Thesis Statement
There is a gender imbalance online and offline when it comes to young females posting and sharing revealing photos on social media compared to young males. Young girls are receiving negative comments and reactions because of the images they post on social media, however males who upload photos with similar content tend to receive less negative attention. It is discussed in this paper how Web 2.0 and social media aids the sharing of these images.
Abstract
It is shown in this paper how technology and social media aids the sharing of these images. This paper explores how young girls are receiving negative comments and reactions because of the more revealing images they post on social media unlike their male friends. The negative comments take place both in person and online and people share similar opinions regardless of how they are expressed. The first point will compare the reactions and comments made when it comes to females sharing intimate images of themselves from a young male and young female perspective. The reactions that females get compared to males when they have intercourse and how this can be linked to similar treatment they receive when sharing intimate photos will also be discussed. The situations are different but the double standard between males and females is still very active and similar in both situations. Young females are looked down upon unlike their fellow male students who are celebrated. These opinions can translate onto social media and societies acceptance of intimate photos, the same double standard exists in both events. The final point will compare how female students aged between 10 and 17 are treated online compared to offline. There is a clear sexual double standard between males and females in the offline world and the online world. This shows how the thoughts of their fellow students can follow the young females from their online social media life to their real offline lives. This paper’s objective is to bring to light these imbalances from both male and female perspectives comparing and contrasting students’ opinions.
Young girls are receiving negative comments and reactions because of the images they post on social media, however males who upload photos with similar content tend to receive less negative attention. The internet, specifically Web 2.0, social media and mobile phones are aiding the sharing of young female student’s intimate images. A double standard between young males and young females when it comes to the sharing of revealing or intimate photos online is evident. It is taboo for a young female to share an intimate photo, it is seen as a stupid action but getting a hold of this photo as a male gives the male student notoriety between their friends and fellow male students. Intimate photos are images of individuals which depict a person being nude and showing their sexual organs or breasts, or images containing any sexual activity. This paper will discuss the double standards and imbalance between male and females when it comes to the sharing of intimate and revealing images through technology including social media (Mascheroni, Vincent & Jimenez, 2015).
A double standard has been created between young males and young females when it comes to the sharing of revealing or intimate photos online. Young females who take intimate photos of themselves typically get blamed if their photo is shared without consent, however there seems to be no negative reactions for the male students who take part in sharing these photos. Giovanna Mascheroni, Jane Vincent and Estefania Jimenez conducted interviews between students aged 11-16 in countries such as Italy, UK and Spain. They interviewed the students on the issue asking them questions to gauge their reactions and opinions on young females posting online. The interviewers asked questions relating to young females sharing intimate photos and getting the comments from both male and female students. Sharing intimate messages is not a recent activity but the sharing of intimate images is and has been aided and made easier with the use of mobile phones (Berlatsky, 2015).
Social media is a part of Web 2.0 which is the second generation of the internet. Web 2.0 allows people to collaborate and share information and lets users contribute to this information via social media, blogging and through web-based communities. Web 2.0 allows users to interact with each other and this allowed the sharing of intimate images via social media (“What is Web 2.0? – Definition from Techopedia”, n.d.). Before Web 2.0, students could share intimate images and messages through text but now they can also share them through social media which has become a part of our everyday lives. Social media is a big part of Web 2.0 because of its ability to connect people instantly.
Young girls are posting images of themselves on social media but are receiving negative reactions and are perceived to be struggling for social acceptance online (Mascheroni, Vincent & Jimenez, 2015). The images that young females are posting online often get a mix of positive and negative attention and the poster can also receive unexpected bullying and stranger grooming. While they receive mostly negative reactions, it is also believed by their peers that it is deserved. Students in the study were also aware that males did not receive the same reactions. The girls posting these images are often lifted up by their close friends who leave comments like “stunning”, “beautiful”, and “love you” (Mascheroni, Vincent & Jimenez, 2015). These comments would be the only positivity attached to these photos. The rest of the attention is negative and is often people thinking poorly of the young females for their choice to take the photo. A female student said when the picture is of a boy without a t-shirt or in his underwear, no negative comments are made but encouraging comments such as “you’re the boss” are made by their friends. The female students can be insulted by fellow male students by name calling. Another says that young male students can take their tops off and if they’ve got a six-pack or an appealing appearance, they can show it and post it on Facebook and other social media sites. Boys are more likely to post these photos compared to female students. Although boys may post more photos of themselves with little clothes on, they are celebrated but females are looked down upon. This shows the double standard that males and females are subjected to when it comes to posting revealing photos online or sharing them via messaging or texting (Mascheroni, Vincent & Jimenez, 2015).
