We are not objects or prizes. We are QUEENS.
It’s 2016. You’d think the days of sexism would be over, considering the fight for equality began decades ago, but…
It’s 2016, and women are still fighting to be seen as equal to their male counterparts. It may have gotten better, but there’s still a long way to go.
Ugh.
Most women, unfortunately, have experienced gender issues firsthand. No matter what industry, no matter what country, some degree of sexism is pretty much guaranteed. The only thing questionable is the form it comes in – harassment in the workplace? Lower wages than a male with the same occupation? Fewer opportunities?… All of the above?
While all of those things need to be rightfully adjusted, one of the worst issues women have to deal with is objectification.
Objectification (n): the action of degrading someone to the status of a mere object
In simpler terms: it’s not being seen as human. It’s being seen as, instead, an item that’s meant for use by others (specifically, men).
Seriously, it’s 2016. Why is this still an issue? It’s hard to go a day without seeing something in the media degrading a woman, making one seem important only for their looks and ability to pleasure men. It’s crazy, considering we know how powerful and influential women can be. Have you heard of Michelle Obama? J.K. Rowling? Carrie Fisher?
While this issue is everywhere, it hits heavy in the entertainment industry. Many celebrities have spoken out about it, ranging from Jane the Virgin‘s Gina Rodriguez to Suicide Squad‘s Cara Delevingne.
Another woman who has played a big part in calling out objectification is Ariana Grande. Only a few hours ago, the singer commented on a recent situation she found herself in with her boyfriend.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/813957803136208897
According to her tweet, Ariana went out to pick up food with her boyfriend. While they were out, a fan of her boyfriend’s approached them. The singer didn’t have a problem with it, until the fan decided to add in a comment that nearly all women would find offensive: “Ariana is sexy as hell man I see you, I see you hitting that!”
Seriously? If that isn’t an example of objectification, then who knows what is?
Ariana continued, explaining how the few words given to her made her feel like a piece of meat. She noted that a lot of young people speak this way nowadays, and she’s right. To make that more clear, this isn’t even the first time Ariana has tweeted about a situation like this. Sexist behavior happens so often, that it’s almost a damn norm.
She ended her message on a higher note: “We need to share and be vocal when something makes us feel uncomfortable because if we don’t, it will just continue. We are not objects or prizes. We are QUEENS.”
You got that right.
While some may think that statement won’t change a thing, the best way to fix a problem is by raising awareness about it. Since her tweet was posted, over eighty-seven thousand Twitter users have liked it. That means that it’s been seen by at least that many people, and no doubt more. Things tend to spread on wildfire on the internet, and while that’s not always good, it is here.
Maybe, just maybe, the right people will see it and change their behavior. And maybe, just maybe, a girl will read her message, and decide to speak out.
It’s 2016. Experiences like Ariana’s shouldn’t be happening. Her tweet alone shows that she, and women as a whole, are much more than sex symbols meant only to give men pleasure. Just like men are, they are capable of doing great and groundbreaking things.
Despite the harassment and sexism in existence, women every day are changing the world. For that stride along, women deserve respect (though, come on – they deserved it already).
Are you a fan of Ariana Grande? What’s your stance on objectification? Tell us by mentioning us on Twitter at @CelebMix.