If you didn't hear about it: the organizers of a fashion show in Madrid banned overly thin models from participating in a show this past September. Their argument? That underweight models were contributing to eating disorders. A number of modeling agencies were quick to protest, arguing that they were being scapegoated...and that their "naturally gazell-like" models were being discriminated against.
This brings up two points. First, that political correctness is all about spin. Only in our day could you say models were being discriminated against.
The second point: feminism is impeded not just by chauvenistic men but by women as well. Not conservative, traditionalist women but also liberal women. Anti-feminists. For every feminist who says a woman should respect herself and not dress skankily or act promiscuously, another feminist will argue a woman's free use of her body is her strength. A stripper is not a woman selling her wares to men. She is a liberated woman.
Anti-feminism is officially called sex-positive feminism. It opposes "legal or social" control of sexual activity. Any sexual activity...including pornography.
The root difference between the two groups is whether or not female sexuality is an extension of male privilege. I can't take either side entirely. But the fact that pornography is mostly viewed by MEN, that hookers are mostly hired by MEN, and that strip clubs are most frequented by MEN causes me to believe that sex-positive feminists are a bit naïve. Strippers and pornstars are selling themselves for money. Pure and simple. They are not champions of feminism. They are modern-day prostitutes.
7 years ago
2 comments:
Wow Jare, that's great. But what I really wanna know is....
what 10 things are you must thankful this year? huh? huh? yeah that's what i thought, you unthankful bum.
it's coal for you son!
~ the thankfulness fairy
About a year ago, I heard a radio program on NPR about this very thing. One of the issues addressed was a book written by a porn star that had become very popular. The ironic thing is that she is trying to tell people how to be like her (particularly in bed), but then goes on to share some of the horrible things that happened to her as a porn star (rape, abuse, etc).
The program talked about how the "sex positive feminists" have basically tried to undo the original motives of the feminists (the right to vote, the de-objectification of women, equal workplace and education rights, etc.) by supporting practices (such as pornography, prostitution, strip-clubs, and yes, even this model thing) that definitely lead to their increased objectification, increased male chauvenism, and often to increased crimes against women .
As someone who believes firmly in women's rights, but is saddened by the "women's rights" issues being twisted to support things that can be devastatingly damaging to women, I appreciate your post.
- Marci
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