The Dunedin ''babe of the day'' Facebook page was slammed as ''sexist'' at a debate yesterday.
The debate, which was part of the Otago University Students' Association's Women's Week, was won by the team arguing the page, which has almost 21,000 ''likes'', was sexist. Only two of the about 30 people in the audience voted for the team that said it was not sexist.
In opening the debate, Jasmine Chalmers said the page reinforced a ''damaging'' and sexist attitude ''that women are the sum of their bodies'' and promoted gender discrimination.
''Women constantly receive the message that the highest contribution they can make to society is being sexy.
''A page which values women exclusively for their bodies is harmful to our recognition as full human beings,'' she said.
In opening the debate for the opposing team, Guy McCallum said the fact there was also a ''Dunners Bloke of the Day'' page showed the ''babe'' page was not sexist.
''Women are not being treated any differently,'' Mr McCallum said.
The ''good-natured'' page was also more than just about rating appearance, with those on the page given respect for academic achievements.
Hannah Kettle (20) said there were ''noticeable'' differences between the ''babe'' and ''bloke'' websites, with the blokes described as ''legends'' and the babes described only in terms of their appearance.
It also showed a narrow view of beauty, with only ''thin white women'' chosen as ''babes of the day'', she said.
One of the team arguing the page was not sexist, OUSA administrative vice-president Zac Gawn, said the page ''celebrates sexuality''.
