I think I missed the memo where we reverted back to the 1950's on Made In Chelsea. Today's episode enraged many women - thanks to Charlie's outdated views and slut-shaming.
This week the Kings Roaders headed for a weekend in the countryside for more fun and drama. During a game of dares Charlie Wicks chose to kiss newcomer Mel Hornbostel and newly single Yasmine Zweegers. After the game he had a debrief with Harvey Armstrong,Issy Francis-Baumand Lily Ludovici Gray to decipher who he actually liked romantically.
Charlie explained, 'With Yaz there's so much history we're like Ross and Rachel and we had that thing in Bali. I think Yas is future girlfriend material.' Lily then questioned,' Whereas Mel is more of a one night stand? You said that yesterday.' To which he replied, 'You said it I didn't.' Adding, 'She is new to the group so I have to give her the benefit of the doubt so I'll get to know her.'
After that derogatory comment - Mel should run for the hills!
As viewers, listening to Charlie be so blatantly disrespectful about Mel was vile. The fact that he was comparing Mel and Yas in such a disrespectful manner also makes it that more shocking. Within his comments he was suggesting that one woman is 'worthy' of settling down whilst the other is only good for her body or sex.
If a single woman enjoys one night stands - what's the problem with that? As long as it's safe and consensual, women should be able to do as they please without judgement. As we've seen on Made In Chelsea, one night stands are not the sole issue here, it's the negative connotations that society has attached to women who engage in them.
Hook-ups and Tinder dates are all normal aspects of being single for many women, yet so many are made to feel embarrassed or ashamed for taking part in the single culture, in a way that men don’t seem to experience.Sexual freedom is something that men often claim for themselves. Something that is defined as a male right, male privilege. Why are men entitled to sexual freedom, and women are not? Why should women be punished and socially shamed when they engage in the same behaviour, that men themselves engage in? The double standards surrounding one night stands are clear.
In 2021, Psychologists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology carried out a study called 'Sexual Regret' on 763 people. They found that 35% of women regret a one night stand, compared to 20% of men. After listening to the way Charlie spoke about Mel, it's no wonder women feel shame because society has ensured they feel that way.
Charlie has even made it known that he dosen't even know Mel so how can he already determine the type of person she is and what she likes? He has clearly judged her on her outward appearance and that's even worse. Whilst strides have been made as we can clearly see, slut-shaming still presents itself in a whole number of ways. From commenting on what women wear, to how many sexual partners they’ve had, women are still shamed for making their own choices.
Let's also dissect the fact that he believes someone who is sexually free is incapable of settling down. This in itself is a misconception. Just because a woman enjoys sex and is sexually free, dosen't mean they are less likely to settle down later on if that's what they want - and for other women that won't be their sole aim in life anyway.
I was also disappointed that a lot of the Made In Chelsea girls actually engaged in this conversation with Charlie. Many of them discussed it with him and amongst each other but didn't outright condemn it. I really hoped one of them would have pulled Charlie up on those comments.
Seeing this unfold makes it clear as to why women feel so much more shame surrounding one night stands than men. Women are taught from an early age, whether consciously or not, that taking control of their own bodies and sexuality will only bring negative perceptions of them. Charlie's views are so outdated and I would hope going forward more people on the show will try and drag him into the 21st Century.