Objectification of women

In a civilized society that puts premium on gender equality, and regard women as partners for social and economic development, it pictures a repulsive notion when every now and then there are reports of objectification of women. Women are still crying foul over unfair perceptions and treatments by their male counterpart, and the society in general. In a culture where there is still considerable number of people that perceive women not as equal partners but merely objects for entertainment.

It is really saddening when women, with their "talents," are considered "gifts" for social gatherings. Or they're being used to lure the attention of others reducing them into male entertainment instead of treating them with the same amount of respect they would have for another persons. I have nothing against as to what performing group they would want for their event as they want to entice and sustain the interest of the audience. What I am not in favor is the type of entertainment being provided. We could have other quality performances that would still serve the purpose.

Crying foul for what an all-girls performing group has done as part of a birthday party of a congressman is not enough as this needs a deeper assessment of the psyche as well as the practices heightened during election period.

But even if it's just for a birthday party, it really goes to show that we have public servants trying to justify their decision which from the very start is wrong. Whether it's for birthday or for any political undertaking, such move is like supporting an undertaking that is inappropriate from the onset.

No less than our very own leaders who are expected to craft laws that pave the way for fair and equal treatment of people. So what then can we expect from a lawmaker who even justified such act by implying that if you found it offensive you're probably not a real man. This is as if the fight against sexism isn't one that should cut across all genders. Would we have our representative support and patronize the systemic degradation of women? Does this show the kind of leaders we have of this country? Is this really the kind of men we want legislating in on our behalf?

That was not their first performance for or on behalf of political leaders. They have been paid to "twerk", gyrate for men in public places whose audience is wide and varied. The group is considered as a regular performing group by those people involved in the event. And when some members of the performing group were asked about their thoughts, they take side on more deep-rooted concerns like doing it as their way of living as a professional performing group. And that they were just being invited to perform. They are a group known for this kind of performance anyway.

This is a major issue that we want those running for office to take a stand and not just vaguely rely on motherhood statements. We do not want that while we continue to fight for human dignity and equality, there are sectors of the society that are being disadvantaged.

For the campaign period, I hope that we won't be sidetracked by the same antics and circus that our politicians will offer. I hope that the main point why we are gathered every time they conduct rallies is to listen and be critical of their stands on various significant issues that beset our country, including the treatment of women.

And unless there are still men-leaders/legislators who are supposed to have the moral and political ascendancy, and performers, females themselves who believe that such practice remains a way of life-accepting that it is very much ingrained and still part of culture, the degradation of women remains a major issue and a continuing battle for a high human regard and equality.

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