On Women, Objectification, and Slavery

Ok, so I was going to write my weekly blog contribution around the topic of the recent anniversaries of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This occasion is an important one to reflect on our attitude of retribution, justice, and violence. Most especially, to hold us accountable for our attitude of "the means justify the ends." Yet the pastor of my parent's church gave a great word today about our attitude towards women and the effect it has on our Christian discipleship.

As adherents to the kingdom of God, we believe in a reality of freedom bound in love (not simply unhindered liberty) in the gaze of our Creator God. In sharing his perfect, Triune love, we are compelled to live with each other perfectly, harmoniously, and peacefully. In short, our shared vision turns towards shalom. Still, we are wise to recognize the siren call of our culture that seduces us to return to the old slavery to our flesh (as Paul calls it), or our gridlocked mode of being that is self-refenced (as L. Robert Mulholland calls it in his insightful book The Deeper Journey).

The pastor referenced a famous song now blasted over the airwaves (I heard it on two different stations on the car ride home) by pop star Robin Thicke, penned by ex-N.E.R.D. producer Pharrell, who shares another top-10 hit with Daft Punk in "Get Lucky." The song, called "Blurred Lines" has already caused a moderate stir over its use of female nudity in its viral music video, mostly in England. This should be enough to stop you in your tracks (since when did the British have a bead on censorship and sexual morality anyways?) Critics rightly point out the lyrics that casually subdue the [objectified] female's consent in the face of a swaggering attitude that only offers the excuse, "I know you want it." Even though YouTube banned the video since its release back in March, the uncensored video is still available on Vevo. Lucky for you, you'll have to overcome your own conscience to get at that; Included here is the alternative, TV-friendly version:

Fascinating still is the response from the Thicke and company, who claim the song and video are meant to be tongue-in-cheek, since Thicke, Pharrell, and the featured models are happily married and in no habit of philandering in the insinuated manner. This prompts reflection on the power of the medium. How many listeners will heed the message? Is Thicke's relationship status common knowledge? Does sarcasm carry across the waters and around the world to the billions who now heed the call to press a little closer when we see an attractive sister?

You'll notice I address my male readership here. Though it should be no surprise to the women readers/viewers out there, but we men are readily in a position to make such power judgments, whether aggressively courting the opposite sex or holding our hands up in claims of ironic innocence. In the same way that trivializing racial stereotypes does not advance the discussion (sorry, Dave Chappelle), we need to recognize the weapons in our hands when we see them. Sure, ironic racism naturally disgusts me, but these subtle jabs at women serve, at the end of the day, only to uphold the objectification and fantasy that denigrates their inherent, God-given dignity. I'll be the first to admit that Thicke's song is endearing to me, white male viewer, but can the same be said of my sisters? What do they think when the parade of naked women strolls across the screen to pay homage to #Thicke? Just as pop hits like this are machines in the hand of record labels aiming at far more than just radio listeners (seen those ads for the mini speakers yet?), this subtle message weaves its way back into the siren call of consumerism that our culture uses to drag us back into the dead way of life. Thus it is no surprise to see the strongholds of money, position, sexual identity, and individualization sink their barbs into us each time. 

Although the consumerism-lifestyle-as-idol motif resonates with me the most, I recognize the blinders and privilege I inherit with my gender. I cannot have this conversation apart from the severe implications of protecting this portrayal behind the screen of irony. And just as I must repent for my complicit assent to a system that subjugates people of color (as a fair-skinned man), I must repent for my assent to the same system that so casually treats women. 

Of course we have hope, at least from the standpoint of our faith. When Jesus faces the legitimate charges against a prostitute caught in adultery, he refuses to gratify the desire for revenge, and instead radically involves the business of her accusers: 

"In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” [said the accusers.] 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”“No one, sir,” she said. "Then neither do I condemn you. Go and leave your life of sin."  John 8:5-11

Here we see the heart of the Law expressed with the depth and shalom it envisions. Jesus is in fact the only one who may truly pass judgment on her. Yet he willingly absolves the woman in light of our universal need for redemption. He allows her to rise above the humiliating circumstances (not to mention the injustice of facing accusers who never mention the man caught in the crime equally guilty) and reclaim her dignity. At once she rests on the level of the righteous, and, as a recipient of the Lord's compassion, claims a special spot in His heart. If there isn't a more perfect vision for a redeemed sexuality, then I don't know where to find it.