On Gizmodo, the blog for gadget lovers, there was a post about boxer shorts for women made to carry an iPod. The comments on Gizmodo are made by people who are invited to the forum or because they have specific knowledge of gadgets. (See How to become a commentator.)
One of the female commentators, by the name MS Phitt, got her panties boxers in a bunch because some guys were objectifying the female model of the boxers. The response from the men on the forum was not kind.
Ms Phitt,
I am truly sorry if either a twisted upbringing, incident social programming, or bad luck in the genetic lottery has not equipped you to be a sex object most of the time. Many fellows face the same problem, and overcompensate just as you are. The rest of us are sorry for them as well.
One thing you are missing is that it is entirely possible to be a sex object *AND* a brilliant physicist, doctor, commentator, programmer, and so forth.
Another thing you are missing is that sexual banter is not uniquely an adolescent trait. That’s when it starts — for obvious reasons — but one hopes it does not end there. Us older folks (I’m 50+) would like to put off the fading of sexual interest for as long as possible, thank you. We’ve spent a lot of effort getting good at it, not to mention that it’s extreme good fun.
In my estimation, one of the key problems society has is the villification of sexuality and the subsequent denigration of those who engage in it. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s friendly, positive, and speaks to a natural and beautiful instinct. At every level: Commentary, humor, banter, flirting, encouragement, and the various acts themselves.
In closing, let me say that when anyone tries to over-intellectualize sexuality, they are doomed to fail, because it is a basic instinct. From the causative end, you can’t turn it off in a healthy person, and you shouldn’t even be trying. On the receiving end, there is no “right to be free of sexual context” inherent in human congress, communication, or even marketing. People (of either sex) don’t become sex objects when others have the “nerve” to admire them. They become sex objects when they reach puberty. It’s a function of nature. Sexual capability inspires sexual consideration. Exhibit grace and appreciate sexuality instead of being a curmudgeon and kicking at the traces. Sex is part of the hand life deals us. Play that hand the best you can, and don’t cut others down for rying to do the same. [Emp. added]
You have to love geeks, they don’t put up with feminist B.S. when it tries to intrude on their realm. If you want several chuckles read all the comments.
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