How can women even begin to respect themselves in such a chauvenistic society?

Question

I still think we have a long way to go as far as women getting respect. Everywhere you look women are seen as sex objects for men to use and keep their control of things. I can't wait for the day that a woman is seen for a competent intelligent human being before a piece of meat that a man can salivate over just like he salivates over his steak and football games. It's very prevalent in sports and in places of employment. I just get so fed up with how women feel that they have to look a certain way first and dumb themselves down to feel that they have a place in our society.

I apologize to those few men out there who do value women..inside and out. I'm just 22 and I have had my share of guys who I used only as a piece of meat. So it goes both ways. And yes, there are girls who definitely do exacerbate the problem and make it hard for the rest of us who do want the respect we deserve. But in general, I feel that as a media-driven culture, we could do better with what we present to young girls. Fathers...do you want your daughter to grow up with all that pressure? And yes I am finally realizing that sex and money together are what make the world go round. And yes there has been progress in certain areas..but why is pornography a billion sumthin dollar industry??? What does that have to say about the sexuality hangups we obviously still have?

Answer 1

Clean your own closet before pointing fingers. The next time you see some female using her body to get something she wants, lets see you put a stop to it. Believe me there are plenty out there that are willing to trade as it is easier than working.

Answer 2

Maybe you are only seeing the negative. Women have accomplished quite a bit in the past 100 years. But, while you are remaining negative, you are condemning men. You are in part responsible for changing views, not complaining about it.

At the same time men are now portrayed as bumbling idiots. Look at the media. Watch a sitcom. The husband is always the idiot while the woman is the strong and smart wife. This isn't the direction we need to go either. Which is starting to cause anger towards women.

I would say more but my bumbling boyfriend is distracting me lol.

Answer 3

With a perspective like that sister, you might never realize your dream. Women aren't "seen as sex objects". THEY ARE SEX OBJECTS. SO ARE MEN. The only way our species makes it to the next generation is by having sex... with the best, most attractive, successful mate we kind find/attract.

If you want to play the victim, you will only attract loser guys that want women he can "salivate [on]" because she is too helpless to think for herself. A modern woman realizes that if she is to make it in the world and wants to attract a good man, she must be smart, attractive and with it. Not a self-absorbed cry-baby.

Answer 4

I don't salivate unless she's a competent, intelligent human being. And you're right girl, the responsibility falls on women. Until they present themselves in the appropriate manner--until they begin to respect themselves, it will remain a chauvinistic society. Good question girl, and very articulately written. Like I said, I only salivate over the competent, intelligent ones, and the corner of my mouth is ever so slightly wet right now... :)

Answer 5

I think in some cases women are to blame. As a woman it is your choice to conduct yourself as you choose. Look how you want to look, not how you think men want you to look.

As for men salivating over women, I'm afraid women do that over men too - perhaps not in such a degrading way, but I have seen plenty of women treating men as sex objects.

You just have to remember that in every day life it is up to you to act how you choose to act - there are plenty of men that are not chauvanists - but keep in mind that men will always find women attractive and vice-versa!

As for the work place, take advantage of sex discrimination laws or, if you see those as sexist also, then treat the men as your equals - if a man makes a sexist or degrading comment, put them in their place or fire one back!

It is true that overall there is still descrimination against women and it is a great shame, but the only way to improve things is to be positive and to respect yourself. Keep your chin up, don't take any crap and just treat everyone as your equal. Special treatment never helped anyone - equal treatment is the goal we should all strive for.

Answer 6

I think women can be all that they want to be. However, professional politics is a barrier (just like racism) that has to be broken for women. It is crumbling all over (read Pelosi and Hillary) and has crumbled in many corporate areas but more still needs to be done. Just keep pushing. The world changes slowly when they see a positive reason to change their opinions.

That's why I always say to black pple that they need to be more positive for society to view them more positively. People will keep a negative image of you until you display something positive and I think a critical mass of us are projecting negativity and that has to go, as Chris Rock said.

Women will keep getting clout and respect as they continue to flood the professional markets with talent and skillz!!!

Answer 7

Oh please! No matter how much progress is made, there will always be an insecure, spoiled person complaining that it isn’t enough.

And “CC”, above, is right. In commercials & sitcoms, men are always portrayed as bumbling idiots while the woman is the strong and smart wife. No one complains about that, so what makes you think that women have to "dumb down"? I don't see it. It takes a strong, mature person to not always take ones self too seriously.

Answer 8

Wow this is without a doubt the stupidest thing I have ever read but the funny thing is your serious. Do not classify men like that because some woman are the exact same way oh wow look at him his abs are so amazing look at that tan his butt is so cute. You honestly sicken me. Woman have just as much respect as men to the majority of people to the ones you are talking about who cares they are losers anyways there will ALWAYS be people that think like that but it is without a doubt nowhere near the norm of society. Their are people without mates, but yet we as a species still need to "release" our stuff. When you dont have a mate you have to have something an thats why pornography is a billion dollar industry your questions have no valid points its just stupidity thrown together into sentences that you can easily answer yourself.

Answer 9

I think that a lot of women perpetuate this stereotype themselves, by the way they act and dress. If they would do less to be seen as a sex symbol, and they would start respecting themselves, then men might start to respect them. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

Answer 10

Oh please!

This isn't the 50's.

We have more power now than ever before.

I personally do not feel like a piece of meat and if a guy is checking
me out, I actually enjoy it. Nothing wrong with being hot. I get fed up with women WHINING about nothing. Find a real problem to b itch about because we have all the rights and freedoms men do and there have never been so many women in powerful positions as now..so quityerbitchin!!!