Sexualization

Running an all kids camp (we are talking an overnight camp so literally sunup to sundown).

Exhausted with macaroni and cheese crusted to the corners of my lips and sun stained cheeks; I am at the edge of a couch leaning over giggling with my co-worker. You become who you surround yourself with; I was all kid energy.

The kids were finally to sleep after having sung them, “I am a light,” and finding a real sense of peace, my other co-worker (who was typing away aggressively working after work) yanked his neck towards the two of us giggling and said, “Can you please move Ali.” I put a period because it was not a question.

Regardless of how I felt on the inside, to this person…

I was a woman and I was on my knees.

He later apologized. It was sincere.

Sexualization was defined by the task force as occurring when a person's value comes only from her/his sexual appeal or behavior, to the exclusion of other characteristics, and is when a person is sexually objectified, e.g., made into a thing for another's sexual use.

We all have our stories, this is one.

"The consequences of the sexualization of girls in the media today are very real and are likely to be a negative influence on girls' healthy development," says Eileen L. Zurbriggen, PhD, chair of the APA Task Force and associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. "We have ample evidence to conclude that sexualization has negative effects in a variety of domains, including cognitive functioning, physical and mental health, and healthy sexual development."

How do we support each other to re-write what the media has largely washed into the minds of our species?

Consequences

“Cognitive and Emotional Consequences: Sexualization and objectification undermine a person's confidence in and comfort with her own body, leading to emotional and self-image problems, such as shame and anxiety.”

“Mental and Physical Health: Research links sexualization with three of the most common mental health problems diagnosed in girls and women--eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression or depressed mood.”

“Sexual Development: Research suggests that the sexualization of girls has negative consequences on girls' ability to develop a healthy sexual self-image.”

Thinking takes energy.

There are a million times a day where I reconsider (think about) my body position due to the above in the mainstream of life. This is where water and living in the wild saves me. I am free. I feel unwatched and unjudged. My jaw relaxes and nipples hang loose. I allow my hair to drape over my clavicle and bum cheeks to wiggle in the wind.

There is a difference between sexualization and attraction.

I am so attracted to the otter that coasts along the surface sea in its natural state; I am not fantasizing about hopping on top of the cuddly creature and well… ya get the point.

Minor thought pattern changes lead to an Empire State of Mind.

I am guilty too.

Let us give forth to our natural waves of attraction and love.

That’s all.

#seaempathy