The Power and Pitfalls of Sexualization: A Modern Perspective
The Complex Nature of Sexualization
Sexualization is a multifaceted topic that touches on self-acceptance and the revelation of one’s true self to the world. Being sexual does not mean conforming to the image of a magazine cover model; rather, it is an inner energy that emerges with self-confidence and liberation. This article explores how sexualization affects our mindset and the potential side effects of its misuse.
Voluntary Sexualization: A Personal Choice
Choosing to be sexual voluntarily means consciously embracing your image and feeling confident, regardless of current beauty standards. However, a more open attitude towards sex is not just a personal choice but also a societal trend that needs further development. Like any trend, sexualization has its darker aspects.
The Dual Edges of Sexualization
Finding Your Place in the Sexual Hierarchy
Many cultures celebrate female sexuality to promote values such as grace, peace, devotion, passion, love, beauty, tenderness, and wisdom. The concept of the Wise King embodies qualities like strength, wisdom, courage, ambition, responsibility, humility, and honor. Male and female sexuality play sacred and unique roles in society. Understanding where you fit in these concepts can help you navigate the world and find your place sexually.
For example, you might excel in relationships by embracing your femininity or achieve success at work by tapping into your masculinity. Given enough time to mature and understand their sexuality, individuals can flourish remarkably.
The Risk of Sexual Alienation
Sexualization can create divides when it is one-dimensional and used for socio-political purposes. For instance, there is currently a conflict between some feminists and patriarchal groups, including ‘Men Going Their Own Way.’ This divisive form of sexualization fosters victim and perpetrator mentalities.
Becoming a victim means relinquishing your innate power. People may spend their lives believing that relationships can only involve tyranny or subservience, devoid of any virtues.
Empowerment Through Sexualization
Living in a society more open to sex and sexuality means shedding shame and anxiety about appearance and actions. Owning your sexuality and understanding its characteristics can be liberating, allowing you to be yourself. Mass culture promotes body positivity, celebrating various body types. This movement is beneficial as it encourages you to reveal your sexuality and take pride in your body, regardless of beauty standards.
The Trap of Feeling Inadequate
A common scenario involves eagerly posting photos on Instagram and then comparing yourself to others, finding them more attractive. In this case, your sexuality feels out of control. You convince yourself that you are not good enough. Mass culture portrays women as needing to be perfect in every aspect, from appearance to life views, while men are inherently superior. These social images create complexes and a desire to meet an ideal, even when it is unattainable.
Many people become obsessed with the idea of perfect femininity, resorting to surgeries, excessive makeup, or becoming ruthless in pursuing others’ successes.
Access to Information
Freedom in sexual matters opens access to new knowledge. Today, you can find detailed instructions online for various personal care practices, helping both adults and young women stay informed and do things correctly. A more open attitude towards sexualization allows access to information about different types of sexuality and preferences, as well as global thematic events.
The Overwhelm of Information
With a plethora of opinions, there is a risk of disorientation, leading to:
- Obsession with sexualization, anxiety, and depression.
- Distorted self-esteem.
- Desire to quickly fix perceived flaws through surgery or cosmetics.
Freedom in Finding a Partner
Another benefit of sexualization is dating sites, which allow you to choose whom to meet in person. You no longer need to waste precious perfume or wear uncomfortable heels to impress someone without knowing if you will attract anyone. Social networks, sites, and dating apps simplify socialization, offering numerous options, indicating that society has adapted to sexual freedom.
Today, meeting someone on VKontakte is not banal or vulgar; it is a time-saving and new communication style, even if we miss the romance of old-fashioned dates.
The Challenge of Loneliness
A recent study showed that despite overpopulation in many cities, loneliness is increasing. This seems paradoxical but makes sense when considering how people spend their time. You can spend an entire day online without leaving home, communicating virtually, which is normal. However, there is always a difference between messaging and personal interaction.
Face-to-face communication with friends is energizing and develops social skills. Without real-world interactions, you may feel lonely, even with many online friends. Sexualization issues can make people fearful of being noticed beyond their online profiles.
Confidence Through Sexuality
Sexuality and pride in it can be synonymous with self-confidence. Feeling attractive to others, receiving smiles, and going on dates can make you feel good. Being confident in your sexuality means no longer worrying about weaknesses and complexes, elevating both sex and communication to new levels.
Our biology is smart, with a motivational system that encourages attractive behavior to gain attention. If you have taken care of yourself, trained hard, worked on your complexes, and achieved success, why not enjoy your confidence?
Knowing what you want and being confident in your sexuality can lead to success, as others see your self-assurance. This can form a solid foundation for good relationships.
The Risk of Addiction
What if our biology rewards us repeatedly for looking sexual? You might consider yourself more or less successful based on the physiological pleasure you receive. This might never be enough. Hedonism and addiction can lead to helplessness over time. Sex addicts often destroy their families, and people stay in toxic relationships due to the need for attention and satisfaction.
Sexual addiction also creates a culture where people crave instant gratification: attention, satisfaction, and easy fixes. However, as you age, wrinkles increase, and beauty fades. External sexuality, based solely on ego desires, cannot serve you forever. Character and values are more enduring.
