Sexual or Sexualized

rachEL WErnhEr

a new wave of empowerment and self-confidence. SEXuaLiz E d

PhotograPher/Model Siena Robertiello

In American society, it is commonly understood that expressing sexuality and being sexual are negative traits. From a young age, girls are told they should not wear spaghetti strap tank tops, shirts with low necklines, or bottoms that are “too short” or “suggestive” by societal standards. Rules as such are even enforced in climates such as Southern California, where the sun beats down and temperatures soar to over one hundred degrees for months on end. Like wearing cool and comfortable clothing, simple comforts have and continue to be sexualized and deemed as evocative. Many have become accustomed to existing in a world where decisions are made based on someone else’s expectations. What if people desire to look and feel good for themselves and not anyone else? Luckily, the narrative in society is changing. Since the 1960s and the Sexual Revolution– a movement that began to challenge women’s traditional roles and explore female empowerment–society has slowly started to welcome these once frowned-upon notions. Now more than ever, people are encouraged to wear and act in ways that radiate self-love and freedom. Recently, many have begun to explore this concept more in-depth. It is becoming less taboo to demonstrate one’s sexuality in any way chosen without being judged. To progress in society, we must continue to be comfortable expressing ourselves sexually and accepting other people’s embracing methods. However, no matter how much growth occurs, there will always be those who twist these ideas into a hurtful sexualization of something that deserves celebration.

Sexualization can be defined as “to make sexual or give sexual qualities,” thanks to a quick Google search. The term relates to being objectified and made the subject of superficial lust and unwanted association. Shoulders and knees, parts of the body that every person possesses, have become criticized to the point where revealing them in certain situations is considered inappropriate. For instance, in schools, young girls are constantly penalized by standards that adversely sexualize them. Such scrutinization may be due to the influx of provocative imagery available in popular culture, as now anything can be related to sex and become sexualized. As acceptance for sexual empowerment grows, so does unfair sexualization. It often seems impossible to overlook these unfair assumptions in American culture. To change the narrative, it’s important to remember the essence of what being sexual truly is: being empowered in oneself, confident in one’s individual choices, and unashamed of oneʼs way of life. Alternatively, the term sexual is defined as “relating to the instincts, psychological processes, and activities connected with physical attraction.” Despite its definition, this can be as much related to sex as a person wants it to be. Being sexual is a multidimensional process that incorporates various attitudes and behaviors, including having a healthy body image and feeling the right to convey oneself. It is often misconstrued that for someone to be sexual, they must only want to be desirable to the gender they are trying to attract. However, this is not something someone else can decide. Only you can make the choice to be sexual. For some people, this may be dressing provocatively. For others, it could be dressing more modestly. Whatever the individual preference, it is essential to recognize that everyone has varying ways of communicating their sexuality and feeling validated. No one should have the power to dictate how another chooses to express or showcase themselves to the world. Being sexual can be as much about freedom, confidence, and free choice as it can be about simply feeling proud. Every morning, look in the mirror and ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable with how I look based on my standards and my idea of what being sexual is? If the answer is no, then go find something that emits the feelings you desire. The bottom line–Wear what you want, act how you want, and know that you will never hurt anyone by feeling beautiful in your own skin.

Being Sexual can Be aS Much aBout freedoM, confidence,

and free choice aS it can Be aBout SiMPly feeling Proud.

Matcha

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