Snooki, What Have You Done?

Today I saw an article on CNN Health from December 2010 that caught my eye, about how women's sexuality is perceived by younger men and women now, what could be causing it and what parents can do to hopefully change views on sexuality for their children.  When it comes to sexuality, some people might think that women have gained a lot of liberation due to the fact that sex is a more open topic and women are more promiscuous than in the past, thanks to the Sexual Revolution of the 60s. And it is true that women can now more easily do what they want sexually, BUT I think, and I think that Ian Kerner Ph.D. who wrote the article would agree, that young adults and children are not being brought up in a way that their sexual liberation is always healthy. Much of the sexuality of young women and even girls is brought about to satisfy a patriarchal man's gaze; that a woman is presented to be a sexual object for men. Look at our society! Girls Gone Wild, strip clubs, porn, American Pie movies, Snooki! The other day, my friend told me, "I just love Ke$ha... she's such a dirty whore!" Really? I like Ke$ha because she has catchy music.  All these things are sending out the message that it is ok for all women and girls to expose themselves physically and sexually to the world to the advantage of the male gaze. The point of the Sexual Revolution was to make it known that it is OK for a woman to be involved with anyone of her choosing and that society shouldn't look down upon her for her sexuality. Now the world is telling women that, yes her sexuality is okay, but also that she should be sexual, because it is benefitting men.

My how the tables have turned and still patriarchy has the upper hand!