Objectification In Media

In this essay I will be examining objectification in the media and the negative effects it may have on society. I began by thinking, what are some forms of objectification found in the media? I found that we have created this idealized image of how we should look and associated that image with success and happiness, “women’s magazine covers often place weight loss messages next to messages about one’s sex life, implying weight loss will lead to a better sex life And it is similar for men, except their image is based off of a sculpted muscular physique. With varied brands of protein powders and the latest bulk building methods plastered all over men’s magazines it’s difficult for them not to feel inadequate unless they are sporting six-pack

When interpreting the effect on the male population it was found that young men and “men with limited social and economic power are more likely to adopt a tough persona and to use violence to gain respect”, due to extensive exposure to hypermasculin advertising. Studies have also shown that the majority of these ads are directed towards this specific group of males, young and of lower socioeconomic

One way this is achieved is through the “male gaze”. I examined the question, how does the “male gaze” play in the media? The “male gaze” looks upon women in a way that makes them appear as an object created for male pleasure. As Fredrick and Roberts stated in their objectification theory, “Sexual objectification occurs whenever a woman’s body, body parts, or sexual functions are separated out from her person, reduced to the status of mere instruments, or regarded as if they were capable of representing her.” The male gaze highlights particular assets of a woman’s physique that men find arousing and uses them to entice both men and women. For males, they want to feel strong and desirable and to dominate the woman who is being objectified. Women are influenced by the male gaze in their desire to be wanted, they aspire to be like the women they are viewing. As the common saying goes “sex sells”, so the male gaze is frequently used in marketing to attract and influence an