Full Frontal Intro Journal

2. I think that Valenti equating the feelings of self-doubt and otheress with feminism is

important because feminism seeks to accept diversity and attain the equality of the sexes. She

wants her readers to understand that feminism benefits everyone, regardless of what background

theyre coming from or what theyre going through. I think these feelings of self-doubt and

otherness are instilled in young women because insecurities keep them dependent. Dependent

on men and their approval as well as dependence on some sort of acceptance from society. I

believe that those who benefit from keeping young women (young people) in a state of worry

and fear are people who control the government, media, businesses, etc. For example, if young

women dont feel ugly, they wont have to rely on buying makeup from cosmetic companies

glorified by the media. If they dont feel under qualified, they might actually ask for a raise or

take initiative in the workplace to expand beyond their current positions. If they don't feel

inadequate then those who try to control them and make money off of them won't be as

successful. This ties into the backlash and myths against feminism because those who benefit

from keeping young women (young people) in a state of worry and fear are the same people that

support the backlash and myths against feminism.

3. My thoughts on womens sexuality being treated as a commodity, joke, or a sin are that it

is completely insulting. Womens sexuality should be treated as something completely normal,

something that is totally human. I have minimally been a witness of this delineation of womens

sexuality. An example of this would be our Sex Education in which we very briefly brushed over

the contents. Where the course quite frankly turned me away from the thought of ever having

sex. As a girl who didnt want to have kids anyway, the main influences that Sex Ed had on me

were (1) dont have sex because STIs sound scary and (2) why does birth control have to be so
invasive on a womans body? It made me think that the responsibility was mainly on us girls and

that if something went wrong it was our fault. I would further the intersectional discussion on

sexuality by saying that sex education should be a thorough course that is offered to anyone and

everyone regardless of their race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, mental/physical ability, gender-

identification, etc. Everyone should have accurate information on all types of sex, contraception,

STIs, how to prevent STIs and have safe sex, and how to give and receive pleasure during sex.

5. My thoughts about the images below are that they are objectifying and insulting. I would

say these images are pornified by displaying women as objects in order to sell an array of

different products. These images reveal womens bodies as being available for the pleasure of

others (specifically mens pleasures). This is especially evident in the American Apparel

advertisement has the caption Now Open with a woman spreading her legs as well as the Axe

commercial that has the caption The cleaner you are, the dirtier youll get, indicating that men

who use this product are almost entitled to getting a woman who will get them dirty. Western

culture defines sexiness as being perfect. Having flawless skin, having an hourglass figure, and

being available- but not too available- are some things that are a part of this ideal standard for

sexiness. To many, it is important to be considered sexy as related to this definition because

often times people are initially judged by their physical appearance rather than their personality

or internal characteristics. If American culture defined sexy as intellectual, courageous,

ambitious, athletic, comical, etc., rather than the way it is culturally defined, many people would

be happier with themselves and be less superficial when it comes to judging others. However

cosmetic companies, weight loss programs, and other companies that benefit from peoples

insecurities may see a downturn in their demand. I feel like currently the pop culture images of
sexy are already slightly changing- despite societys needs for people to be dependent on

external factors for happiness and self satisfaction. I believe that the images of sexy are

becoming more inclusive and accepting of the diversity among different people. I would further

the intersectional discussion by saying that the beauty standard shouldnt even exist in my

opinion. There should not be one beauty standard when there are billions of people out there, so

instead we need to look at beauty more inclusively- inner beauty and well as outer beauty. When

considering race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, mental/physical ability, gender-identification, etc.

and the pornification of our society, stereotypes often pop up. Stereotypes that our society must

move away from and abandon altogether.

 Sources:

https://benetbasics.wordpress.com/2016/02/09/body-image-and-
the-media/

http://medialiteracyproject.org/bad-ad-sample-essay/

https://shanezasubhan.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/opinion-does-sex-appeal-in-advertising-really-
sell/

http://www.11andmore.com/pornification-society/#.Wd6C2mhSzIV

http://www.newsactivist.com/fr/node/10745

http://newsactivist.com/en/articles/gendered-world-views-winter-2017-section-8/are-breasts-
only-way-sell

http://www.complex.com/style/2013/09/controversial-calvin-klein-ads/