Sexism in Our Culture
Sexism has proven itself a large problem for today’s society. It is seen in the workplace, at home, in schools, and even in the media. Sexism against women specifically has been around throughout history. And in our world today, it is showing back up in our culture largely in the form of pornography. Women also are falling victim to the “glass ceiling” when it comes to their workplace. Pornography, cultural norms and the glass ceiling are three large contributing factors to sexism in this country today.
Sexism is a belief or attitude that one gender or sex is inferior to or less valuable than the other and can also refer to hatred or distrust towards either sex as a whole, or creating stereotypes (Wikipedia). Sexism is also based on the opinions of a certain person toward a particular sex group, rather than basing their opinions on individual merit. These opinions allow for a degree of homogeneity toward both men and women. Historically, in many societies, women have been and still are viewed as the “weaker sex.” The feminist movement tried changing that view and still fights today to end sexism by trying to have more political representation, getting better access to education and trying to show the possible impact pornography has on women. A small victory that they have received is the outlawing of sexual discrimination through the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Some feminist believe that popularity of pornography in our society had reduced the scope of feminine power to sexual power only (Wikipedia). Some people believe that pornography is a mass contributor to sexism. Many opponents of pornography believe that it gives a distorted view of the female body and it tends to show women as being passive or that the acts women perform are solely for the pleasure of men. In a research study done by Larry Baron, he found that pornography fosters sexual discrimination and inspires men to rape (Baron 363). He also believed that pornography...