The views expressed below do not necessarily reflect the views of teenAGE or the Jamaica Observer. 

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Recently I heard a story of a student at a university in Jamaica who was written by her faculty about her of dressing at school. This young lady is often skimpily clad, leaving very little to the imagination.

This is nothing particularly special nowadays, particularly not on social media where ‘twerking’ videos are not the least bit unpopular. We all know some female who seems to be constantly ‘advertising’ her assets on social media. What is truly intriguing, to me at least, is how many of these young women respond and react when men approach them for sex.

They seem to find it offensive. Then, they use the same social media accounts to complain about how ‘thirsty’ men are and how they are tired of being sexually objectified. If you do not want to be objectified, why continue to portray yourself as an object? It is no secret that social media is one of the most effective ways of marketing now. Are the men really at fault for attempting to purchase what you are selling?

While I agree that women are entitled to dress in whatever way makes them comfortable, I must also admit that all actions deserve, and will receive reactions. It is well known that many men look for easy conquests. Even while admitting that how she wants to dress is her  business, many males will say that these girls are not deemed to be girlfriend material.

Why would he seek to have a girlfriend that all his friends can see naked or twerking as long as they send her a follow request? However, they quickly assume that since she is so comfortable with sharing her body on the internet, it will not be too difficult to get her to share her body with them physically.

If you truly abhor such attention, why are you advertising yourself on social media to attract such a market? I believe this to be illogical. Is it fair to advertise products then ‘scandal’ and hate potential buyers? Where is the logic? It seems like a cheap and pathetic ploy for likes, followers, attention and eventually pity.

Of course, many (usually on the defensive) will be quick to suggest that they dress this way because they love themselves. Well, I don’t understand why your self-love is shown by being half naked on the internet? Why did you not choose to look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are beautiful?

I believe such assertions to be a part of the new mockery of feminism being perpetrated by females seeking to justify some of their behaviour. Why not take these pictures and then admire them privately? After a few posts, these females must be able to make the link between the posts and the comments or persons they attract. Therefore, if it was truly an issue, would they not make changes to avoid this? If you enjoy advertising your body, no problem, but when it comes to the results please stop complaining. Either cover up or just shut up.