In a world so focused on empowering women and creating equality between men and women, explain to me why we still dedicate an entire show displaying women as objects and basically selling their bodies? Each year, millions of people around the world dedicate one night to sit around their TVs to watch models parade around a runway in nothing but underwear and high heels. You probably guessed it, I’m talking about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show which aired Monday, December 5th. I am by no means bashing anyone who watches the show or the models who walk in it, I simply would like to share why I chose not to watch the show and why it bothers me enough to write about it.

I mentioned this at the beginning but I would like to emphasize it more. Our society has put a growing effort into preventing women from being viewed as objects and being exploited and used for their bodies. Yet at the same time, many viewers praise the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and the media continues to glorify the sexual objectification of women. I don’t know about you, but this makes no sense. For the record, I highly doubt the men watching the show are watching it for the clothes, or lack there of.

With the media shoving this “girl power” filled show onto every platform of news and entertainment possible, it is hard to miss. Also hard to miss are the endless tweets and posts from viewers feeling horrible about themselves while watching the show. Many tweets mention plummeting self-esteem, feeling worthless compared to the models, and even plans to begin starving themselves in order to look like a model. Although some of these tweets may be jokes, I don’t find it funny when I see people who feel that unless they are tall, skinny, and have long legs, they are considered ugly or undesirable. Ladies, is this really girl power? If it is, I want out. I see so much negativity about body image and self-esteem in response to this show and it is heartbreaking. This needs to be said: it is literally a model’s full-time job to make sure they maintain their body image, meaning they have crazy strict eating diets and work out multiple times a day. For most of us, this lifestyle does not fit in with our busy schedules. That is okay!

Finally, I want to send a message out to anyone struggling with their own body image or self-esteem. First of all, don’t pay attention to the unrealistic image our society has claimed to be the “perfect body.” I’m telling you now, it’s not. Instead of striving to be perfect, strive to be healthy and happy with who you are as an individual. Take care of your body, but also don’t be afraid to treat yourself every once in awhile. Remember, you are worth so much more  than what you look like.