Sexual Exploitation And Objectification

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Defining what is meant by sexual exploitation and objectification is important for the clarification purposes of this paper. In reference to Clark’s argument, sexual exploitation and objectification might be defined as the movement and thematic choices that portray young women as sexual objects (Musil, 2005). In other words, such movement and thematic choices illustrate that women do not have any other motivation or ambition than to please others with their beauty and charm (Musil, 2005). Today, women’s newfound sexuality is fueled by the countless media portrayals of hypersexualized women (Davenport, 2004). The media has such an impact on society that women are subconsciously imprinted with an image of what a female should look and act …show more content…

Shapiro explains that educators have the opportunity to work with children and young women in ways that affirm their identities, challenge their taken-for-granted assumptions, and impart a way of being in the world that is compassionate (Shapiro, 1998). In other words, “arts education becomes revolutionary as it shows us the reality—the “what is” of our lives—in ways that heighten our perception of reality and present images to us of “what should be”” (Shapiro, 1998). Sexual exploitation is not to be applauded in the world of dance. In today’s society, reality television has too much of an influence over who children and young women should be. Hence the importance of dance educators. When educators develop methods that fulfill the needs of women and children within dance, young girls will be able to pursue who they want to be rather than who they should be. Therefore, young women will be able to enjoy childhood rather than being forced to grow up too …show more content…

It is pertinent that these educators find a way to affirm dancers’ identities and challenge their taken-for-granted assumptions. Young women and children should be able to pursue who they want to be rather than who they should be. Therefore, they should have the opportunity to channel their inner voice through movement and create their own potential as a woman, rather than being forced or manipulated into performing provocative dances they do not fully

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