it's a bigger issue for, I think it's important to look at the issue as a whole rather than for a certain gender, race, etc., as it sort-of divides us as human beings, you know? I know it's extremely upsetting for women, and women typically care more about their appearance (again, typically, not always xD). If we only focus on how it affects women, then there will be little boys and men suffering as well. I've seen firsthand how this affects men and women both. But like I said, for men, it's usually more "you should be stoic, confident, outgoing" rather than a physical thing, although there are physical pressures for men, too. So, I'm not saying that you're wrong necessarily, just that there's not a way to know for sure, as there's not a way to measure it that is completely accurate. I'm not disagreeing with you, just making the point that it affects a lot of men also. But I do understand your frustration!

[Izzy2102]

@misupanda Ya take is different from a question, he's not even asking why women are upset about it. he's just telling us that we're wrong to be upset about it, while being completely ignorant to the issue and that bothers me a lot

I understand media is a broad term but I actually think it's a common theme in all of them. Maybe less so in the radio for obvious reasons, but other than that I think it's all more or less the same
I'm sure the statistics on that are representative, but they are there and I think common sense should tell you that women and women's bodies are being used for that for more often than men, throughout all kinds of media

[myTake Owner]

Also I feel confident in my opinion because while it may bother you to hear, "Every girl can have a slim and toned body - it just takes effort and work" it's true, if you go to the gym twice a week (which every good looking guy does) You can achieve these looks because every guy can hit the gym and get a six pack get big arms and stuff like that and while it may be true you can't have an oversized ass no matter what you do you can still try and look like that but you aren't willing to try, if you put the work in you will become good looking or better looking than you are right now but you aren't willing to try but every single guy is expected to look like the media version.

[Izzy2102]

@Take Owner now you're just talking jibberish. I never said all of them are unrealistic but so many are. And the girl is being admired for her (non existent) big butt, not for her real body, despite it being a good body. That's the problem, we take already good bodies photoshop the shit out of it and then praise it
And ya I'm sure she worked hard for it, that's another point. I think it was Candice Swanepol who said looking like that wasn't comparable to someone works full time, it's her job to look like that and it's her life. How come she gets that and so many other people don't?
And as for it being realistic that's another point you've missed, well I'm sure it's possible to be at BMI of 14, which is where a lot of models are, but is it healthy or in any good to promote that? It's very dangerous to set the ideal body at clinically anorexic. But let me guess you're gonna say "No! they're not underweight, they're healthy" well medicine tells us otherwise it just shows that you and

[Izzy2102]

a lot of other people have no idea of what a healthy body looks like

[Izzy2102]

"Every girl can have a slim and toned body - it just takes effort and work" well that wasn't the heart of your take though was it?

What you are saying is we have no right to be upset about how women are portrayed in the media, because we're just jealous.
Everyone can be thin if that is what you mean. But your takes is completely ignorant to reality and just stupid

[Kiwedin]

You're right, girls are more sensitive to these images than men are, but the difference is, the objectification of women have led to a lot of negative sociological issues.
You said there's a double standard about fitness and beauty (that is achievable), and that's true, but there's also a double standard when it comes to gender and sexuality. In our society, men are seen as sexual beings who can have many partners and be praised for it, and women are seen negatively if she acts the way a male would with her sexuality. The media has created women to be sexual objects (a person regarded exclusively as an object of sexual interest) rather than sexual subjects like men (regarded as a multi-faceted being who can also be sexual). It would be different if these beautiful women were shown in more empowering shots, but they aren't. The sexual objectification of women leads to women getting less respect and are dehumanized in a sense, which contributes to rape rates and such. I can tell you as a sociology major that every little thing in the media that seems little, can actually have huge impacts on society. On the outside, these issues might seem stupid and insignificant, but if you really take the time to study them and observe the repercussions, you'll find that maybe they aren't so insignificant and maybe they should be fixed.

