Channing Tatum Strips in Magic Mike vs. Sasha Grey and Jenny McCarthy XXX Porn: Who is More Objectified?

Impact

Though Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and Joe Manganiello stripping in Magic Mike may suggest males are now sexually objectified in the media, female objectification is alive and well as evidenced by commercials such as the controversial Super Bowl 2012 Go Daddy body paint ad. 

The question is, are these models, actors and entertainers (male and female) really being exploited by the industry with these nude gigs? Or are they empowered instead with entry level opportunities which could lead to potentially lucrative and rewarding careers in the entertainment industry or otherwise? 

Take Jenny McCarthy and Sasha Grey as the latest example of the dichotomous debate about nude models and performers being either empowered or exploited. 

McCarthy, who just posed for Playboy, is an actor, TV show host and activist who began her career as a nude model in 1993 and jumped to mainstream fame by becoming “Playmate of the Year.” 

Grey, similarly, started out as an adult performer and has appeared by now in TV shows (Entourage) and non-nude films (The Girl From the Naked Eye).  

Warning: graphic language

It's the debate that has been consuming gender studies experts and talk show hosts around the world for decades. Is sexual objectification (SO) a reality or a myth? Are these performers exploited or empowered? 

While those who argue the former have valid points (sexualized models and performers of both genders are more prevalent than ever in entertainment and advertising), it is also true these gigs could be the jump start to a successful career not only in entertainment (Sasha Grey) but also in activism (Jenny McCarthy).

Ask the likes of Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, who went from amateur sex tape performers to reality television divas and somewhat successful merchandise entrepreneurs. By the way, If you were wondering what Paris Hilton is up to these days (or even, who is she), she’s now trying her hand at DJing after a faded and brief career as a pop recording artist. The reviews are not flattering; but hey, I didn't say anything about actual talent.