A controversial list, created by an anonymous user, has been the talk of the town lately since it started circulating on social media. This list details the names, ages, workplaces and some rather private matters about a number of ‘eligible bachelors‘. What sets it apart is the unsettling inclusion of personal ratings based on the men’s appearances and personalities. The list, which nobody asked for, seems to serve the purpose of aiding young women in their search for potential suitors. These ratings left us feeling extremely uncomfortable and disappointed that something like this was even done in the first place.
Can we not go around and think this is normal? It’s crucial to question the normalization of such lists. While the intention might be leaning towards a ‘funny joke’ side or even a ‘jackpot’ for women to find potential suitors, the act of collecting personal information, ranking these men, and sharing it publicly raises many ethical concerns. Respect for privacy should remain a main value.
Imagine if the roles were reversed, and a man created a similar list about women. The outcry would likely be tremendous, highlighting the gender-based double standards that are still prevalent in our society. Many people would actually go through a lot of trouble to track the creator down and take the matter seriously rather than take it as a joke.
Reflecting on the past, some high schoolers created rating lists, mostly initiated by boys objectifying girls. Back then, society rightly condemned such actions, recognizing the harm caused by reducing these girls to mere numbers. This was not okay then, and will never be okay now, so objectification and public ranking based on personal details should not be tolerated, regardless of the gender of those involved.
While some may argue that this list is meant to be fun and is ‘not that deep’ as it does not pose a direct threat to the men listed, it is still an invasion of privacy and can set a dangerous narrative. Social media, especially among younger users, should not be a platform for encouraging such behavior.
What do you think? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