[CamelzBeSteppin]

3 guys have down voted this, 2 girls have up voted this, I'm gonna go ahead and say this is the most insightful thing I've read on here tonight, I was looking through the MyTake and thinking "This is accurate" then I read your post and wow, that's really true. I'd just like to thank you for making me realize. I appreciate it greatly!<3

[Kiwedin]

No problem :)

[Skadouchebag]

You're entirely right, but that doesn't really relate to what he said, which is equally right.

[juststrollin]

Beauty is taught and especially influences men it seems. For example women naturally want a man who is in shape to protect there babies they have with them. 6-pack or large bulky with muscle will be attractive forever on men.
Now the body type for women for some reason is constantly changing and not beneficial in physical aspects to the males... for example tall slim girls were seen as awkward looking until recently (1960s) and fashion said it was 'elegant'. But in order for businesses to make money like designers there has to be a ideal type for major bussinnesses to profit from and make stand out from average advertisements* i imagine. Not everyone is built tall, or with thin genes (one person may starve to look this way), like not everyone is short.
I;d have to say, as a ex fashion major and artist that it takes a person really in tune with themself and happiness to choose a partner based on personally being attracted to them. I also wonder if men use women as a status symbol out of primitive need to be ''top dog'' but girls do too I guess... Not to be that one artsy person in a forum but the simpler it is to be attracted to only what media feeds you, the more easy it is to control said tastes and it not be your own personal tastes. Just a thought. If curvy (hour glss) with a bit of pudge (Marilyn Monroe) were still the thing. Would you still be attracted to slim and tone? Just wondering... Slim and tone is also fine but unless your athletic I dont think it would matter if these images were not projected to you. Just a thought

[miserybusiness]

"every guy can have six-pack abs, and every girl can have a slim and toned body - it just takes effort and work"

You forgot about people with medical conditions that prevent them from having "hot" bods. And birth defects? Your generalization excludes certain populations who can't merely work out and look fab.

Also, the ideals of what is considered "hot" is something created by the media. Women complain about photos in magazines being photoshopped because they are, in fact, photoshopped. Which does make them fake. Do you really think half those busts are real? Also, don't forget, a hot and slim bod isn't necessarily a healthy one. A Victoria Secret model revealed that her abs and body - though fawned over by many - are actually unhealthy. Sometimes it's better to be "unattractive" and healthy.

Historically, society has sexualized the female body on a grander scale than the male body. The two are incomparable. There's a reason women are more socially pressured to place more emphasis on their physical appearance. There's a reason the make up and beauty industries are so exploited. Because in the larger scale of things, it is now almost a requirement for women to meet the unrealistic standards perpetuated by the media which has been enforced, over time, continually.

Body shapes of all forms and sizes should be appreciated, and yet we always see the slim, busty chick on magazine covers. It's almost like they're enforcing that there's only one type of beauty, when there are many.

[myTake Owner]

If you're in a wheel chair or you have cerebral palsy don't expect a hot guy to marry you flat out, and the Victoria's secret model who is unhealthy is not true for everyone you can achieve a good looking body without being unhealthy many people do it the "It's unhealthy" excuse is something people who aren't willing to try say about people who are good looking you have to work hard go to the gym and eat healthy in order to achieve these good looks while it is difficult it is absolutely achievable it's simply a matter of are you willing to put the time and effort in.

[miserybusiness]

Your first line is very sad and close-minded, and the fact that it's likely realistic shows why objectification is such a huge problem. Anyway, yeah, you're right - many people CAN work out and look better. But remember that this doesn't necessarily hold true for EVERYONE. I was pointing out the flaw in your logic.

To address your title: no, women do not want less objectifying to "lower standards" - but to create REALISTIC standards for us to follow if need be. Instead of perpetuating one ideal body type, realistically portray the many that are healthy. You don't need to be slim to be healthy. That is a misconception.

[Yellowbone]

"Every guy can have six-pack abs, and every girl can have a slim and toned body - it just takes effort and work."

