I think the "women buy in to it" part is really important. It's a two way street.
When I was about 16 I was listening to a radio show with two women discussing objectification. Something I've never been on board with. Both from a personal perspective as well as the women who buy in to it and, in essence, objectify themselves. I called in to the show and I'm sure they took the call because they wanted to appease a kid. Or maybe "teach" me. And the crux of my question was, "Do you dress up, wear makeup, and do everything you can to look good and, if so, why?" And I remember them going from patronizing to flummoxed pretty quickly. Because there really isn't a way to answer that question without it coming back to desiring positive attention or feedback from others based solely on physical looks.
Is it a society thing? Sure. I think it's probably an animal thing too. We're hardwired for it. The bird with the prettiest feathers gets to breed. But it's the hypocrisy around the issue that I have a hard time with. "I do it for myself" doesn't quite fly with me. Because the "self" is looking for that feedback. Now in no way does that mean a woman can't wear what she wants. Or be in actual danger with the "she was asking for" bullshit. That comes from the weakest, most insecure men out there. But I do see a lot hypocrisy around the issue.
All I know is that when I cross paths with women obviously seeking attention, where their being is seemingly wrapped in to their looks, I won't give it to them. There's other things that are SO much more important. Things that I personally feel should be acknowledged and encouraged way before physical beauty. And that holds true for women who objectify men.
