Overview:
- Women’s bodies and identity have been controlled through patriarchy.
- Women have been presented in paintings, books, and media for male gratification.
- In the present, social media and trends have influenced the younger generation.
The History of Objectifying Women’s Bodies
Historically, objectification can be traced back to its roots in Ancient Rome. Patriarchy as a system subjugated and controlled women’s identity as a whole. This restriction limited them to a private sphere where the public space was dominantly controlled, with men in power. Their role and existence were limited to being a mother and a need for desire. These regulations limited their roles and involvement, so their bodies were seen as an epitome of ‘perfection’. As a result, their bodies became one of the key aspects for sculptures and paintings. It was morally viewed as a form of gratification rather than respect.
These weren’t limited to their looks but also their identity. The six Vestal priestesses were women chosen to follow their duties at the Temple of Vesta. Most of them belonged to aristocratic families who were selected as priestesses during their childhood. They were required to dedicate 30 years to Vesta, the goddess of family and domestic life. The Vestal Virgins had the duty of ensuring the flourishing of the Roman Empire while being chaste. If the flame diminishes due to unforeseen circumstances, the priestess would be blamed for breaking her chastity. This meant her death sentence of being tombed alive. This gives us an insight into the influence of religion on gender and states that it influenced women’s identity.
The Renaissance Era
The Renaissance was seen as a new era that brought in newer ideas. Innovations started in Italy during the 14th century and spread across Europe. Art was viewed as a medium of representation by male artists. The Birth of Venus, by Sandro Botticelli, was viewed as a source of desire for the male audience. While inventions were spreading throughout Europe, newer ideologies were also established. These majorly impacted women of knowledge and those who questioned society. They were labelled as witches in different circumstances, under the influence of spirituality and superstition. The first witch hunt was noted during the mid-14th century in Valais, Switzerland. Most of these accusations were made by male peasants, where women were either burnt alive or beheaded. These women were tortured and labelled as witches.
The Modern Era
The 19th and 20th centuries brought major negative and positive changes in the world. Various political leaders and ideologies impacted society and also women’s bodies. Cosmetics were seen as products that went against the puritan patriarchal societies of Europe and North America. Bright Red lipstick was seen as a deal breaker. Leaders like Adolf Hitler banned the use of cosmetics for women. It was also a key factor during the Civil Disobedience movement in the early 20th century. However, by the 1930s, various magazines and newspapers started promoting cosmetics by mentioning makeup as ‘part of their job’. As a result, they started representing the ‘idealistic women’ not just to sell their products but also to spread objectification. Women were often portrayed as skinny, petite, and light-skinned. This occurred over a period that also impacted the notion of beauty.
Various cultures across the globe have been following multiple techniques for beautifying women. It includes foot binding, corsets, neck hoops, and pierced lips. This gives us an insight into how they have been passed down, mainly focusing on women’s bodies.
Representation in Media
By the mid-20th century, feminism started to influence various work fields. However, women were still limited due to patriarchy in multiple fields. The male gaze negatively influenced them in the field of cinema. Women were cast in roles that were either hypersexualized or dependent on the male character. Women were not realistically portrayed in these movies; male directors still controlled the camera angles, casting, and costumes. Betty Boop is one of the female animated characters brought in to appeal to the male audience.
Influence on the Younger Generation
Barbie is one example that highlights the perspective towards women’s bodies and the need for perfection. The society bounds the liking of young girls and boys. This is based on the colour they wear or the toys they play with. From the moment they enter this world, a piece of clothing that is either pink or blue decides their societal role. Toys like Barbie create a notion in young girls to have skin without flaws and perfectly skinny bodies. Furthermore, the media has played a role in igniting the culture of perfectionism within society.
This portrayal and expectation lead to body dysmorphia and mental health issues in teens. Individualism is looked down upon, as these trends have led to self-hate and loathing. The societal norms that have been patriarchal for centuries have led to misandry in today’s world.
Conclusion
Women’s bodies have been controlled from the early ages to the present. Her body isn’t just an object of gratification. She is an entity of her own, and for the growth of a better society.
