The truth is, less clothing on a woman does not equal empowerment. People tend to overlook this simple fact because we see highly sexualized images of women in the media. Fewer clothes on women is oversaturated in the media, and people can’t stop talking about female empowerment, but really, this isn’t progressive and isn’t even feminism. The idea that exposing one’s body equals empowerment has permeated pop culture and is being used to sell us everything from clothing to make-up to fragrance and even jewelry. Not only is it a lie that telling women that removing their clothing empowers them, but it creates a culture where we’re no longer free to be ourselves.
So let’s talk about what this empowerment means and why wearing less clothes has nothing to do with it.
The idea of women wearing less clothing as a sign of empowerment has been pushed out primarily by what we are exposed to everyday. The narrative they create is that beautiful women should show off their bodies, and in doing so, they would be empowering themselves. On-lookers would assume that one is so brave and breaking social norms and barriers because they do not conform to the standards of clothing most people follow. Clothing cannot empower you. Your emotional maturity is what will empower you.
Empowerment is an act requiring confidence to take action. Without confidence, we can be hesitant and sometimes powerless. Make it a point to practice good hygiene, and get dressed each morning. Put your best foot forward. Personal appearance involves taking care of yourself it has nothing to do with removing layers of clothing. Looking professional and presentable as if you were going to work would be more effective in improving your confidence.
Judging someone by their appearance is prejudicial and can objectify that person.
Objectification creates this idea that a person’s value is based on something outside themselves.
Women are not objects for people to use for profit, so why does the media use women and sexualization so much?
Not only do women feel pressured to live up to unrealistic standards, but the roles that they play in society are pigeon-holed into something that ends up disempowering them.
Let’s be honest. We have all seen the female celebrities (and even the less famous among us) proudly declaring they are empowered by wearing ‘revealing’ clothing or accusing those who oppose them of “slut-shaming.” Countless memes, articles, and even books are devoted to this topic. I’m here to tell you that it is wrong. Sexualization has nothing to do with empowerment. It has nothing to do with freedom. It is a lie we’ve all been conditioned to believe because someone else wants to sell sex, not because women want to buy it. The truth is that no one can “look at you” and tell what kind of person you are by what you have on your body, however it can give the wrong impression when you are too revealing.
This article is not an argument against freedom of expression. This is not an argument against being confident or even sexy. This is an argument against that wearing little clothes is empowering. By sexualizing our bodies, we buy into the same notions of women’s bodies as objects for consumption. We perpetuate the idea that women’s bodies are here for consumption, whether by other women or by men. Removing clothing from a woman doesn’t give her true freedom, self-love, or authenticity. It tells the world that women are only valuable if they conform to specific standards. That does nothing for females’ empowerment at all.
Written by a member of the Marie L Paquin Team