Objectification: Is it ever possible not to be thought of as an object?

Question

For example, many are against sexual objectification as one's humanity is not considered when evaluating sexual interest - humans are stipped down to their physical atttributes for the purposes of sexual gratification and//or exploitation. Some counter that human sexuality is by its very nature objective. Is it ever possible to not be though of as an object (devoid of all physical form)?

Answer 1

It is not possible to avoid (so-called) objectification, but it is not desirable to avoid it.

Aside from myself, who alone has the time (or interest) to plumb the enormous depths of the wonderul skumpfsklub in his magnificent skumpfsklubbishness, no one knows me fully. I fully expect that others will deal with me only via those aspects of the skumpfsklubbian whole that are available to them, and relevant in their view, with regard to their purposes. (Incidentally, 'aspect' is a much less loaded term than is 'objectification,' which latter term reeks of agenda).

If 'object' is narrowly taken (as seems your intent) as 'physical object,' your question makes a kind of sense--but it's nonsense, and at least a little vapid. The 'thought-you' that doesn't embrace also that you have every physical dimension any other physical object has reduces you in the same way, and every bit as much as does the leering eye of a passing trucker who's had a beer too many, who measures only the roll, pitch and yaw of your hips as you walk--or your jiggle factor, if he's a boobs guy.

You will not be thought of by others as you think of yourself. It's an impossible project, a silly demand. It does little good to take umbrage at it. You're doing the same thing when you think of others.

Answer 2

You are oversimplifying the meaning of the word "object." For the most part, you are right that we cannot be thought of as devoid of physical form, but that is not what sexual objectification is referring to. It is referring to the elimination of the non-physical aspects of humanity: feelings, love, emotion, spirituality, thought, opinion, etc. etc.; and merely thinking of someone as a sex object for your pleasure. If you factor in love, mutual satisfaction, respect, and such then you are NOT objectifying a person at all. They still have a physical form, but sex is more than just that. In addition to this, if you get off the subject of sex, many people believe in spirituality or the mind, a non-object way of identifying who we are. So of course people can be thought of as not being an object, but you are right that they are not devoid of physical form. That said, this is different than objectification.

Answer 3

Your example is unique in that it requires physical contact
intrinsically by its nature, so in this sense I don't think it
is practical to not think about the involvement in terms
of physical traits.
Apart from your example, yes, in my opinion it is possible to
not be thought of as an object. Consider the Yahoo! Answers
protocol in which users need not post images of their
physical qualities. Therefore, individuals can think of
people in terms of their mental traits, although the mental
traits can still be considered as objects, the objects
are not of a physical form.

Answer 4

Yes, it is.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I want some of what you are smoking.

Answer 6

no,
i don't see how you can be seen as anything but