In another journal article the authors also interviewed school students on the topic of young girls sharing images. A young female mentioned a competition that involves young male students where they try and see who can get the best photos of nude female students and the competition even came to who had the best photos of larger breasts or who had the photo of the most popular girl. This situation uses technology, social media and Web 2.0 to share the images, but they are more private intimate images. The images are shared through private messaging or texting. Even though the messages are being sent with technology they are often between two parties that are known to each other in the offline real word., There are situations where two people meet online and keep their relationship online only, due to the two parties living too far apart to see each other, or if catfishing is involved and one doesn’t want to meet with the other because they will be caught lying and deceiving the other. In the situation of male students getting photos to show their fellow male students, the intimate photos have more credit if the female student in the photos is known in the offline world (Ringrose, Harvey, Gill & Livingstone, 2013).
The young female students still blamed the problem on their fellow female students for sharing their photos and not the act of male students showing their friends or sending them around. Several other female students also blamed the fellow female students for taking the photos in the first place. Four year 10 girls said ‘it is the girl’s fault most of the time. They shouldn’t be taking the pictures in the first place’ (Ringrose, Harvey, Gill & Livingstone, 2013). Another also says, ‘the boys make it worse by spreading it, but the boys don’t really care’ (Ringrose, Harvey, Gill & Livingstone, 2013). This attitude puts blame on the young female students in the pictures but does not hold equal blame on the male students who were involved in sharing the images. The interviewer then asks what their thoughts are regarding if the male takes the photo of the female during a sexual experience, with the young female’s response being that it’s the young male’s fault but also the young females for letting him take the photo. The year 10 girls said if a male has sex then it’s was viewed as positive by their fellow students but if a female student has sex it’s seen negatively. Females are not held to the same standard as male students and this situation already shows the double standards when comparing the two genders. The discussion/interview that unfolded shows the clear double standard based on gender. During the discussion both males and females are criticised for their actions but the females sharing the images on social media or via texting are perceived as stupid for putting themselves in the situation, even if the males have taken the photos the females are still stupid for letting them take the photos. Male students were also asked what they thought about the action of sharing intimate photos. The male students found that they would get respect from their fellow male students for having these photos but also thought the girls were ‘slutty’ for sending the photos. As the male students gained respect the female students involved in the photos lost respect. The male students also said it was common to share the images and to show their male friends. One male student even says girls like this he wouldn’t love (referring to a girl who wrote his name on her breasts and uploaded it to social media using Web 2.0). He didn’t know why, he just wouldn’t love or have respect for them. He would just have sex with her and then he would leave her. He would talk to her, but he wouldn’t get into a relationship with her. This view showed that their online opinions continued into the real world. Such kind of situation also showed that even though the male student got a good photo when it came to the social competition between male students, he didn’t respect the female individual who took the photo.
These double standards are not new but are further aided by technology which allows youth to circulate these images with ease, such as social media sites and mobile phones. Interestingly one male student said that girls who sent these images didn’t respect themselves but then also said that he didn’t respect them either.
