I posted yesterday to /pics, holding a painting that I made, as well as a close up of the painting itself. And I was shamed for it. At least 15% of the comments were about how I wouldn’t have gotten upvotes if I weren’t a woman and that I’m whoring myself out for karma. There was so much vitriol.

Then, when I went to the front page I saw a post on another similar sub of a man standing next to his painting. I looked through the comments, and there was nothing. The only comment on that post that was similar was one mocking the types of comments I was getting.

Why, because I’m a woman, is it shameful for me to be in the picture? Why can’t I be shown next to my art without having comments discrediting me? It’s like I’m somehow inherently a sexual object, that my very presence in a photo makes it sexualized. It just leaves me feeling gross and ashamed of my body.

Is it ok to be frustrated about this?

Edit: thank you for the supportive and kind comments, I really appreciate them! Y’all have made my night and helped to counteract all the negativity ❤️

Edit 2: the original post has become so much more positive thanks to everyone here, thank you to everyone who helped turn it around! It means so much to me to have your support