Talking about sexual objectification always threatens to deepen the degree to which people feel sexually objectified, even if that is the opposite of one’s intention. This phenomenon applies just as well to other forms of oppression. Talking about the way in which state policies help or hinder Mexican immigrants to the U.S., for example, potentially further entrenches the idea that all Latinos are “illegals.” Pointing out under-development in parts of Africa potentially affirms the notion that all of Africa is economically backward or politically corrupt. Referring to women’s lack of representation in math and science may make women even more anxious about pursuing these careers.

This is one of the ways that power works. It co-opts the strategies available for fighting back. Power is flexible and accommodating, it controls and convinces through all possible channels, it finds ways to infiltrate all mediums. This is why it’s so hard, in the first place, to eradicate prejudice and inequality.