Media Illustration

Objectification Theory

This gets really relevant around 1:30

According to the DeFrancisco and Palczewski, the objectification theory suggests that "When a person is the frequent receiver of a gaze that one sees solely as a sex object that exists for the pleasure of the view rather than for the whole person, the person may internalize the gazer's view of his or her own body" (pg. 84-5).

This theory pertains to both sexes, but is perhaps most often associated with women or, in this case, little girls. This clip illustrates the possible detrimental effects that "beauty pageants" can have on a child.

Anderson Cooper says early in the video that he is "Interested to see how these pageant kids turn out." The objectification theory would say that such sexualization and exploitation of a person would certainly have negative effects in the long run, both psychologically (e.g. depression) and physically (e.g. depression).

The two older girls in the clip who were former beauty pageant kids seemed to turn out relatively normal, but this is certainly not always the case.

Another concern expressed in the video is the dangerous sexual exploitation that these little girls are being exposed to. Dr. Irwin says that the suggestive pageant costumes and performances are giving out "The appearance of sexual readiness." As noted in the book, this apparent sexuality is more generally more dangerous for women because of the eagerness for males to express their heterosexuality.

Discussion questions:

1. Which stance do you take on this issue? Do you think this is sexual exploitation of little girls, or simply a harmless activity?

2. When is the line of "harmlessness" crossed?

3. Do you think that little boys involved in pageants are being objectified in the same way that little girls are?