The popularization of social media has caused a lot of people, men and women, to seek attention and validation from other people. I’m reminded of something when I see a woman in a bikini, twerking her ass, posing in lingerie, or just doing something sexually suggestive on the internet. I think back to Jet magazine, and that section they had in there called ‘Beauty of the Week.’
Those who are old enough to remember back when Ebony/Jet magazine was in almost every Black household, know what I’m talking about. For some people, especially men, the first thing they did when they got that publication, was turn the pages to see that chick posing in her bikini. There was a picture, that also included a written profile. In the write-up, it usually stated her name, height, where she is from and what she did for a living. As I recalled, based on reading their profile; most of the women were doing something positive with their lives. Yes, some were ‘aspiring actresses or models,’ but some were college students and nurses. Regardless of their occupation, those pictures, for most people was usually associated with something sexual. I remember my uncle used to have a bunch of those pictures posted on the wall in the basement.
Which brings me back to the woman posting her bikini picture on Facebook. When I say she was selling pussy; I don’t mean literally she was selling sex. What I was trying to convey is that no matter what her lifestyle is or what her intentions are; there are labels associated with women who dressed in a certain way. A lot of times these labels are unfair, sexist and downright wrong; but it is what it is. Some may argue, especially women, that these labels come from creepy, chauvinistic men who only see women as sex objects. I think that is partly true, but I would argue that some women also contribute to the stigma that surrounds this stereotype.
I have been with a few women, who have seen another woman dressed a certain way and said “what does she have on”, “she a thot”, or “she should be ashamed of herself.” They didn’t know who this woman was or what she did, but just because she had on some booty shorts or a revealing dress they judged her. That means this way of thinking is just not regulated to just men. With that said, most people should be in an agreement that perceptions are form based on someone’s attire. Even though I’m talking about the women, I want to point out this works both ways. Some men are unfairly labeled as thugs because they have braids, dreads or have on athletic gear. Just like they are perceived as respectable when they wear a suit or clean shaven.