This is where the problem lies. We all know men & women tend to think differently. The thing I've noticed about most men is that when they have insecurities, they want some sort of solution to the problem so that the problem will become non-existant. Women, on the other hand, don't want solutions to their problems. They just want to whine & bitch about them & wait for someone else to fix the problem for them (hence, they want men to tell them that they're "beautiful no matter what size they are.")

[myTake Owner]

I am glad a girl realized I wasn't talking shit about girls saying they should all look like models I was saying that everyone can look similar to those models they can't look exactly like them but they can try. Thank you :)

[Yellowbone]

TBH it would be a struggle for me to have a VS model body, but the difference between me & most girls is that I don't give a fuck about what the media says is beautiful. Some guys will like me, some won't. I don't need the media to show more normal-sized women on magazine covers to make me feel good about myself.

[myTake Owner]

But that's the point I was trying to get across for some people it will be stupid hard to get that body but if you're willing to put the effort in you can do it it's hard but not unachievable

[BelleGirl21]

While you have a point, I think you're forgetting a couple of key things. First off, the ratio of scantily clad perfect women compared to men in the media and advertisements is astronomically bigger. Yes, there are ads with very good looking guys but not 10 to 20 every time you turn around. Another big difference is women are taught that looking perfect equates to their personal value. That's how people like paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian can become famous without really achieving anything. For men it's easier to be accepted based on talent or intelligence etc.

[miserybusiness]

Great point! Men usually have more variance, whereas the amount of sexualization for women is much higher.

And this is something we see in varying societies all over the world. Females are typically valued more for their appearance in the entertainment industry, especially. Anyone remember the huge commotion over Meghan Fox? Girl can barely act. But she became famous over her beauty. I pay a lot of attention to the Korean industry, and female artists there are basically required to be attractive else they'll flop like a fish. (For you fellow KPOP fans, remember MamaMoo?) Women are frequently encouraged to get plastic surgery from a young age, as well, whereas men aren't.

[myTake Owner]

I agree with this but while the value people give you is kind of based for your looks you can achieve these looks it just takes a lot of effort no matter what you look like if you try really hard you can look similar to the models.

[BelleGirl21]

@miserybusiness, that's funny because I do follow the korean industry. Id say Japan and Korea are almost the worst in terms of plastic surgery.
@asker, I don't think the ability to look like a super model is within anyone's grasp. I workout a ton and while I'm very fit, I'm also 5'2". I will never look like a supermodel. Not to mention that supermodels are quite frequently anorexic, on drugs or have had a lot of plastic surgery. To expect that from average women is a little much. I'm not saying that gives women the right to let themselves go, but let's please hold them to a more realistic standard than models.

[VulcanHades]

@miserybusiness You are right however I don't think men are the ones encouraging things like plastic surgery, make up or anorexia/thigh gaps. Women see hollywood actresses getting nose/boob jobs and therefore think something might be wrong with their own nose or boobs. So part of the problem is women pay too much attention to celebrity gossip. Another problem is that female celebrities are irresponsible and giving a poor role model example to young girls.

Men often say they hate make up and find fake boobs disgusting (and unlike women they are actually being honest about these things :p) but our opinions and taste doesn't matter because it's all in a woman's head.

And while it's true that beautiful women tend to get jobs easier despite lacking talent or intelligence. The same is true for men. But I agree that it's not as often. This needs to change and I suspect it will change as more and more women become in charge of the production side.

[BelleGirl21]

@VulcanHades, I think men have more impact than they realize. While they say they prefer natural women with little makeup, go take a look at all the pictures of women men post just on here. Almost all of them are very sexual, over the top girls with tons of makeup. So your words say natural, and I do believe in reality that's true, your actions as males is screaming something else to us.