The double standards do not just show in the online world. People’s online identities are directly linked to their real identities and with this the opinions they received online followed into their real lives. Young females and males are inclined to present or create the best side of themselves online that they personally believe will be liked and well received by their peers (Boyd, 2007). Offline females get treated the same as online females. This is shown in the situation where the male student is tagged in a public photo of his name written on a young female’s breast. He said that girls who post photos like that he would never love but just have sex with and leave (Ringrose, Harvey, Gill & Livingstone, 2013). Comparing this to the male students having a social hierarchy competition on what photos they could get and having social value depending on who was in the photo and the size of their breasts. The male students and other female students looked down on the female students who shared these photos of themselves but also the male students benefited socially from having these images (Ringrose, Harvey, Gill & Livingstone, 2013). The last example is both female and male students posting similar sexual images online and receiving different responses. The female students would receive praise by their friends but behind their back people would be calling them names or talking negatively about them. When male students posted similar images, they were called things such as “boss” and seemed cooler (Mascheroni, Vincent & Jimenez, 2015). Comparing similar photos but with differing genders showed two different reactions to the photos, highlighting the gender double standards in both the online and offline worlds.
Conclusions
In conclusion, there is a clear double standard between males and females online and offline when it comes to the sharing and posting of intimate photos. Male and female students sharing the photos publicly would receive completely different reactions, highlighting the double standards between the two sexes (Mascheroni, Vincent & Jimenez, 2015). It is shown in this paper how technology and social media aids in the sharing of these images. It is taboo for females to share these images but perfectly okay for males to post similar images. The double standards are present in both the online and offline world. The two offline and online opinions are not separate, and the individual receives the same opinions in both on and offline. These opinions towards females are more negative compared to the male students, and there is a clear double standard between the two sexes.
References
Berlatsky, N. (2015). The Misguided War on Sexting. Reason, 47(1), 68-69. Retrieved from https://searchproquestcom.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/docview/1671113654?rfr_id=info%3Axri%2Fsid%3Aprimo
BBoyd,
D. (2007). Why Youth (Heart) Social Network Sites: The Role of Networked
Publics in Teenage Social Life. Macarthur Foundation Series
On Digital Learning, Youth, Identity, and Digital Media Volume, 13. Retrieved from
http://www.danah.org/papers/WhyYouthHeart.pdf
Mascheroni, G., Vincent, J., & Jimenez, E. (2015). “Girls are addicted to likes so they post semi-naked selfies”: Peer mediation, normativity and the construction of identity online. Cyberpsychology: Journal Of Psychosocial Research On Cyberspace, 9(1). doi: 10.5817/cp2015-1-5
Ringrose, J., Harvey, L., Gill, R., & Livingstone, S. (2013). Teen girls, sexual double standards and ‘sexting’: Gendered value in digital image exchange. Feminist Theory, 14(3), 305-323. doi: 10.1177/1464700113499853
What is Web 2.0? – Definition from Techopedia. Retrieved from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4922/web-20
Hi SPrice
This paper is very well written and articulated and was a pleasure to read. I like how you said that female students receive more negative reaction than male does hence causing the gender imbalance in the online world as well as the offline world. you have shown how on social media young girls are receiving negative comments and reactions just because of the things they are posting. It could be said that even till now there is still a double standard between these two genders. Do you think that in the upcoming years there will be an improvement towards Female student receiving negative reaction?
Looking forward for your reply
Thanks
Varshanabye
Feel free to check out my paper:
https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2019Curtin/2019/05/05/social-media-platforms-turn-out-to-be-a-narcissistic-trait-for-young-adults/
Hi Varshanabye
Thank you for reading my paper good to hear some feedback. Understanding what I want to happen with these double standard and what I think will happen unfortunately do differ. I think it will take quite a few years but with the help of education and the double standard ideas getting older its possible. I do think education is key in this change and introducing new ideas through schools.
Steph
Steph
Hi SPrice,
Your paper has a very strong argument, and its title captured my attention straight away as this interesting yet important topic has crossed my mind on several occassions.
While we have claimed on many occassions that Web 2.0 has revolutionised or at the very least impacted certain aspects of society and different communities, it is unfortunate to learn that it has not managed to overcome the issue of double standards and the “commodification and objectification of women’s bodies” (Dobson, 2014, p. 100), as you explored. The prominence of the issue offline has merely extended its reach to the online world, too.
