One way to analyze the public shaming of erotic influencers is to consider what underlying fears and insecurities may be driving it. Shaming can reveal deep-seated cultural attitudes about gender, sexuality, power dynamics, and social norms. In this essay, I will explore how these factors influence the way people react to online erotica, and how they may reflect larger societal anxieties that need to be addressed.
What does public shaming say about society's views on gender roles?
One factor that might contribute to the harsh criticism of female erotic influencers is the persistent belief that women should conform to traditional gender roles. This belief is often reinforced through messages that suggest that women who express their sexuality are "sluts," "whores," or "attention-seekers." This attitude can lead to a double standard where men who engage in similar behaviors are praised for being confident or bold, while women who do so are judged as immoral or promiscuous. This double standard suggests that women's sexuality is inherently more shameful than men's, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes and limits women's freedom to explore their desires.
How does public shaming relate to sexism?
Another potential reason for public shaming could be the prevalence of sexist attitudes in our culture. The fetishization of certain body types, for example, can lead to pressure on women to perform femininity in specific ways, such as maintaining an ideal weight or presenting themselves as "innocent" or "virginal." When an influencer deviates from these expectations by posting sexually explicit content, it can trigger feelings of discomfort and judgment.
There may be a sense that these women are objectifying themselves or exploiting their bodies for profit, leading some people to feel justified in attacking them online. These reactions reveal broader societal anxieties about what is acceptable for women to do with their bodies and how they should behave sexually.
Do power dynamics play a role in public shaming?
Power imbalances may also influence the way we respond to erotic influencers. Influencers often have significant social capital, whether because of their follower count, financial success, or celebrity status. Some commenters may view them as having too much power over their fans, creating a sense of resentment and envy. This can manifest as criticism of their behavior or even threats of violence, particularly against women who pose a threat to traditional gender roles.
There may be a belief that these influencers are taking advantage of their position by monetizing their sexuality, which reinforces cultural norms around the value of female sexuality and ownership of women's bodies.
How does public shaming reflect larger societal issues?
Public shaming may expose deeper concerns about social norms and cultural values.
Many people view eroticism as taboo or immoral, believing that intimacy should only occur within committed relationships or not at all. This attitude can lead to harsh judgments of anyone who engages in openly sexual behavior, regardless of context or consent. It can also contribute to a climate of shame surrounding sexual pleasure, making it difficult for individuals to explore their desires without fear of judgment or stigma. By calling out erotic influencers, some people may feel like they are protecting society from moral corruption, but this approach ignores the nuance and complexity of human desire and ignores the harmful consequences of shame-based attitudes towards sex.
Public shaming of erotic influencers may reveal deeply ingrained cultural anxieties about gender, sexuality, power dynamics, and social norms. These factors influence our reactions to online content and can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and limit freedom of expression. To address these underlying issues, we must challenge societal beliefs about what is acceptable for women to do with their bodies and how they should behave sexually. We must also recognize the role that shame plays in restricting healthy exploration of sexuality and work towards creating a more positive, supportive environment for all individuals to express themselves authentically.
What unconscious anxieties are revealed in public shaming of erotic influencers?
Public shaming of erotic content creators often comes from a place of fear and jealousy, as people may be unable to understand why others would choose this line of work. The shame stems from societal expectations that women should conform to certain sexual and moral standards, and those who deviate from them are often seen as "slutty" or immoral.