[BuchitaBuchys]

Very good point! Don't leave, we need this type of insight :x

[BelleGirl21]

@BuchitaBuchys thank you so much! 😘

[Mesonfielde]

Eh. This guy is just as objectified as any female whose boobs and butt are showing but their faces are cut off because "it's irrelevant".

www.carisroane.com/.../...35-How-to-Wear-Jeans.jpg

I think people are against this type of idealization merely because these standards are unrealistic. They're made with Photoshop, and people think that's actually what looks normal. Once you see it long enough, you'll think Victoria Secret models are "average", and think the average are "plus sized". It's stupid.

The media is fairly problematic, hence why I recommend watching this documentary called KILLING US SOFTLY 4: www.watchdocumentaryfilms.com/.../

[Izzy2102]

I disagree actually. That is not objectifying this is
www.yummymummyclub.ca/.../...-american-apparel.jpg
schoolinginequality.files.wordpress.com/.../jan10a.jpg
esmifiesta.cl/.../...ot-2013-05-14-at-11.09.10.png
media2.mic.com/...81a1c57c97a4b39b25f1af2ab538.jpg
kanyamj308.wordpress.com/.../
www.adweek.com/.../Go-Big-or-Go-Home.jpg
4.bp.blogspot.com/.../3.jpg
4.bp.blogspot.com/.../blog+photo.jpg
www.genderads.com/page5/slideshow-27/files/117.jpg

[Izzy2102]

I agree with the rest of it though

[Mesonfielde]

@Izzy2102 holy moses media2.mic.com/...81a1c57c97a4b39b25f1af2ab538.jpg this one is fucked up even more-so than the others

kanyamj308.files.wordpress.com/.../adsman5.jpg but this one objectifying guys is just hilarious in a weird way, thank you for sharing

[VulcanHades]

@Izzy2102 I'm willing to bet anything that 80% of those images were designed by female artists that studied marketing.

[Izzy2102]

@VulcanHades I don't if that is true, but what difference does it make? Why does it matter? The result is the same

[Izzy2102]

And ya I thought that one was quite shocking too. But actually I think the made in Bangladesh one is more shocking.

It's hard to find ads that objectify men, it's pretty much the only one I could find, but I wanted to put one in

[VulcanHades]

@Izzy2102 Well who creates those images matters if a group of people is going to be blaming men for it. :)

Of course in marketing the more something shocks and grabs attention the better it is. I agree that the result is the same.

[Izzy2102]

@VulcanHades companies make whatever sells and apparently the only way to sell something these days is showing half naked women.
Ads in the 50s and 60s were sexist too, but they were for the most part not objectifying and they didn't use women to sell everything. But society changed since then, today everything has to be oversexualised
cdn.churchm.ag/.../sexist-vintage-retro-ads-1.png
media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/.../...eb18f373865f.jpg
media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/.../...fc13d3e44669.jpg
media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/.../...b3f3aa41797a.jpg
finedininglovers.cdn.crosscast-system.com/.../original_Ads.5.480x600.jpeg

I'm pretty sure the last one would be illegal now but somehow we're fine with the one that chops a woman up in pieces

[Mesonfielde]

After asking this question here:

www.girlsaskguys.com/.../q1257494-take-2-do-you-think-this-girl-has-an-ideal-body-put-down-your

I think it's actually women who are forcing the objectifying and unrealistic standards on others and themselves. No female voted A) so far. Don't vote A) just to disprove this statement unless you actually agree.

[been_waiting]

That's not why women are uncomfortable with half naked pictures of women on everything, darling.
Its a problem when there's a bikini clad girl in a Hardees commercial. There's a problem when there's half naked women in car commercials.
Yes, every image IS photoshopped. Fact.
75% of prepubescent girls claim to be on a diet. Anorexia is a thing. 3/4 of women are "unhappy" with their bodies. Because we are taught to believe that these images are what normal bodies look like. Little girls being constantly exposed to 'perfect" half naked women is bad for their well being in several ways.

But yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah. Yeah. You men have it worse yet you don't complain, blah blah, we're all just bitter because we're not hot, yeah yeah.

[been_waiting]

And let's be honest. Not all people can be hot. Being slim isn't all there is to being hot.