Last year, we saw the introduction of the ‘revenge pornography’ legislation in Australia, meaning that those who share intimate images of another without permission can be fined up to $105,000 and risk spending seven years in prison (Reichert, 2018, para. 3). At the micro-level, however, how do you think we can begin to remedy this situation? Do you think it is best to first educate males on how to responsibly deal with images of this nature, or possibly begin educating females on what not to send and share. Or, do you think it is most wise to enforce the idea that both genders must not participate in the taking and sharing of intimate images at all? Although, maybe it’s best to target attitudes first? What are your thoughts?
Looking forward to your reply,
Thanks,
Devyn 🙂
Check out my paper if you’re interested:
https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2019Curtin/2019/05/05/active-now-how-web-2-0-allows-for-the-formation-of-online-communities-capable-of-initiating-change-through-activism/
References I’ve used to inform this comment:
Dobson, A. (2014). Performative shamelessness on young women’s social network sites: Shielding the self and resisting gender melancholia. Feminism & Psychology, 24(1), 97-114. DOI: 10.1177/0959353513510651
Reichert, C. (2018, August 16). Australia passes ‘revenge porn’ legislation. ZD Net. Retrieved from https://www.zdnet.com/article/australia-passes-revenge-porn-legislation/
Hi Devyn
Thank you for commenting on my paper.
I believe education is key and should be given to both male and female students. In doing so the old thought’s can be slowly filtered out as the new ones come through with the new generation. Female students had similar thoughts to the male students about people who shared these images and thats why education should be given to both genders. I do believe it will take time but it can slowly filter into society and other education levels as students get older.
Thanks Steph
Hi SPrice,
Your paper topic was very engaging, and I liked your analysis of how females and males receive criticism differently. I appreciate how you backed up your stance by using previous research and interviews in order to strengthen your argument and relate it back to real life situations. It is evident that technology allows users to spread these images with ease through social media platforms and mobile phones, however, I find it interesting how you brought up that these double standards are not a new thing, and it has happened even without the emergence of web 2.0 and technology. I wonder what the double standards would’ve been like in the past before technology and social media was around? I have a brief understanding of gender roles and how women were stereotyped to be child bearers, as well as take care of the household and cook. However, I would like to research more into it and see how women and men were treated differently, as males now are praised and celebrated for their sexuality, however, females are looked down upon negatively by society.
In my paper, I touch briefly on the difference between adolescent females and males and how they are treated differently by society when sharing provocative pictures of themselves. Feel free to give it a read!
https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2019Curtin/2019/05/06/the-influence-of-social-media-on-adolescent-girls-identity-and-self-esteem/
Looking forward to your reply!
Zane
Hi Zane
it is a very interesting topic as i’m sure you found when researching your paper on social media and its influence on girls self esteem. Removing technology would be interesting and I agree with how differently men and womens sexuality is looked at differently. The double standard looks down and frowns upon women who sleeping around but men are celebrated for it. The double standards also does not have to always be about sexuality, taking it back to when women couldn’t vote or were in a place of power (ie, bosses, working, politics). Their seems to have always been a double standard based on gender just to different extents in the past.
Thanks for reading my paper, definitely an interesting conversation.
Steph
Hi there SPrice,
I loved the introduction to your paper. Your argument was strong and captured my attention. I think this topic is really interesting because at surface level it is an intriguing phenomenon that web 2.0 has brought about, but your topic also brings up the deeper argument about gender equality.
Through your argument, you have shown how the double standards do not just show in the online world, but also reflect into peoples real-life identities. Many micro-celebrities and influencers make their entire living off posting explicit images online. I would go as far to say that there are more women influencers then men and that women influencers have a far larger audience and fan base. This large audience and fan base reflect that people enjoy and respect womens online personalities. Do you think this double standard only translates to ‘every-day’ people, or also to online ‘celebrities’?
I look forward to your response! Thanks again for a great read.
