Cracked.com and sexist costuming in comics

Not really. Traditionally men have never been powerless as a gender, therefore have no state of inequality to be culturally devolved to.

That said, I believe cases of female to male sexual harassment in the workplace are on the rise - because for possibly the first time in recorded history women, such as a CEO, can indeed threaten a male employee with loss of advancement, termination of employment, refusal of pay increase, etc. In previous centuries this was a rare thing reserved for... royalty maybe.

Maybe give it a few more generations?

Does it matter that my first example was Clark Kent?

Sexual identity is moot. An alien "super-human" (I know, I know) could identify as a cistranspansexual and that wouldn't change anything about the basic psychology of beings superior to others.

I've only seen me write something along those lines, and we both know I am. As for ''who say that..'' probably not many that are larger, or not pleased with the way they look. I find that most women who are not petite, or toned have an issue with showing more skin. Or those not comfortable due to blemishes or what not. Though, there are those like myself who don't see the reason to hide behind clothing either due to nudist approach, freedom from restriction (be it socially acceptable, political, or clothing options), or being an independent, sexy woman. It's not rocket science. We ladies like what we like, and will wear what we feel comfortable wearing; or lack there of.

If I had super powers, nearly indestructible, I may not be able to speak for EVERY woman but I know what I would do. I know what I have done when it comes to beaches, and cosplay. No costume (if I like it) is too skimpy when it comes to what Anime/Comic character I wish to go for, mainly because I am very confident with how I look, and what I personally like to dress up as. I've done overly dressed, moderate conservatism, and then there's cottonballs representing ''clouds'' as naruto's female form. Nothing else.

If I were a super heroine I wouldn't be too concerned about clothing, is all.

Now, others getting a hold of whatever my weakness would be and using it against me, well, that's a whole other story.

That's not exactly relevant to the issue of someone having the point of view that women are overly objectified in media because when it happens to men it doesn't count because men like it.

That would be using a gender stereotype to justify objecting to a gender disparity. And that's equal parts funny and sad. Read the article. Of course the female costume depictions are sexist because no women would wear that; on the other hand no male costume depiction is sexist because all men would wear that. He implies this is obviously degrading to women because no woman would dress like this:



Fair enough. But this is not being equally sexist to men specifically because all men would dress like this if they could:



Quote: But it's not ridiculous because he's wearing a superpowered Speedo: That's how any man would react to being well-built, usually glistening and most often found on the beach.

And for good measure, he says all guys would also dress like this if they could get away with it:



Quote: Namor is the ultimate exemplar: He's exactly what any guy would wear if he thought he could get away with it. Even when Namor puts on more clothes, they're ridiculous and show off more chest than Tom Jones during heart surgery.

I'm not 100% certain, but I think those two sentences when concatenated together like that insult all men. Could be wrong there: is the current men's fashion "Tom Jones ridiculous?"

What happens when the exact same justifications come from women?

She's actually invisible, and that's an image of another woman painted onto her.

She can create force fields that could, if one squints, approximate an invulnerability factor?

Plus, the cougar factor. Giggity.

Nah, it's the blue bands on her arms and legs. The same as when I see a Psylocke picture. What purpose do those actually serve? Unless they were held on with glue or tape, they'll be forever falling off.

Also, for shame internet, for shame. We've had a previously pictured cute girl say that she would wear stuff like that and not a single "Pic plz kthnx" (provided she's over 18, of course, dunno if that was settled last time around)?

What does having men stare at what I was born with have to do with my job performance as either a Heroine/Villainess, or being professional in the work place in real life? I may speak for myself but I personally don't care or pay any mind most of the time to men ogling or trying to catch a peek. It's normal for the most part, the same with me wanting to look at a woman who is dressed to impress either my eyes or attractive senses as is the same with men who capture my fancy. Truly, there is no reason to believe that my achievements, and knowledge gained by attending then graduating multiple esteemed Colleges is belitted by a V neck and lacy push up bra beneath. Or shapely clothing that shows minimal skin but tapers to my body, even scrubs that taper to my body with thermals beneath further sculpting what I have underneath them in a tight fashion. Same to be said about outfits that heroines may wear as work clothes.

