The Portrayal of Women

In class we recently began talking about how women are being portrayed as bodies in magazines, television and movies. There is no doubt that this is detrimental to future generations of women. However, where did the concept of “women are just bodies” come from? Did women start showing more skin for attention or did the media start exploiting the idea that sex sells? Lets take a look at both sides of the spectrum.

Let’s say it started with women. If women started wearing less and less to attract attention then the fault of women being perceived as bodies lies with them. The only way this scenario can be corrected is if women of the world dress differently and bring peoples eyes above the neck.

Lets say it all started with the media believing in the idea that sex sells. In this scenario women are the victims. The only way to curb this problem is to boycott and publicly reprimand the companies that cheapen the image of women.

The lines are probably not as finely drawn as what I just described. The problem could very well be a mix of the two mentioned scenarios. If this is so then both solutions must be put into action to restore the proper public image of women.