Alice 🙂
My paper if you wish to read: https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2019Curtin/2019/05/05/web-2-0-effect-on-societys-engagement-with-activism/#comments
Hi Alice
Thank you for having a read.
Your question isn’t one I have thought about but does pose a very interesting idea. I don’t think anyone could escape how others view their actions and i’m sure there will always be someone thinking that an influencer shouldn’t post certain images even if it becomes about body image. I feel this topic could be a whole another essay and a very interesting one. Instead of contrasting genders it can contrast normal and celebrities.
Thanks Steph
Hey,
I loved reading your paper. Your argument captured my attention. I think this topic is really interesting as it allows you to speak about equality on the internet.
Do you think that minor celebrities and influencers help in creating this cycle of blame and negativity towards women?
How do you think that we could change a culture of blame and negativity to allow for the fostering of positivity on online forums?
Thanks for an awesome read.
Aleighsha
Hi Aleighsha
It’s hard to comment when it comes to celebrities because I have not done any research but it would be an interesting parallel. As for your second question I have some thoughts on how to change the blame culture and negativity. I believe education is key and in doing so we can filter in a more positive opinion and bridge the double standard gap.
Thank you for having a read
Steph
Hi SPrice,
I really like your conference paper, it contains interesting argument. I certainly agree with you about the gender imbalance online and offline when it comes to young females posting revealing photos on social media. what i would really like to know is how you came up with this title? like what made up want ti write a conference paper about this topic ‘Female students receive more negative reactions to revealing images they post on social media compared to their fellow male students’ is it from a personal observation?
Please do check out my conference paper where emphasis is laid upon ‘Social media influencers post semi-naked selfies to get more likes introducing the practice of ‘micro-celebrity’ trend.’ we do have this aspect of semi-naked selfies that is revealing pictures for you in common.
https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2019Curtin/2019/05/06/social-media-influencers-post-semi-naked-selfies-to-get-more-likes-introducing-the-practice-of-micro-celebrity-trend/?fbclid=IwAR1Hwv-erhaaLDd-D6-pXjzJhfwtb5_3O1Bz–6fukOekWVs-KrCzAox4nU
Hey DRamen
I have definitely witnessed this through out my life, hearing of friends getting photos reported because they are in a bikini or even hearing how women are talked about in high school. I think I was also interested in this topic because i didn’t understand why only females would experience this and not males and how there was such a stark difference in my eyes and experiences.
Thanks for having a read
Steph
Hi SPrice,
I really enjoyed reading your paper especially the detail you went into to show how technology has enabled this shaming on female students and the double standard which exist between them and male students. I also used Mascheroni, Vincent & Jimenez’s reading in my paper and I think it’s a shame how much young female students suffer through today when females in general are continually being encouraged by famous, influential stars such as the Kardashians to become more sexually proud and active without considering the age gap that exist between teens and women when doing so.
My paper touches briefly on this topic as well but I argued it from a standpoint which supports the use of anonymity and pseudonymity so that young female students can find a safe way to explore their sexuality online without the harassment and shaming which they would receive from their male peers. I was wondering, what do you think of young teens being influenced by this post-feminist idea today to be sexually confident and pro-active when they receive so much backlash from their own peers due to this double standard?
Thanks,
Rachel
This is really interesting and confronting to think about the differences between male and female’s online and offline experiences.
What kind of effect do you think these sexual double standards have on female body image and self identity?
I have written a bit about this topic in my paper which you can read here:
https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2019Curtin/2019/05/02/adverse-effects-involving-body-image-and-self-identity-experienced-by-adolescent-females-from-viewing-and-posting-idealised-images-of-fit-and-healthy-bodies-on-instagram
Hi KAtkinson
I believe they would have a large impact. I can not imagine posting a photo that I may be self conscious of but found the courage to upload and be met with negativity, that could definitely effect my self esteem let alone other young girls that may be struggling with body image, mental health or bullying. I have had friend who have had their instagram bikini photos were reported to instagram for nudity even though the images where fine and were nothing illegal. They felt they had done something wrong and that they didn’t have control of their bodies which is such a shame and a problem.