[myTake Owner]

While it's true these images are photoshopped every single swimsuit model is going to the gym at least twice a week and eating healthy in order to look as good as possible while photoshop does do some pretty ridiculous stuff to certain pictures (I'm sure everyone saw they before photoshop picture of Kim Kardashian naked) the reality is people who are going to the gym and putting the time in are getting results people want and a lot of people aren't willing to put the time and effort in and then complain about objectifying and stuff along those lines.

[been_waiting]

Again... women aren't complaining because they don't look as good as the girls in ads.
Do you understand what objectifocation even means? I don't think you do.
I'll reiterate this again as well... being slim and fit isn't all there is to being hot.

Impossibly tiny waists, bigger boobs, perfect hair, smooth tan skin, etc is photoshopped onto these women. They're selling ideals that exist in 0.001% of the population. Even really thin models are havinf inches shopped of their waists. WHY. What's even worse is that men say these women are real..
stonecrazydj.files.wordpress.com/.../...senics.jpg
groovesontheradio.com/.../...eo-Before-After-4.jpg
pmchollywoodlife.files.wordpress.com/.../...tr.jpg
groovesontheradio.com/.../...eo-Before-After-1.jpg
www.beautyredefined.net/.../...eauty-redefined.jpg

[misupanda]

The sad thing is, a study was done by Dove of women from all over the world, and only 2% considered themselves beautiful. It's a very sad and real issue, and not just in the U. S. From every country. Most of the women in the study admitted that they felt society expected them to be better looking as well.

[been_waiting]

@misupanda very true.

[been_waiting]

Unfortunately most are insensitive to this issue

[myTake Owner]

Men don't really want their girls to look like that with the tiny waist and things along those lines what men want is a slim girl with a toned body that's what matters and it seems that women almost try to use that the media objectify's women as an excuse as to not looking good.

[been_waiting]

You still don't get it... women don't use that as an excuse, and how would that be one anyway?
I think you have a very immature and limited view on this subject

[KleinTeef]

Ugly girls on posters, adverts, girly magazines don't make money - the pretty ones do. It's just companies doing there job: making money out of women who don't feel pretty, who suffer from low self-esteem and who who see this "pretty" girl and want what she wants so buys the product.

Fact of the matter is, women weren't always so worried about their looks, weren't always blaming men for having such high standards and certainly weren't calling it "objectifying" ...

I find it entertaining when a woman says "OMG IT'S SO OBJECTIFYING" when the woman in the poster has agreed for the photo to be shopped and for her to be taken naked/semi-naked/fully clothed.

[misupanda]

Again, I think you missed the point like our friend OP here. The point isn't the woman in the picture. The point is what it represents. These women are plastered all over the place and told "this is the ideal" "this is beauty". If a woman isn't stick thin, huge breasts, nice butt, and perfectly flawless, then she isn't good enough. That's the problem. People strive to become like the models, when it's not even physically possible, as they are photoshopped. This causes fatal eating disorders due to the pressure. It's the similar pressure put on men when they realize the "ideal" for men is a confident, strong, stoic man.

[KleinTeef]

You're mirroring my point.

"These women are plastered all over the place and told "this is the ideal" "this is beauty". If a woman isn't stick thin, huge breasts, nice butt, and perfectly flawless, then she isn't good enough." hence what I talked about women buying the stuff the companies are selling.

"People strive to become like the models, when it's not even physically possible, as they are photoshopped. This causes fatal eating disorders due to the pressure. It's the similar pressure put on men when they realize the "ideal" for men is a confident, strong, stoic man." Again this exactly what I'm saying. Women, as much as men, will lose their self-esteem and self-worth because they do not conform to the "ideal man/woman" portrayed by mainstream media.

