To the editor:
I am writing regarding the letter to the editor published by Alan Sorrentino entitled, “Please, women, put away the yoga pants” in the Oct. 19 issue of the Barrington …
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To the editor:
I am writing regarding the letter to the editor published by Alan Sorrentino entitled, “Please, women, put away the yoga pants” in the Oct. 19 issue of the Barrington Times. This article is an affront to the health and well-being of our community, and calls upon all of us — women and men — to undo the damage caused by such a publication.
Mr. Sorrentino’s callous and crass evaluation of women’s bodies undermines our efforts to teach our children healthy ways to view themselves and to treat one another. By shaming women about their bodies, he perpetuates the social and cultural messages that lead women to have negative body images, and that contribute to the development of eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. By publicizing his words, the Barrington Times has become an accomplice in this destructive messaging. It is disappointing that the editors failed to consider how psychologically damaging this kind of rhetoric can be.
Mr. Sorrentino’s objectification of women — of all ages — should also make us uncomfortable. As the parent of a 12-year‐old girl, I am concerned about the exploitation of my daughter, her friends, and the other young women in our town. I am equally concerned for the young men in Barrington, including my 14-year‐old son, who may hear others describing this story as “funny,” or worse, as an acceptable way to look at, think about, and interact with women and girls.
We, as a community, need to stop dismissing such words and actions as harmless—they are not. Mr. Sorrentino’s editorial perpetuates the notion that sexist attitudes, sexist language, and sexist behavior are acceptable in our community. I hope we will take this opportunity to consider what we, as a community, can do to counteract these messages and confront issues of sexism, ageism, and other social injustices. Barrington prides itself for its superior schools and other amenities; however, the success of a community must be measured by its commitment to fostering respect, dignity, health, and happiness equally for one and all.
Becky Spritz, Ph.D.
Barrington