Thank you for reading my paper
Steph
Hi SPrice,
I really enjoyed your paper, it was very well written and it touched on a topic that I believe needs to be addressed more!I found your paper was very engaging as you highlighted both male and female perspectives and used solid research to further your argument.
I definitely believe there is an immense double standard with females and males, and particularly with what they post online. It’s astounding that in the 21st century women are still battling against these double standards that are inflicted by their peers. Have you ever personally seen or experienced this? Particularly within the online community?
I would love to hear your perspective and thoughts on why exactly there are these “double standards” with men and women?
My paper highlights the online societal expectations created by influencers through social media platforms such as Instagram. I believe this links to your argument in some ways as both men and women have such high expectations placed on them. I also believe getting rid of these double standards is more difficult now as social media has become prominent within society.
Look forward to hearing your reply,
Thanks,
TYates
Hi TYates
I have had friends experience this online especially on instagram. It has become very easy for other to report images they think are inappropriate on the app but some are taking advantage of the reporting system. I have a friend who uploaded a harmless bikini photo to instagram and it was later removed for violating their policy on nudity even though she had a bikini on. She felt she had done something wrong even though it was harmless. She felt she didn’t have a say in what she post which doesn’t seem right.
A very current topic is mens nipples being allowed on the app but womens are not. The double standard exists just in different amounts.
Thanks for the read,
Steph
Hi SPrice,
It was a pleasure reading your paper as being a female myself and a social media users I really appreciate that fact that you stated that there is an imbalance in the way females are treated when posting intimate photos that when males post the same things. You had really go in-depth in your analysis of the negative comments that only female receives. We always hear that female influencers semi-nude photos are being reported and removed from the platforms when those photos are considered as artistic content. Do you think that there will ever be changes with this imbalance? I look forward to a response from you. You can also check my paper.
https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2019Curtin/2019/05/06/social-media-has-a-detrimental-connection-between-people-and-their-authentic-offline-self/
Hi MSeechurn
I’m glad you enjoyed my conference paper, I really hope there will be at least a start in bridging the double standard gap. I personally don’t think the double standard is fair as its based on gender. I am shocked at how different the opinions can be just because of gender.
Imagine a female and male posting similar images to instagram and the male receiving positive feedback and the female receiving negative feedback even thorough they posted similar images. It would be amazing to bridge this gap.
Thanks for reading
Steph
Your paper was very engaging and I loved the title as well. I liked your analysis of how females and males receive criticism differently. I have really appreciated your research as well as the arguments that you raised.
It’s true that whenever a girl posts a picture of herself, be it nude or whatever she likes; it’s her choice. She has the freedom to take the picture and upload it as well. However, whenever a girl posts these kinds of pictures, then people especially male gender raise question upon themselves that girls don’t know how and what to wear. Whereby on the other hand, if a boy is putting a nude picture of him, then it’s good. There’s nothing wrong in that. It means that the boy is showing his muscles, biceps, etc. With this, there is no issue at all.
It is true that technology allows users to spread these images with ease through social media platforms and mobile phones, I wondered what the double standards would’ve been like in the past before technology and social media was around? I have a brief understanding of gender roles and how women were stereotyped to be child bearers, as well as take care of the household and cook.
Recently, there was a lot of critics over Priyanka Chopra’s (Indian actrice) look during the Met Gala 2019. It was her choice, her decision, and her style. however, there were many critics on her on Facebook. on the other hand, Harry Style was wearing a Gucci jumpsuit, and for that, there was no criticism at all. My question would be why so? Why female get so much of criticism than a boy? I really think people should change their mindset and should believe in gender equality; where both male and female are treated equally.
