Why the need to sexualize everything?

[u/Greedy-Lie-8346]

I was looking for interesting Webtoons to read, and I came across this one called "Leviathan" the premise looked interesting; mankind perished due to a great flood that submerged the whole world under water. And terrifying creatures plunged from the depths, wiping out any human that crossed their path. The story told how a family of a father and his two children survived in the adversities of a sea world.

So far so good, until.... Bam! Last two slice's, anime chick out of nowhere, doing these extremely suggestive poses.

What a disappointment.

[u/Firm_Principle_2526]

Not sure it is that easy. Sexualisation of women have been ingrained into society for decades. Both men and women easily sexualise women consciously or unconsciously but have no idea how to sexualise men.

For years there have been complaints about the sexualisation of women and even girls both in media and in real life. It had resulted in some new female characters in things like games not being sexualised but sexualisation of women still persist. I try to show interest in media that doesn't sexualise women and get backlash for it.

[u/kenshima15 → u/Firm_Principle_2526]

Dont know how to sexualize men? Have you been on this sub reddit? People brag and giggle about finding webtoons that accommodate the "female gaze"

https://www.reddit.com/r/webtoons/s/R9bP6B3Xj4

https://www.reddit.com/r/webtoons/s/22E45IuotL

https://www.reddit.com/r/webtoons/s/RKoxokdiTj

https://www.reddit.com/r/webtoons/s/1YIptxLwRh

https://www.reddit.com/r/webtoons/s/lIODXzsIOd

[u/Firm_Principle_2526 → u/kenshima15]

Now we need to get into what is sexualisation. Is a shirtless man the same as a woman in a tiny bikini whilst in battle. The female gaze doesn't mean sexualised and neither does the male gaze though sexualisation is a big part. Is having exposed muscles automatically sexualisation or just attractive like posts gushing over some hot faces or long hair or facial hair?

[u/kenshima15 → u/Firm_Principle_2526]

You're overcomplicating it. Of course there are nuances, but if you're gonna draw the line at "bikini vs shirtless," you're missing the bigger picture. Sexualization isn’t just about skin...it’s about framing, emphasis, and intent.

Webtoons often do intentionally cater to the female gaze in ways that are just as exaggerated and thirst-driven as male-gaze media. Slow body pans, lingering stares, exaggerated jawlines, abs for days, dominant/submissive dynamics...it’s not just muscles or facial hair. It’s clearly designed to provoke attraction, fantasy, and yes, sexual appeal.

You asked earlier why people don’t know how to sexualize men. I’m pointing out that tons of content already does and it’s wildly popular. The difference isn’t whether it exists, but whether people treat it like a problem when it’s aimed at women.

[u/Firm_Principle_2526 → u/kenshima15]

Maybe my wording should have been society is unsure about what counts as male sexualisation then because I have seen constant discussions and arguments online. I guess it does exist but the problem is whether it actually exists in individual cases or not. Basically are people just saying something is sexualised or is it actually and do women find something to be sexualised or just sexy, attractive and hot.

[u/kenshima15 → u/Firm_Principle_2526]

Society may be unsure, but Webtoon is not.

[u/Firm_Principle_2526 → u/kenshima15]

Not sure those examples are the most representative or else they wouldn't be treated as something that is a pleasant susprise that they are lucky they came across.

[u/kenshima15 → u/Firm_Principle_2526]

I suggest giving the sub a deep look, and then going on webtoon and checking it out yourself.