A Feminist watches Love Island: episode 4 & 5 - equal opportunity objectification

The contestants are all over the place in these episodes with some genuine connections forming, others crashing and burning and a whole lot of equal opportunity objectification.

Amy and Curtis seem to becoming a lovely couple. They had a “mutual” kiss, Amy managed to keep her jealousy under control when Curtis was made to go on a date with Molly-Mae, and they both are making an effort with each other. I stan these two.

That being said, sorry Amy, girl code with someone you don’t know isn’t really a thing. I am all about female solidarity but I don’t think that includes disliking another woman just for liking the same guy as you. Molly-Mae respected Curtis rejecting her so I hope Amy doesn't hold it against her.

Anton and Sharif seem to have forgotten that forming a relationship with a woman requires asking her questions, spending time with her and listening to her. Neither of them are letting Anna get a word in edgeways and, as Anna pointed out, Sharif told Anton he liked her before he mentioned it to her. Seriously!?

Will the men please stop competing against one another as if the winner automatically gets the girl? This isn’t a duelling match; talk to the woman you like, that's how you get her to pick you.

I enjoyed the men discussing how important it is to talk about your feelings and emotions, it’s great that they don’t see this as “unmanly” given the mental health problems that come with men bottling up their feelings. Next step is for them to learn to listen to the women when they express their feelings.

I kept wincing as the men referred to various women, mainly Lucie, as a goal, a fight to win, a thing to be brought home, seriously guys she is a person with agency. Shouldn’t be so tricky to remember that.

Oh Lucie, first she called Joe on his double standards after he flirted with Amber and it seemed like she is moving away from his emotional manipulative ways towards Tommy. Then in a twist she chooses to recouple with him. I don’t know why she decided this but I bet this isn't the last we have seen of his unhealthy jealous behaviour.

That being said Tommy's love bombing isn't exactly a more stable alternative. 

One of the saving graces of Love Island is that it believes in equal opportunity objectification, in a world where women are more generally judged and valued on their looks, this is an equality of sorts. Is this the true meaning of equality? No but it's the sun soaked half naked love island version.

We are introduced to Molly Mae with a shot of her arse and the men try to do their best magic mike impression. I would like more opportunities for the women to take control of their sexuality in a similar fashion, instead of the camera men just lingering on them far too long, hopefully the women will be able to save their men soon.

Amber saved Anton because he had made her feel more comfortable in the villa, that is lovely but I just don't like him so I find it hard to see the good in his efforts to befriend the less popular women. Trying to be kept around much?

We said say goodbye to Callum after barely seeing him and Micheal and Yewande only popped up at the end. Please, Love Island learn from Samurai's treatment last year and give them more on screen time.

Yewande is clever and cool (her “I got a text” was hilarious),  give her and her possible relationship with Micheal the air time and the attention that’s deserved. 

The next few episodes will give everyone a chance to decide if they actually fancy each other, let's see what happens!