The link of both actors during Met Gala 2019:
https://www.swaggermagazine.com/home/style/harry-styles-rocked-a-gender-bending-met-gala-2019-look/
https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/priyanka-chopra-her-met-gala-2019-look-i-was-inspired-king-louis-johnny-depp-alice-wonderland-450351
Looking forward to hear from you
SPrayag
Feel free to read my paper if that interest you. The topic is about ” Individuals are exposed to social media risks”.
https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2019Curtin/2019/05/05/the-risks-of-using-facebook/
Hi SPrayag
I feel like both of the news articles highlight the double standard that my paper explores. I also think the comments in the articles also highlight the gender double standard. With the second article you linked its interesting that most of the comments are anonymous, saying she looked awful, I don’t like her, criticising her for plastic surgery. The comments are actually quite mean and really do highlight my points I made in my paper
Thanks for the current news and also very interesting to see how celebrity women are treated in the gender double standard as well.
Steph
Hello,
I’m glad i came across your paper, you make a fair point.
I worry about our children in the future at how young they are these days but how old they seem to act or pose on social media. Should we be encouraging kids to ‘stop growing up’ and to stay kids? – both boys and girls (even just for that little bit longer).
Not sure if you came across the image about Taylor Harris (AFLW) that got taken down from social media due to it being ‘sexual’ but here is a link showing similar images of male players that are allowed to stay online – even on the hall of fame! https://www.mamamia.com.au/tayla-harris-photo-comments/
Such an obvious sexist move that could be damaging for women’s future online.
Feel free to read my paper, https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2019Curtin/?s=good+the+bad
Renee,
Hi SPrice,
Your paper reveals the miserable world we are all living in which discriminates women against men. The double standard has been prevailing since centuries and although there are word of mouth saying that it’s changing, well it doesn’t appear so and you’ve justified this in your points. And in my perspective, the case is much worse in Asian countries. I really find it funny because there’s an Indian movie which was just released this month and it’s called student of the year 2. In one of the posters, the guy actor was shiftless and girls were drooling over him. However the two heroines were in short clothes and their reputation was instantly tarnished as apparently that’s not the way girls dress to go to school. So does that mean, guys are allowed to dress shirtless to school? Wow, the privilege quota is set way too high between male and female in India. Such a shame that we all declare our self as change-makers however the mentality hasn’t changed and people continue to butcher the dignity of women. Revealing images is too mainstream at this point and I think this double standard won’t fade, not in this century. What about you? You think we will be able to reach a point one day where women will be treated as equal to men?
Hey!
A very engaging topic and a popular discussion among activism groups online.
Its funny when we think about how females are critisised for posting a sexy picture, esspecially when society puts pressure on women to conform to being a sexual being. The media portrays women in a sexual manner and so this is placed within society as the stereotype that women are to conform to. But then when they feel confident or are trying to appeal to this stereotype they are critisiced or slut shamed.
Hi SPrice,
I really enjoyed reading your paper, it is a rather engaging topic and you presented a clear and strong argument. I felt a sense of a feminist voice throughout the discussion thread, I really admire and appreciate this, as I think power imbalances and gender inequities are still highly prevalent today in the offline, physical realm regardless of the age demographic. For instance, in the work force, females are paid less than their male counterparts to do the same job (referred to as the gender pay gap). I also appreciate the research and studies you have incorporated to support your ideas, I think this has proven beneficial and really given weight to your paper.
I particularly liked the discussion on double standards, I found it rather insightful and this spoke volume to me. In regards to your thoughts on this issue, whereby you have stated that males perceive females who share/ post sexually explicit or nude images via social media, as inferior and lack respect for them. Do you think these attitudes and beliefs would be the same for females who share sexual and/or provocative images, but for a purpose or as part of a community, for instance such as body positivity or plus size models? Moreover, in relation to your ideas articulated about how this is not a newly emerging issue, as this has been accelerated and reinforced by social media, I am interested to know where do you think these male attitudes, beliefs and socio-cultural norms in degrading female sexuality and self-expression have originated from? In other words, where are males learning these behaviours of how to treat their female counterparts? Do you think that males perceive female bodies as objects for consumption? I would love to know your thoughts!
Overall, an excellent read and highly thought provoking, great work!
Kind Regards,
Alexandra