I have multiple degrees, am in a highly professional field and working on my Masters for being a Veterinarian (currently an assistant with high honors), am married, have a daughter; and am not prowling for sexual relationships or trying to be ''part of the club'' nor seeking outward attention to an extreme degree.

I believe your theory has been debunked in one felled swoop. Soundly at that. lol.

Now is it true I enjoy the attention, and looks I get when I'm dressed in outfits that accentuate my body? Yes, there is that enjoyment. Does that mean I want to sleep with the men who do so? No. Am I attracted to some of them? Yes. It's only natural when an attractive male (in my opinion, sometimes related to Media hype) shows interest that, I (and others), to some degree will flirt, or flaunt a bit in his direction but I am rather happy with my husband and love him unconditionally. Am I out for a midnight love affair? No. However, when I dressed up for previous conventions or Anime Cons it's not like I hid myself away while a jealous lover locked me in a room.

To think that my attitude for clothing, and fashion depends on motherhood is rather bland in my experience. After losing the weight (not much gained during, and not much retained after) through various exercises I was back to my usual standards with features enhanced than I had before. So, would this discourage me from continuing my personal addiction to ''skimpy'' or '' nearly '' naked costumes? Absolutely not. I proudly wear the ''milf'' badge, and see no need, again explained, to become angry or ashamed of what I like to wear. Is it child appropriate? Probably not. Is it outlandish to say prudes are not right to tell me, '' OMG. Think of your child seeing you like that someday! '' Not really, but then again I don't much care what others say.

This would probably NOT change if I were a super heroine, with the types of powers that mostly mean little to clothing. I still, more than likely, would like a costume that shows off my figure just for kicks, or perhaps less restrictive motion. Maybe to keep up with the media's look of heroines I'd need to ''step up'' my look by cushioning lesser than proportionate features; padded bra.

Again, I honestly do not see it as sexist at all, nor do I see merit in your points thus far, my little zombie minion. Rest assured that I will agree with you on something in the future, surely, but this is one such subject that I do not see you having much sway in, unless you speak for the mass majority. However, with many other women in my same exact position that I could introduce this forum too.. I don't think you'd like the outcome when it comes to your analysis of a ''professional married mother '' not enjoying the occasional flaunt of her body in a heroic/villainous costume.

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Back to you, Zombie.

I'm trying, but I can't see any insult towards men. Most guys I know, including myself, would indeed take the attitude 'if you've got it, flaunt it'. It's why some men lift weights on beaches: It's a brutally impractical and uncomfortable place to lift (I've done it). It serves no other purpose, at all, than to show off your muscles or strength - to intimidate smaller men, gain the respect of larger ones, and (ideally) infatuate women. Captain Caveman impulses at their purest.

So while Tom Jones ridiculous isn't a fashion, that I'm aware of, I could easily see a nigh invulnerable muscle buff going shirtless whenever possible. Hell, my male model little brother does and he's far from invulnerable (not that anyone can convince him of that).

As an aside, I honestly can't think of anything anyone could draw or say to me that would stop me in my tracks and say 'Whoa, there. That's sexist. I feel hurt and degraded by that remark.' There's lots of things a person can say to insult a man - very little a person can say that insults men. Tim Allen's career attests to that.

So, on a hot summer's day, you'd wear a stylish bikini to the office?

Dr Manhattan's an interesting example, in that he had a normal, thin-ish build before his accident. Then he reforms himself into the statuesque musclebound blue skinned man. (I don't remember the in-story explanation, if there was one.) He wears a costume at first, but starts wearing less clothing as he gets more out of touch with humanity. But even when he's fully nude and by himself on Mars, he still keeps the musclebound physique.

Regardless, blame the circus. That's where they got the idea for the capes and tights superhero costumes in the first place.

She's at least got pouches and workable boots. Unlike say, Black Cat that has no where to store her tools, yet always seems to have a grapple or something.

But those thigh pouches...wouldn't they tend to slide down without something holding them up? I mean, there's only so tight you could get 'em before that blue isn't stockings, but rather her legs.

