Appropriate Vulgarity

So with all the hoopla going on over the Superbowl half-time show, I have decided to share some thoughts. I have struggled with doing so because everyone has their panties in SUCH a bunch, but I feel like some things should be talked about and discussed. Important things. Things that change and shape the minds of our kids. And having said ALL that, I have chosen to make a blog about it instead of a direct post. My attempt at being non-confrontational.

Let me first say, I loved the dancing. I loved the music. And I am as proud as anyone that two beautiful, successful, ethnic women were performing in front of COUNTLESS eyes. This is not about the choreography, it’s not about the music, it’s not even about the subtle political messages. It’s about what that show also brought. Something I saw first hand in the reactions around me, and the reactions that followed.

The REAL View

IT BROUGHT SHAME – It brought shame to the women and mothers who saw lust and desire in their husband’s eyes as they looked at women they looked nothing like.

IT BROUGHT CONFUSION – It brought confusion to boys who are being taught to value and respect a woman’s body. Then these same prepubescent boys full of raging hormones, these same TEENAGE boys are being filled with desires and thoughts that contradict that value and respect.

IT BROUGHT CONTRADICTION – It brought contradiction to girls. Girls who are being taught that their bodies are SO powerful and SO valuable that a man should work, and work HARD to get to her HEART before they have access to her body. Then these same impressional young girls are seeing their idols put their bodies on full display for anyone to see.

IT BROUGHT DISHONOR – It brought dishonor to REAL and TRUE intimacy. The intimacy that goes beyond physical lust and desire. That looks past the sexuality and sensually and sees PERSONALITY. It implied and conveyed that a woman can only be seen as sexy if there is nothing but a slither of fabric between you and her birth canal.

I am ALL FOR empowering women and building confidence in our girls. I am ALL FOR positive body image and instilling value and respect.

Is This Really the Way?

So here is my question: when did we get to the point that the ONLY way two amazing, successful, gorgeous, INFLUENTIAL women who had the attention of millions could find to communicate power and value and respect of women, was to showcase their bodies in an overtly and graphically sexual way? Are we to the point where we CANNOT express self-confidence and ownership of our skin and our value without it? Do the two HAVE to go hand in hand?

I hope not. I hope that we can appreciate and empower and EDUCATE women, famous performers or not, without it being attached to them showing “appropriate vulgarity”.

I hope.