Not only are Lydia Weiss' and Janice Bukovac-Phelps' comments in "Sex appeal for sale" (SN 6/20) ridiculous, they evince the terrible lack of thought put into the issue by a lot of society and especially groups who should know better. I find it odd people think photos are "not a positive image for women."
That would imply the use of a talent, ability or specialty is inherently wrong. It's similar to saying the NFL shouldn't hire football players because it would exploit their talents. But it's terribly contradictory that there is no equal outrage for all the male models who are being "selfishly exploited" by those seeking profit.
Why, Professor Bukovac-Phelps, is it unfortunate that sex sells? Nobody has a reasonable answer for that question simply because there isn't one.
On top of the fact that both females and males engage in sexual thoughts and activities, it's not simply sex that is selling.
A good body encourages more than primal urges. Save the lucky few, most people have to strive to take care of their bodies - they must work hard and make good choices.
On the other hand, people who have "poor" bodies generally lack exercise and good nutrition. Therefore, an "attractive" body could be viewed as an insight into someone's lifestyle.
And while I don't actively criticize people who are out of shape (I myself qualify), I challenge most people to readily say they wouldn't rather be in shape and healthy, with a fabulous body.
But objectification is a more important issue. Weiss declares that while the photos could empower the women, they truly "objectify" them because of viewers' debased, emotional underpinnings when viewing the photos.
Contrary to popular opinion, both sexes, almost equally, debase the other sex in private, objectifying moments. This is a healthy, sexual activity.
But an even more interesting notion of objectification describes the male community as only caring about a women's body.
As a male, I can tell you that's simply not true.
As it turns out, it doesn't matter.
You know why? Women also ogle men. Cosmopolitan features a special page each month dedicated to a "guy without a shirt."
Glitzy and cheesy magazines aside, I can guarantee you that both Professor Bukovac-Phelps and Lydia Weiss are physically attracted to their current or past partners, at least on some level - physicality is not the only part of the equation. A good body will downplay somebody's emotional failings, and a good personality will make a poorly received body seem sexier.
The people who are selling sex debase human sexuality by denying its various forms.
Yes, men and women view each other sexually. Yet, unless we wish to cease as a species, that is not a bad thing. The ridiculous and objectionable thing to do would be to discourage our sexuality in favor of flawed, implausible ideals about the natural constructs of human emotion.
Not only do you hurt yourself by denying sexuality, you truly harm others.
Maybe if American society did not have such a problem with the embracing its sexual roots, people would not have to struggle so hard for two very simple things - the pursuit of happiness and acceptance.
Matt Schumann
mathematics and economics senior
