Part 5/9:
Theron and others highlight a broader pattern within Hollywood: men are frequently objectified on-screen, particularly in franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where shirtless scenes are commonplace for male actors. She questions whether such demands are ever scrutinized or criticized under the guise of "empowerment" or artistic expression, suggesting that the exploitation cuts both ways.
This issue isn't strictly gender-specific but is part of a culture that prizes appearance above all else. Theron acknowledges that the industry promotes attractiveness for profit and that it’s largely accepted—until the actresses age out of the favorite look, at which point society’s standards and expectations shift dramatically.