No, objectifying men and women is not the same thing

Thomas Ceccon is the international star of these Paris 2024 Olympics, which are now nearing their end. The Italian swimmer, who won gold in the 100 meters backstroke and bronze in the 4x100 meters freestyle relay, has become admired worldwide, gaining international fame. He went viral for a photo of him sleeping on a lawn, dissatisfied with the Olympic village conditions, but also because he is considered very attractive. 

Thomas Ceccon: "Don't sexualize me!"

Consequently, as often happens during such events, the internet was filled with his fan cams, and the comment section of his Instagram profile was inundated with remarks, some explicit, about his body, his hair, his Veneto accent, his voice, his eyes, his smile, and his abs. He himself, evidently aware of what's happening on social networks, intervened, asking a user to not sexualize him. This comment, justified and reflecting a personal reaction that cannot be condemned, sparked an online debate about the difference between the objectification of women and men. This is what we want to focus on.

The social debate and the treatment of women

Following his statements, some tweets highlighted how such behavior, when directed at women is loudly condemned, while when directed at men, it tends to be more tolerated, suggesting some sort of reversal in favor of women and to the detriment of men. This might be true in some social network bubbles, but it doesn't exist in the outside world. Just think of catcalling, harassment, violence, and the constant sexualization women face every day in all areas, not just in sports, both publicly and privately, on Telegram groups, in the streets, at school, at work, and within families. This false equivalence ignores the context, leads to easy polemics, and muddies the waters, making us shortsighted.

Objectification and sexualization of women and men: the differences

Let's start by saying that the same behaviors and sexualizing comments are not the same thing when directed at a man or a woman. Why? Because in contemporary society, governed by patriarchal rules, topics like sex, pleasure, and desire are still taboo for women. Also due to Christian morality, for centuries, sex was something women endured rather than engaged in, often in the form of violence and possession, as an obligation. Therefore, it's clear that men hold a position of power, and this type of objectifying gaze does not have the same overpowering effect on them as it does on women, simply due to a matter of history. This doesn't mean it's right to subject athletes (or anyone else) to such remarks, or that everyone has to accept them with good grace. It simply means that there is a difference in context and societal role that cannot be ignored and must be considered when discussing it, to avoid oversimplifying the issue and throwing everything into the same pot. Let's try and keep it in mind!