[misupanda]

See, I don't think you're understanding what I'm saying. A woman herself may not be affected by it in itself. But media affects society. Society tells women they aren't good enough unless they're that ideal. I explained in another part, when I was 120 Ibs, perfectly thin and healthy, I was called fat and told to lose weight by many people. That's due to the representations of "beauty" in the media. Did you know way back when men actually preferred larger women? That used to be the "ideal". Now, the "ideal" has changed, because the representation set by the media has changed. Similarly for men as well. You can blame the individual all you want, it doesn't make it any less of a problem.
Here's an example. The media portrays women with big breasts as "easy". I dress very conservatively, yet I have been groped in public several times. My feelings were not considered. I was essentially an object. They assumed I would let them. Am I conforming? I cannot control the actions of others.

[KleinTeef]

This is going no where... Let's agree to disagree.

[ImagineRelease]

It matters because of every group indoctrinating everyone to join it's religion of hate of something else. the shocking thing is this...

It's only objectification until it's to save animals.

Then naked girls covered in in plastic on a Styrofoam tray is activism. PETA pictures are some of the hottest pictures you can find out there, but all they're doing is programming girls to think you fight problems with your sexy little body, then demand a man not to objectify you because you're an activist, not a stripper.

[1152pm]

Actually things like that are just promoting the sterotypes...

[ImagineRelease]

Exactly, promotes the stereotype of what's hot, and then uses that to save animals, it's just a strange campaign

[BertMacklinFBI]

" but the truth is, every guy can have six-pack abs, and every girl can have a slim and toned body - it just takes effort and work" -yeah I agree with that

[cipher42]

Not all people have the same body type though, and some people have conditions preventing them from doing the work necessary to get such a body, or preventing them from getting such a body even if they do do the work. It's really not that easy.

[BertMacklinFBI]

@cipher42 "If you are determined you will find a way, if you are not determined you will find an excuse" - Dwayne Johnson

[cipher42]

A random quote doesn't prove anything. Again, it's really not so easy for a lot of people, and for some it's downright impossible, or just unhealthy.

[BertMacklinFBI]

@cipher42 the meaning of the quote means it is all dependent on the individual. and that alone holds all the merit. inconveniences are inconveniences, but its no excuse if an inconvenience is going to get in the way of something a person really wants. If it does then they must not have wanted it bad enough. when you say unhealthy you're probably describing a girl starving herself to drop the scale, which I don't support. but the end goal is up to the user, regardless, if the person is willing then they will find a way.

[myTake Owner]

@cipher42 The reality is, if you're in a wheel chair don't expect a 6 foot 2 guy with a six pack to marry you, at the same time if you're not going to the gym at least once a week don't expect a guy who works out a lot to date you. And all that bullshit of "Glandular" problems people have that "cause" them to be overweight, come on everybody know's that's not true if you eat right you can lose weight if you're not willing to eat right you will be overweight, if you think some people are just skinny you're delusional, if you think some people are just overweight you're kidding yourself anyone can be thin and have a six pack some people will just have to put more effort in to achieving that.

[myTake Owner]

@BertMacklinFBI that is one of the most profound quotes ever...

[misupanda]

Typically I love your posts, but this one I have to disagree with. ;~;
I get what you were trying to say, and of course people should strive to be the best they can be, but that perfect ideal set by the media simply isn't possible. Literally, if you had some of their BMIs, you'd actually be dead. xD That's the issue. It sets a standard that isn't possible. Similarly, they appear to have perfect skin, but most people have birth defects, acne, scaring, wrinkles, etc. These things are considered "ugly", but really, everyone has them.

[BertMacklinFBI]

@misupanda oh d00d I in no way agree with media. what I believe in though is if someone wants it then they can achieve it if they are willing. that's it.

[myTake Owner]

While you can't look exactly like the model in the picture if you put the time in and try you can get as close as possible to that look and still be healthy it's just people aren't willing to put that effort in that's the issue I was trying to get at here.

[miserybusiness]

@misupanda we're on the same wavelength. I think I love you.

