Over-Sexualization: The New Inspiration for Content Creation (Skit Making) in Nigeria

The proliferation of the internet and social media platforms has revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and consume entertainment. These platforms provide easy access to a wide range of content, including music videos, movies, TV shows, advertisements, and user-generated content. Unfortunately, this unrestricted access has also given rise to the widespread sexualization of content.

The Nigerian new media is fast-developing, as some contents has receive international recognition, not only going viral locally. From the broad perspective, one should give kudos to the content creators, but from the kin perspective, there’s a delirium going all round, that is getting out of control, it’s time to bring it to a screeching halt!

 

We all know sex sells. Prostitution is the most lucrative, oldest profession with 100% guarantee profit. That in its self does summarizes the whole point. Recently, there has been growing concern about the perceived increase in sexualization in various aspects of society especially the new rave of skit making in Nigeria. With the rise of the internet and social media, the new generation is exposed to a vast array of media content, and some argue that this has led to the sexualization of almost everything. The skit makers in Nigeria has apparently taken it to whole new level, has many are trying so hard to be funny and pass their messages across.

 

Much more concerns need to go to the objectification of women, and over idolizing of body curves, and voluptuous breast, unconsciously accepting it as the beauty standard and body goals for unsuspecting audience. Let it be known that Media and pop culture heavily impact the way society perceives sex and relationships. Many TV shows, movies, and music videos portray intimate relationships and sexuality in a highly sexualized manner. Such representation may lead to distorted expectations, contribute to objectification, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

The skit makers and the content creators as assumed to have gotten a new memo about fast fashion and been under-clothed as the best way to get noticed quick, or putting it in the right term “click bait” for the social media patron. The fashion industry is often criticized for promoting unrealistic body ideals and sexualized clothing for young individuals. As impressionable minds absorb these ideals, it can lead to body image issues and reinforce the notion that one's value is determined by their appearance. Talking about the fashion influencers might be taking it too far, as some might defend that they more like a mannequin or Hanger just for the display of cloth for intended buyers, but there’s a thing line between advertising the product or advertising self. Again, many belong to the school of thoughts that both are the same. In apposition, the Nigerian economy doesn’t reward uprightness, which automatically gives way to all sort of moral decadence in our media space. There is an adage where I am from which states “ona ofun, ona orun” which literal meaning is “Pathway to the throat is the pathway to death” but the actual meaning is simple “Your survival instinct kicks in harder than your virtue, courage or good conscience” like have heard before “conscience be damned!”

 

Advertising plays a significant role in shaping societal norms and values. In the pursuit of profit, some advertisers resort to sexualized images and suggestive themes to attract attention and create a sense of desire or aspiration. As the new generation is constantly bombarded with such content, their perception of self-worth and relationships is deteriorating daily. Within peer groups, one may face pressure to conform to certain sexualized behaviors or dress codes. This desire to fit in can lead to the normalization of sexualization among young individuals.

Note that the sexualization of everything contributes to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and anxiety, etc. It may also lead to the objectification of oneself and others, hindering the development of healthy and respectful relationships. Another major problem to consider is that, this our generation has challenges about forming genuine connections and building meaningful relationships. The focus on physical appearance has overshadow emotional intimacy and lead to shallow interactions.

 There is an urgent need to encourage critical thinking and fostering an environment where healthy relationships and respect for oneself and others are prioritized, let’s work towards mitigating the potential negative impacts of this pervasive trend. The sexualization of everything in the new generation is a complex issue shaped by various societal, cultural, and technological factors. While not all content and expressions of sexuality are inherently harmful, it is crucial to promote media literacy, open dialogue, and responsible use of technology to navigate this landscape.