[Mz]

Probably because the cultural norm is to assume that men are entitled to get laid but women are not. Such assumptions lead to uneven social outcomes which make sex far more socially problematic for women than men, for example prostitutes are typically viewed in more negative terms than johns are. It is not unusual for someone to express the idea that it is okay for a man to pay for sex but it is evil incarnate for a woman to sell it.

While I don't happen to agree with such views I think there are some good reasons why they exist and men who hold such views often do so out of a sense of protectiveness for women generally.  But if women are to achieve equality, such things need to change. Unfortunately, idealistically protesting the supposed degradation of women basically agrees with the default cultural assumption that women are mere sex objects who get used by men and thus tends to reinforce it rather than undermine it. As a woman, I have found that whining and complaining that men should not treat women as sex objects is a really weak position to take because it respects the assumption that all the power to change things is held by men, not women. A far stronger position is to turn the tables on men and talk about them like they are sex objects for my pleasure. Edit: I mean as a form of rebuttal/to make a point. In practice -- i.e. in a relationship -- I don't think it really works for either party to be objectified.

Somewhat in Space Dragon's defense, I think there may be some correlation between a man liking porn and a man treating women as mere sex objects. I cannot say though which is cause and which is effect -- i.e. whether men who view women as mere sex objects are more attracted to porn or whether watching porn promotes such attitudes.  I only know that men who treated me decently tended to have little interest in porn. I don't much care for it myself, though that isn't out of judgmentalism. It simply doesn't float my boat.

[derleth]

> think there may be some correlation between a man liking porn and a man treating women as mere sex objects

I doubt it, given the negative correlation between porn and sex crimes:

http://www.springerlink.com/content/v046j3g178147772/fulltex...

Maybe it's the case that those who most objectify others will be satisfied with using porn pretty much exclusively if that's an option, but I doubt it works like that. I think porn simply fulfills the 'punching bag' need, and allows other emotions to come to the fore in the real world.

> I have found that whining and complaining that men should not treat women as sex objects is a really weak position to take because it respects the assumption that all the power to change things is held by men

I fully agree.

I also think that one part of achieving equality is to realize that women objectify men, and that it's in their power to stop such behavior. Especially since any man who objects to being objectified by a woman is placed in a very precarious position in our current society, much like how people pretty much assume it's impossible for women to rape or abuse men.

[Mz]

Have an upvote, though I don't see any reason to believe that the negative correlation between porn and sex crimes in any way proves that my personal opinion, based in part on first hand experience interacting with heterosexual men, is wrong. I think all it means is that having some outlet is better than having no outlet, not that viewing porn makes would-be rapists have more humane and enlightened attitudes towards women. Similar to the fact that countries with inadequate legal exports are your biggest exporters of illicit drugs: They need hard currency and that need doesn't go away just because they lack better options. If given better (more socially acceptable) options, people will usually take the easier path that leads to fewer problems. It is a form of self interest, not necessarily an expression of deeply respecting other people.