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Just recently I learned that a lingerie model named Larissa Riquelme had promised to strip and run naked if Paraguay won the 2010 World Cup.
I recently wrote a post entitled Mental Fidelity in which I mention this. In the post I speak about how I spoke with men in committed relationships who were expressing their delight in the idea of this woman stripping. My disappointment sprouted from the fact that some individuals, although committed physically to their mates may actually stray mentally. While we all may find other people attractive other than our partners I think that the desire or fantasy to sleep with someone other than one's boyfriend, husband, girlfriend or wife falls short of complete fidelity.
It turns out that Riquelme has announced that she is going to strip despite Paraguay's loss.
"It will be a present to all of the players, and for all the people in Paraguay to enjoy," she said.
I can't help but be put off by this egotistical statement.
As a feminist against pornography I understand that there are various reasons as to why a woman might decide to undress and have sex for money. Why might a woman strip for free? Well, I cannot crawl inside the mind of Riquelme and I can't state as to why she is deciding to expose herself to the world. My trouble comes not only with the fact that she is making the conscious choice to exploit herself but also with the men and women who don't seem to mind that she is doing so.
Men and women alike consume pornography or applaud the sexual acts of a stripper. Men and women alike also applaud the sexually exploitive acts of strangers. While I maintain that there is nothing wrong with finding another clothed or unclothed person attractive, I think that we exist in a society that is very surfaced when it comes to sexual exploits. Rather than indulging in an event like lingerie models running naked why not take a moment to think about the fact that she is ultimately presenting herself in an objectifying manner. When a person becomes an object they are no longer a person but a plaything, a fantasy, a person devoid of hopes, dreams, desires, vulnerabilities, talents, and uniqueness.
I ask you all this. How would you feel if you're daughter, sister, mother were to run around naked at the win of a soccar match? Perhaps one would feel hesitant or even come up with a list of reasons as to why appearing naked would be an unwise choice. When there is an emotional connection to the person in question it makes all the difference doesn't it?
The issue with porn or with random individuals performing such explotive acts is that there is no connection. Many enjoy this as they feel they are free from having to bargain with their conscience. "Hell, I don't know her all I know is that she's hot!" This mentality is harmful. Even when women exploit themselves with their own free will there is no way to know exactly why they are doing it. Doesn't it seem odd that a woman might want THAT kind of attention? Is stripping what this lingerie model needs to do in order to make herself feel good? Well, perhaps being that she is a lingerie model.
What about the women who are not lingerie models? What about a drunk woman at a party? What about women who flash for Girls Gone Wild? What about, what about, what about? There are many different scenarios in which women can make the decision to exploit themselves and there are plenty of audiences who will be right there to accept those decisions. This is what wrings my heart. How about we support each other as human beings? How about we honor each other? Are we honoring Larissa Riquelme by encouraging and applauding her choice to run around naked? I say no. Again, there is nothing wrong with one finding themselves attracted to a clothed or unclothed woman. But why don't we put aside our lust long enough to introspect. It's not as crazy as so many make it out to be.
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