Is the bikini sexist or oppressive?
- Thread starter Katrina
- Start date
beancounter
The Fire That Burns Within
No, it isn't either of those.
The reason being is that women have a choice of what they want to wear on the beach.
Just like they have a choice to either wear high heels or "flats".
The reason being is that women have a choice of what they want to wear on the beach.
Just like they have a choice to either wear high heels or "flats".
I think that women's "dress" shoes are actually more oppressive than bikinis. They are not that far removed from good old foot binding.
Of course, both high heels and bikinis are part of marketing oneself sexually.
A more interesting discussion might be why there's a greater emphasis on women marketing themselves sexually than there is on men doing so, and how that marketing differs between males and females.
Of course, both high heels and bikinis are part of marketing oneself sexually.
A more interesting discussion might be why there's a greater emphasis on women marketing themselves sexually than there is on men doing so, and how that marketing differs between males and females.
OP
OP
I saw a documentary recently that discussed a different type of oppression that men face. A certain idea of masculinity is imposed upon them, which prevents them from express emotions. They are shamed for crying or talking about their feelings and are instead encouraged to brag about sexual "conquests," and to act aggressive, be good at sports, things of that sort.
And why is it a bad thing to talk about your feelings? Because its a feminine thing to do!
Yes, and that is why I think that men are more constricted in how they express themselves. In my life, I have encountered more women than men who truly "march to the beat of their own drummer."
To describe a woman as "masculine" is a put down, but not nearly so much as to describe a man as "feminine." Women adopted "men's clothing" (i.e., trousers), but it's still scandalous for a man to wear a skirt (other than a kilt, which predates trousers and survived their advent).
OP
OP
The documentary also mentioned that this enforced idea of masculinity may contribute to the anger and violence that is more commonly expressed from men than women. Basically, if anger is one of the few emotions allowed to come out, then bad things will obviously happen.
ETA: It is now acceptable for men to wear pink shirts. Or at least it is in Canada and the US. And there is the new term "metrosexual" for straight men who get manicures and carry a "man purse." I don't think there should be a term at all. Why can't it just be considered normal behaviour.
ETA: It is now acceptable for men to wear pink shirts. Or at least it is in Canada and the US. And there is the new term "metrosexual" for straight men who get manicures and carry a "man purse." I don't think there should be a term at all. Why can't it just be considered normal behaviour.
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OP
OP
I'm not sure that I would see high heels as oppressive, as it is not forced upon us. But the societal pressure that is put on women to look a certain way? Yes, that's oppressive. High heels might be a part of that, depending on the woman's profession, and whether or not the company's dress code pretty much expects the women to wear heels with their suits. I never wear them, personally. They look nice but they are ridiculously uncomfortable!
