The article mentioned body-image problems, and I will agree that's one consequence. There are a few more the article did NOT mention, that every dad, brother, boyfriend, and husband needs to seriously think about if this trend continues unchecked.
When girls learn from society that adult women only serve sexual purposes, what motivation is there for them to set any other goals for themselves? Now, let's say you have a 13-year-old daughter who is forming the impression that she'll be expected to be highly sexual as a young adult. Guess what, folks - the hormones have already kicked in. What better way to get ahead of her competition than to start practicing!
Let's say you're a dad who is never without a Playboy/Penthouse/Hustler magazine. (Or a porn DVD stash.) Your daughter probably has already seen it. What are you teaching her about what you expect from her? Will she assume that you'll only like her if she's pretty or acts sexy like the women in the magazines? Do you want your daughter growing up and being a porn star because she thinks it'll make you proud? Worse and much creepier - do you want to give her the impression that you'll like her more if she's sexy to you?
Let's say you know a girl who's dating. She constantly hears guys talk about the females they're interested in - in terms of parts (nice legs, pretty smile, long hair, etc.) She hears guys talk about how proud or happy they are to be seen with such a beautiful girl. And trust me, this girl is wondering what you say about other women. If you prize such beauty, how do you feel about the appearance of your mother, or your sister.
I know you all have a mother, a sister, a wife, a girlfriend, a daughter, or some other female you care about. The social lessons, enforced by YOU, are doing damage to all of them. Before you say I'm "unfairly targeting" guys (how do you "fairly target" anyone?), I'm not saying all guys do this. But if you don't, dudes, you know guys who do, and you don't say anything about it. Silence implies consent, right?
Here are some consequences you are allowing (or encouraging):
teen promiscuity
unsafe sex
increased STDs
teen pregnancy
increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse
increased risk of depression and suicide
oh yeah, and increased risk of anorexia and bulimia due to body-image problems, which themselves can lead to infertility, depression, suicide-by-starvation, and so on.
Eye candy is great. None of us - male or female - is immune to the art of a beautiful body - male or female. But guys, keep in mind that you are being watched - females and ad agencies will both try to cater to you. Which do you care more about - the females in your life, or those you're paying for? Be sure that the message you send is really what you want.
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