[Anonymous]

My biggest problem is the women that have a problem with it are actually anti freedom. Muslim women that stay covered all the time often feel western women are the ones that are oppressed. Muslim women aren't running around half naked creating unattainable standards of beauty for other women. Nor do they feel the same pressure to starve themselves like western women.

Women need to understand if they want the right to look sexy and shake their ass, then the standard of beauty will start to be raised. Just think about how much lower our standard of beauty would be if makeup was illegal. Of course women don't want to be told they aren't allowed to wear makeup. This is a problem women created all by themselves. Sometimes there is a cost for freedom.

[misupanda]

I'm not sure where you got your information from, but you're wrong. As a person with ties to the Middle East, I can tell you that plastic surgery is a huge issue there, and they idolize physical appearance very, very much.

[miserybusiness]

Honestly, that's arguable. Muslim women stay covered up for reasons of religion, not beauty. Regardless, I was born as a Muslim, though I'm not one anymore, and you'd be surprised how much emphasis they do place on their physical features behind the scene.

"of course women don't want to be told they aren't allowed to wear make up"
that's like saying we should tell men not to wear ties

"this is a problem women created for themselves"
Actually, I believe this is a problem men created for women. All of these "beauty trends" you see today are influenced by history, which expanded into the double standard implemented today. Back in the patriarchal days, every industry was dominated by men. Who do you think invented the bra? A man. It would pretty reasonable to imply that the glamoutitization of make up in America, too, was started by men as women had no say in what they would wear, how they would act, and what they would look like.

[Opinion Owner]

Of course you think it is a problem men created for women. It is normal in today's society to place all blame for a woman's life style choices on men in order to remove all responsibility from women.

Historically women were told to keep themselves covered. It wasn't until women were sexually liberated that this became a real issue. VS models are picked to sell things to women. Models picked to sell things to men aren't nearly as skinny as VS models. Women are chasing after an ideal body type most men don't even prefer. Stop blaming men for the problems you created for yourselves.

[miserybusiness]

I love how you completely ignore the bit about Muslim women. Indirectly admitting your ignorance there, are we? Nothing wrong with a brief "I apologize for incorrectly speaking about a culture I clearly know nothing about."

You have a good point. However, you're forgetting about the fact that again - historically - women were always valued for their appearance over anything else, regardless of the sexual movement. You can't deny that men played no part in this.

[Opinion Owner]

I didn't ignore the bit of Muslim women. Some Muslim women will of course care about how they look. I never implied that wasn't the case. The issue however is far worse in western countries, and denying that is just plain ignorant. So it wasn't worth mentioning.

So what if women were valued for beauty? You think men did't have it just as bad? Men can be attracted to anything we want to be attracted to just like women can. Pointing out that people like attractive partners is a weak point to make. That is just simple biology, not some evil male plot.

[miserybusiness]

Yes, actually, if you re-read what you wrote in the first post, you implied that Muslim women don't really care about what they look like... which you only just clarified now. So, thanks for that. Fact is, Muslim women do place immense pressure to look good, though in different ways. The same judgement exists for them. But I WILL agree with you when you say that the issue is worse in Western countries.

No, men didn't have it as bad and that seems to be the consensus after reading all these comments here. I'm repeating what others have already said but inherently, sexualization for women is far more predominant than it is for men and that will likely always be a problem.

[Opinion Owner]

My original comment about Muslim women was a generalization compared to western standards. Of course people of every community will be individuals. That is so obvious it shouldn't need to be stated.

I said men had it just as bad, not that they had the exact same problems. Men were expected to be providers and protectors. This often would cause the man to lose his life or to be seriously injured. In both cases men and women were trying to be what they thought would attract the other gender.

[LovelySerene]

No... not every girl can have a slim, toned body... there are so many health issues that can keep that from happening, you need to do some research... I have a rare disease that effects every joint in my body, Sure I'm thin (103lbs, 4'9 1/2 ft tall), and I don't Look at pictures with guys with 6 packs, nor would look for a guy like that... But am I not allowed to be beautiful because I'm disabled and don't look exactly the same as a photoshopped model?

