Sexualisation 'harms' young girls

[LadyBug02]

The media's portrayal of young women as sex objects harms girls' mental and physical health, US experts warn.


Magazines, television, video games and music videos all have a detrimental effect, a task force from the American Psychological Association reported.
Sexualisation can lead to a lack of confidence with their bodies as well as depression and eating disorders.
Such images also have a negative effect on healthy sexual development in girls, the researchers said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6376421.stm

[machine_rat]

Though I understand the negative impacts from the entertainment industry's objectification of women, we need to remember that there are countries out there even now where women very truely are considered nothing more than objects.

[LadyBug02]

Originally Posted by machine_rat

Though I understand the negative impacts from the entertainment industry's objectification of women, we need to remember that there are countries out there even now where women very truely are considered nothing more than objects.

Yes and that is very sad. In some countries they are even considered to be property which is also very sad. I wonder what can be done to change the plight of women in such countries?

[machine_rat]

It's hard to say how we or any other outside influence can go in there and change the culture of a country, especially when their mindsets are so entrenched in the past ("tradition").

Start off by showing them the scientific studies that prove that every society that has empowered its women has become (and is) a thriving economy.

[Newtolove]

basically society has to stop focusing on money and using any method to get it by using any method to promote its useless articles and think about the well being of the comunity

[sera300]

I never felt exploited due to models and sex culture for the past oh, 18 years. Much has to do with people who lack confidence; if that is not ingrained at home the parents & media are useless. Harmful? Only if you are short of an idiot.

Change needs to begin at home and within the person--not the media. It should be poor self image promulgated at home leads to psychological damage!

[Psychosis]

I personally think that this lack of confidence is perfectly justified. And it doesn't have too much to do with the person's education, it's just that any realistic person would realise what their chances of being respected are. So, with no respect, can that poor girl expect to be loved and appreciated as she deserves? of course not.

Boys and young men are so immature, but will their mentality change over time, or will they always think that what the media shows them is normal? Better yet, some might know that it's not normal, but like the idea of turning women into objects.

Anyway, any normal girl has the need of being appreciated. It's just that she has too much to cope with and it's very frustrating. She may want to look perfect, she may be frustrated if she lacks sexual experience, she may have a fear of being cheated on (of course she will be), which doesn't make her very happy...

I personally wonder if I should even get married or not. I grew up with a strong desire for stability, having a family etc. That's what seemed normal to me. But come to think of it.. it would probably be an unsatisfying life because of my beloved husband. :P I live under the impression that all men are impossible to please. It really is frustrating. And I'm extremely jealous, which only makes things worse.

Well who cares about marriage, I'll be lucky if I manage to keep a guy for a few months. (see what the media has done to me? and I'm not the bad-looking type, I don't get sad if I see pretty girls on tv, but there are some things that I don't like about my body - such as, one breast larger that the other - and I see this as a tragedy..you may laugh, it's stupid, but that's how I feel).

My solution is simple, stay away from men! but it's not a very good one. There are joys of life that we all deserve to have, such as love and sex. But finding a good partner is so hard nowadays.. :<

[Newtolove]

yes I know just where you are coming from especially when the girl of my dreams after nearly two years says to me you know its only in these past few days I've come to realize your a really nice guy that just wants to be loved..... perhaps she had too many other unecesary things on her mind to realize this imediately...... if only things were simpler and modern media and society (which media drives itself to satisfy) makes things so complicated

[sera300]

Actually men are easy to please; meaning the right man for you. As far as your body image; most women have the same issue breasts are in all different shapes/forms & sizes. This is actually very normal.

As far as marriage? Nothing wrong with it but you need to be whole as a person, as does he, and together you are stronger as a pair then as singles--forming a strong partnership. But you have to let jealousy & insecurity go since they seem to hinder your moving into what you desire.

[EvilEvilKitten]

You do not learn anything about men if you stay away from them. You do not learn anything about women if you stay away from them. And if you listen to pop psyches in the media - you will go nuts. Everyone has a poor self image - so it doesn't matter. Everyone worries "is it me?" so that does not matter either.

Take your courage up in both hands and get social.

Yes, sera - men are easy to please. Most would be tickled pink and forever grateful if you, a woman, just noticed their existence!