The Echoes of the Mind (39) Objectification

Objectification

We have a pronounced inclination to conceptualize existence as a diversity of objects. This world of objects may either be exploited in some fashion toward gratifying some desire or represent some potential hazard. Some objects are considered to offer both potentials. For some men women fall into this category.

The true man wants two things: danger and play. For that reason, he wants woman, as the most dangerous plaything. ~ Friedrich Nietzsche, who was no ladies’ man

Beyond posing peril, the mind is geared to pay attention to objects over which some manipulation may be exercised and disregard objects beyond control.

Graspable objects grab attention. ~ American psychologist Jacqueline Snow

The nature of objects is commonly presumed to be within the realm of observation. We tend to naïvely believe that the faculties of other life forms are on display, and to view other life as only as mentally capable as can be witnessed.

From a social perspective, objectification is a process of subjugation, where other people are treated as objects: means to ends. This process begins with mind perception.