Hollywood has long objectified women for profit. It’s not surprising to see young, fit, and conventionally attractive women in large blockbuster movies, as these movies are usually directed toward a male audience. But it’s interesting to see how women are treated when they’re sexualized by someone else versus when they are sexualized by themselves.
Self-sexualization is a method used by many women to express themselves, feel empowerment, and escape the exploitation of others. It’s a way of shifting the narrative of objectification to reclaim the power stolen by the heteronormative ideologies of our society. It can be anything from dressing slightly promiscuously to working in the pornography industry. And it’s a really big deal.
Although many argue that self-sexualization does little to escape from the initial objectification, this process is a huge part of many lives. Many women use this process to create careers or ignite a change, and the rising popularity of online platforms like OnlyFans is a testament to this. If you’re being judged, shamed, and sexualized by society regardless, why not make money or gain fame at the same time?
Unfortunately, a large majority of society doesn’t see it this way.
Female streamers, YouTubers, sex workers, and other independent creators are often criticized for things like self-sexualization. These women are at best discredited and disregarded, and at worst slut-shamed and stigmatized.
Our society has lots of rules for how we can or can’t act, and it’s infuriatingly ridiculous that one of those rules says that women can’t use their looks for themselves. Hollywood sexualizes actors all the time, but it’s considered unacceptable when it’s done toward yourself? I find that absolutely hilarious.
Why are we slut-shaming individuals when their actions are completely consensual and normal? At the end of the day, it shouldn’t matter if someone wears short skirts or makes adult films. They’re allowed to do whatever it is that makes them feel confident; we don’t have the right to tell them it’s wrong when they do it for themselves. If anything, we should be shaming the big media companies that perpetuate stereotypes and treat female actors unfairly.
Hollywood has long objectified women for profit, and it’s time to demand a change in the business—even if those demands fall on deaf ears.
There is some hope, though, as this topic has gotten lots of media attention recently. The TV show Euphoria has gotten a great amount of backlash for forcing lesser-known actors to be partially (or fully) nude during certain scenes. Actors like Sydney Sweeney have spoken out against the (very real) stigma associated with nude performance, which could just be the catalyst for reform in the film industry.
I’m not saying self-sexualization is any kind of solution to fixing the patriarchal society we live in. But acknowledging the practice and letting people do what makes them happy goes a long way.
We should always be living for ourselves and engaging with whatever boosts our confidence. Screw what anyone else has to say about it.