I'd wear a banana hammock to the beach if I could keep people from gouging out their own eyes as I walk by. 8) :

But we do see way too many men and women in spandex. There should be a law against wearing spandex in public. While a few people do look pretty hot like that, the vast majority, sadly, do not. *shudder*

Or to put it in more relevant terms: If it's okay for Starfire to go buck naked, it's okay for the Blob to go buck naked. And the world really isn't ready for that.

To be fair, you are definitely speaking for yourself.

I work in the male-dominated field of corporate IT. Our dresscode can swing from sweatshirt/jeans to full suit depending on the situation. Just like our male counterparts, we do believe that the way we are dressed does reflect on our performance.

My daughter is planning to work in an extremely elite field where she must be taken seriously. She ensures that her suits downplay a body that looks like it was influenced by comics.

She's the one that sent me the article:


http://io9.com/5844355/a-7+year+old-...ot-of-starfire

with the comment "This is why I prefer silver age costumes."

As far as the comics, we're not offended or screaming "sexism", we just acknowledge how silly the costumes are.

Check out George Perez's niece as Supergirl the last Dragon*Con - gorgeous, yet still looks like she could run up a flight of stairs without encountering a double-stick tape accident.

I wouldn't mind it, if I could get away with it. I haven't an issue with the swimsuit as long as I had plans to go swimming, or bring it along with me and hit the ocean afterwards so I dress down in the office then head on my way. Again, it really depends on where I'm working and what won't get me wrote up for indecency.



I suppose that is where we differ, heavily. I personally do not feel that my Diplomas in plaques dictate my dress code. I do not see the need to appear professional by way of look unless it absolutely calls for it and my job hinges on said dress code.

I bet you're very proud of your daughter, I know I would be. I'm going to teach mine as she grows that anything is a possibility, and to do as you feel but be smart about it. How she takes on life is her decision, but I'm not going to force feed her what I believe is wrong though I'll openly share opinions of the ''other'' lifestyle. It all depends on what you like, and what you feel is ''highly'' professional. I've worked from inside Universities, to Corporate Offices, Stages, and various Businesses in different States. I've never felt the need to downplay my body, or been in a situation that forced me to wear guess work fashion. It's not as though my cleavage is always out in the open, or mini skirts are a must. Have I done one, the other, or both at the same time? Yes. Is it every day? No.

Though to be fair, I can understand where you're coming from. It chalks up to different strokes, different fields, and to different personalities. To be honest I've been referenced as the ''Boss's Hussie'' and seen as the Office Tramp a couple of times. Made me laugh due to knowing it wasn't true, and did it once impact my performance or tasks? Not at all. From important meetings to bigwig parties, I've seen the sides of twin tokens and enjoyed them thoroughly while being comfortable in my own style without worry of fishing for promotions.

In honesty, I have also worn faded jeans, T-shirt, hair up in a bun or pony tail, not a lot of makeup, sneakers to meetings that had lesser importance than some of the upper scale necessities. I've also worn scrubs out as well, mostly it sways on mood and the place of work's personal discretion policy. If all I have to do is wire in a network, or plug away at a task that brings intel to Corporate for a couple of hours I'm not going to suit up. Now if I were in a place of Law, Royalty, and Government I may feel a bit more obliged to maintain a tapered suit but less skin. Might be slightly uncomfortable.

Guess for me it does come down to situation, who am I meeting with, who do I feel that I should semi-impress (if at all), and who could fire me on the spot if they so chose. Otherwise, it's mostly what's comfortable to me.

Though if I was a Super Heroine, unless I was meeting with the Queen or a President/World Leader, I don't believe I'd find that more clothing means a more professional look, or more appropriate. Even then, due to being able to crush said person with ease I wouldn't over dress due to their titles. I'd be respectful to a certain degree, but I wouldn't make myself uncomfortable.

Guys writing those comics just envision a super heroine based off the Media and what sells. Everyone knows that sex truly does sell, especially to the younger crowds. Why not make a beautiful woman, well to put it nicely, sexy? I just don't see why it should be called sexist when aquaman swims around in biker shorts or some type of Chasity belt only. That character, and others, like Conan, were drawn by men. Does that make the creator homosexual? Does that make him wrong? Why not if he isn't? Heroes have always been seen as spandex, and cleavage. Not business suits (in battle), and carrying a briefcase of arrest warrants for villains. Meh~eh.

I want those boots in game!