Centuries ago, women were the target of scornful looks, mockery and oppression. They were looked on as incomplete, freaks of nature as a Catholic pope once said.

Centuries ago, women were the target of scornful looks, mockery and oppression. They were looked on as incomplete, freaks of nature as a Catholic pope once said.

It is difficult to understand the dark hole that women lived then because today we enjoy many freedoms.

But it seems that society is taking women back to the gutter.

I feel extremely disgusted at the new reality television striptease show that is set to air in September on SABC. Such shows erode our moral fibre and could harm the mental stability of young boys. It is strange and ironic that such a show be allowed while the government is desperately trying to reform our unstable society.

Such shows promote and encourage illicit sexual behaviour that could have a detrimental effect on society. As for the effects on women, there are too many to mention.

The show has the potential to degrade women and once again turn them into objects for sexual gratification. If men see women being jeered and humiliated, how will it affect the way they treat them?

Before we open our homes to this rubbish, let's think about what kind of society we hope to build and whether this show will benefit our society and improve our morals?

Don't watch or encourage this degrading and offensive show. The SABC has failed us.

Mariam Salie, Athlone