Colton Underwood, a twenty-seven-year-old bachelor, ex-NFL player, and founder of the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation has been chosen as ABC's 23rd Bachelor on the famous reality show. Despite all of Colton's accomplishments, "The Bachelor" has devoted a majority of its screen time on another component of Colton's personality: his sex life, or rather lack thereof.
As a quarter-finalist contestant on the past season of "The Bachelorette", Colton revealed to Becca, the bachelorette, that he was a virgin. At that moment, the Bachelor fanbase, "Bachelor Nation", exploded. Fans from all over the country flocked to social media in shock about Colton's not-so-personal reveal. Sentiments intensified as Colton was chosen as the next Bachelor, and it was not quick until the producers revealed that Colton is the first "Virgin Bachelor". As soon as promotional videos and photos advertising the new season became available to the general public, a photo was released of Colton with a rose in his hand and behind him, a flash of words reading: "What does he have to lose?"
During the first episode of Colton's season, his virginity was the center point of most conversations. As the contestants were introduced, many of them alluded to their interest in Colton, namely the fact that he was a virgin. And when some of these female contestants stepped out of the limo and first stood face-to-face with Colton, they immediately joked about taking his virginity. Some contestant brought a red balloon, took a needle, popped it, and then said, "I can pop your cherry". In an attempt to shake off the aggressive comment, Colton laughed it off and the woman walked into the house.
The first episode also included live watch parties from around the country. Each time the camera showed a different watch party, aggressive posters read: "Hey Colton, I'll take your virginity" and other metaphors to sex. Yet, in the producers attempts to center this season around Colton's virginity and gain media attention, they have instead promoted a sexually aggressive atmosphere that is extremely toxic.
Imagine if the roles were reversed and there was a female virgin bachelorette. How would the audience feel if all the male contestants constantly talked about taking the girl's virginity? Would it be accepted or scorned? And if so, why is it tolerated when the subject of the aggressive sexual remarks are a man? Is it any different, and why?
Sexual harassment is not a joke, especially in the era of #TimesUp and #MeToo. Although these movements are primarily affiliated with women, it is possible for men to be victims of the same sexual crimes though not as often as women. Yet, there needs to be a consistent application of #MeToo to men who actually are victims of sexual crimes, violence, and harassment. Having an ungodly amount of time focused on your virginity and hearing numerous women claim that they want to be the ones to take that is straight-up sexual harassment.
The fact that the producers of "The Bachelor" have tolerated this aggressive language towards Colton is not only disrespectful but also shameful. This same type of behavior would not be tolerated if it was a female bachelorette. If the roles were reversed, fans across the nation would boycott the Bachelor for its inherent toxic masculinity and aggressive comments that objectify women. But because Colton has a Y chromosome, the producers do not care if the contestants harass him.
Hopefully, the rest of Colton's season will focus on his long list of accomplishments, including his professional career and charity, but I doubt it. It seems like "The Bachelor" will just continue to promote a sexually aggressive culture along with dating thirty different people simultaneously.