Hello Courtney! Thank you for the Interesting article. I think like most issues it’s got many layers. Yes, men (I’m a male btw) are 100% responsible and answerable for our actions. The Bible says that we are drawn away by the sin in us to whatever is tempting us. In other words, the object doesn’t temp us, what’s inside us is what draws us to the object.
On the other hand, some women have unfortunately allowed themselves to become objectified by so much bad behavior in society. Let me explain, when a teenage boy sees movies which objectify women, music which objectifies women, women becoming famous for having sex videos or posting the most revealing pics on Instagram etc. it feeds into the objectification of women.
What scares me most is that this is now presented as liberating to young girls. “Take control of your sexuality and go out and show your body if you want to. Be free, be bold, post naked or near naked pics, don’t let anyone tel you it’s wrong.” These are all arguments that are directed at young girls and many unfortunately listen,
Again, I cannot say this clear enough…I am responsible for how I view women. But young men are bombarded with way too many women who are willing to be portrayed as objects and so they grow up with the worst tendencies in them being fed and reinforced. Young men need to be taught to respect every woman, every one should be viewed as a whole person and not an object of lust or sex. And young ladies should also be taught to not fall for this false liberation. The Kendal jenner’s and cardi B’s (and for those from my generation the J Lo’s and Brittany Spears) should not be their examples.
It’s a vicious cycle that needs to be broken, men need to stop objectifying women. And young girls should be taught that getting attention the cheap way hurts all women…its tough but finding a solution means looking at all layers. Keep calling men out…also let’s teach young ladies that society (including some women) is actually feeding their objectification.
