Men are not the Problem Every male around the world has heard the arguments that come from a twenty-first century “feminist.” The feminist arguments from years past made sense, were logical, and were agreeable. Today, however, that is not the case. In the article “Fat is a Feminist Issue,” author Susie Orbach enlightens her readers on the fact that women gain weight as a defense mechanism. Orbach believes that women are protecting themselves from being objectified by today’s world of men and media. If Orbach chooses to believe her totally baseless accusation, then good for her. However, when she was made her argument she made three bold accusations. I disagree with Orbach when she states that women think of themselves as sex objects; however, I both agree and disagree when she states that women are objectified in the media and that women catch they eye of a man, at first, with her looks. In the article, Orbach explains that women have started to gain weight as a defense mechanism from the objective attitude of a man. She believes that women are purposely gaining weight to put an end to the stereotypes of the sexes: “response to the inequality of the sexes” (Orbach 449). Orbach explains that for a woman to get a man, she first has to think of herself as a sex object. However, she believes that finding a man is, in general, a crucial goal for a woman (450). In addition, she believes that a woman is either objectified as a sex object or a mother because society has trained men to do so (450). Finally, Orbach explains that, today, women are compelled to follow the present day trends and styles; ergo, they are captured in the belief that they have to follow ideal fashion and diet industries. Overall, Orbach essentially believes that women are extremely focused on their physical appearance because they are dependant on a man and do not actually hold the rights to their own bodies. Orbach believes that in order to get a man, a woman must first succumb to society’s predetermined mindset and think of themselves as a sex object. In Orbach’s view, “to get a man, a woman has to learn to regard herself as an item, a commodity, a sex object” (450). Basically, Orbach is stating that men are chauvinistic human beings and only want a woman who strives to make her man happy. I disagree. From personal experience, I know that most men want an independent woman who is not afraid to express her feelings towards her man when he is acting up. Although there are some men who do think the way Orbach describes, those men are few and far between in today’s world. Quite frankly, for Orbach to make this assertion that women have to think of themselves as sex objects to get a man is sexist. Orbach goes on to discuss that women are presented by the media either in a sexualized manner or in a way that is family related. Orbach herself states, “the media present women either in a sexual context or within the family, reflecting a woman’s two prescribed roles, first as a sex object, and then as a mother” (450). I agree that women are portrayed in the media in a sexual context. This can be seen in the latest Victoria’s Secret fashion show. All of the women in the show are tall, beautiful, fit, long-legged models that create false images of the women should look. I disagree, however, that this portrays them as sex objects. Shows like these are not geared toward a male audience; they are geared towards a female audience who are watching to see if Victoria’s Secret has come out with a new bikini that they like. In my opinion, the media is not trying to turn women into sex objects. They are trying to sell their brand in the most effective way, even if it means showing beautiful, half-dressed women. Finally, Orbach claims that the only way for a woman to catch a man’s eye is to portray the false image displayed on television. In other words Orbach believes that “ [a woman] is brought up to marry by ‘catching’ a man with her looks and pleasing manner. To do this she must look appealing, earthly, sensual, sexual, virginal, innocent, reliable, daring, mysterious, coquettish, and thin” (451). I agree that to catch a man’s eye, a woman must first enchant him on a physical manner. Whether the physical trait is the woman’s witts, intellect, humor, smile, or beauty, the first impression only matters to a certain degree. The factor that really keeps a man around is her personality. However, that is not to say that the first impression is not stereotyped, but is not it the same if the roles are switched? For a man to catch a woman’s eye, doesn’t he first have to look appealing, earthy, reliable, daring, mysterious, tall, fit, and funny? The answer is yes. The generalizing that goes on during a first impression is a stereotype fueled by both sides. When a feminist makes a claim, it is usually well thought out; however, Susie Orbach's claim that women are gaining weight as a defense mechanism in her article “Fat is a Feminist Issue” is totally ludicrous. I do not agree with Orbach when she states that a woman must think think of herself as a sex object before she can get a man. With that, I both agree and disagree with Orbach when she explains that women are sexualized in the media and objectified to a man. However, Orbach should not make a claim that women are gaining weight to fight feminism without citing any evidence other than stereotypes she sees. For her to do that is unethical and unprofessional.