[myTake Owner]

Honestly not to be an asshole but to be flat out honest, you won't be as good looking as the girls who don't have these diseases that's how it is.

[LovelySerene]

And this is exactly why women hate being objectified... because it creates guys like you, who believe that the photoshopped women is really what beauty is supposed to look like... Maybe it's because you're young that you don't really understand. But I can sit here and say "I feel that I am beautiful", but just because I'm "Different" and because of the objectifications... Society will never see me as beautiful.

[misupanda]

@LovelySerene I for one think you're absolutely gorgeous and wouldn't ever be able to tell that you have a disability! In some way, most people have disabilities, so to look down on someone for having one would be stupid, since everyone has some sort of disability. Some are just more visible than others. But you are super pretty! :D

[LovelySerene]

@misupanda Aww thanks! You're so sweet... and that's so true!

[CamelzBeSteppin]

Same goes for guys, there's always a equivalent for the other sex, well... almost always.

[CamelzBeSteppin]

But I get your point, and it's a good one.

[Anonymous]

I see more fit girls with chunky dudes than I do fit guys with chunky girls, so I'd say that men are more critical of a woman's appearance which is why they need lower standards.

And yes, everyone CAN have a perfect body if they work hard for it, but IT IS NOT REALISTIC. People work 40 hours a week. They have families. They have friends. They have interests. Achievable, yes. Reasonable to spend every waking hour at work or at the gym? No.

[myTake Owner]

If you wanna be all you can be you've gotta put the work in, you can make excuses as to why you can't but it's achievable and it is realistic to achieve these bodies the reality is you can just make excuses as to why you can't but you can put the work in to get that it takes like 2 days a week it's not difficult.

[Opinion Owner]

lol you're under 18? When you actually get out of highschool and fucking grow up and start living and realizing how hard it is to manage all of the things I mentioned, then you'll see.

And trust me, you gotta work out a hell of a lot more than 2 days a week for a perfect body. you're so fucking retarded.

[myTake Owner]

You can make excuses as to why you can't or you can try and come close at least.

[Anonymous]

The reason girls don't make a fuss about the men on covers is because we are aware they do not reflect the average guy. Guys on the other hand expect more from women. We are meant to look like magazine models and fuck like p*rn stars both in which are not true representations but most guys are not aware of this.

[poppunk]

This

[VulcanHades]

Ah, so you're *aware* of it but you're unaware that most men also aware of it. Got it. :)

It's all in your head. Men don't expect more or less from women.

[VulcanHades]

*are also aware

[Opinion Owner]

Not from the comments I hear in every day life from men about girls or not from the comments made throughout the Internet.

[Mesonfielde]

Look at this question, it completely disproves your claim. It's females who expect unrealistic standards of others.
www.girlsaskguys.com/.../q1257494-take-2-do-you-think-this-girl-has-an-ideal-body-put-down-your

[CamelzBeSteppin]

While this might apply to some guys, you're generalizing. Far from all guys are fucking stupid, it's plain rude to say "Guys on the other hand...*Insert negative thing here*" So please stop it with the stupid shit.

[LastGirlScout]

I know men and women who care a lot about looks and I know a lot who don't. It just depends what kind of people you surround yourself with. If your micro community are more mentally mature and less materialistic and shallow then these things matter less to you. Real people like real people. They won't be expecting a super model, and if they are they better look like one themselves if they want a chance.

[Prettykangaroos]

I just thought it's say that I'm in a lot better shape physically than my boyfriend, but I'm perfectly content with what he looks like. I don't expect him to have a six pack or any of that. Actually, I don't expect any guy to have a six pack! He does, however, expect me to maintain my weight, and has actually told me I should to squats to make my butt better! Lol, anyway, I know not all guys are like this, and I'm not disagreeing with you, just thought I'd share (:

[LauraMarx]

lmfao nice article buddy, well done. Seems like you put two... maybe three minutes into it

[myTake Owner]

Why would you say that?