Oppression can be defined as “a prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control” via Google definitions. It has in the past been used to demonstrate authority over one social class or minority. Don’t worry, this is not a history lesson. The point I’m getting at is in today’s society we have reached the point of oppression, but in an unlikely place – the media.
It is everywhere. You cannot escape the media. It’s TV, the newspapers, magazines, it is literally everywhere. For those of you who have not seen the news, checked your Twitter feed, Facebook timeline, or come out from under your rock recently, then you probably don’t know about the latest Kardashian scandal. Kim Kardashian, known for her clothing line, TV show, recent marriage to Kanye and the new mother to North West (not the airline, I double checked) is more recently known for showing her, um, “assets” on the cover of Paper magazine that dropped the night of November 11. The cover simply states “BREAK THE INTERNET KIM KARDASHIAN” and is accompanied by a nude photo of Kim K’s backside which is very obviously photo shopped. The point I’m getting at here is that this is what society wants us to envy and, here’s the kicker, it’s working.
More now than ever society is being objectified based on unrealistic standards that no one can attain naturally or should want to. In reference to her magazine cover and all of the controversial comments that were to follow, Kardashian went to twitter to say “And they say I didn’t have any talent…try balancing a champagne glass on your ass LOL #BreakTheInternet #PaperMagazine.” However, due to the lack of modestly in the cover photo as well as the other photos that were released from the shoot, other celebrities took to Twitter and Instagram to bash Kardashian. Naya Rivera who has previously had media exploit her as a “Kim wannabe” posted a comment on Kardashian’s cover photo on Instagram stating “I normally don’t. But you’re someone’s mother…” Ouch. A like message has also been posted on twitter by pop artist Lorde.
The masses in the fashion industry like putting rose-colored glasses on when it comes to body image and how it is affecting the world around us. They think, or at least portray, a world in which everyone should love their body and themselves no matter their size. But if that’s so then why does Victoria’s Secret’s Perfect Body Campaign (which has now had a more tasteful name change due to scrutiny) only have models have their rib cages very blatantly showing in their campaign? I am under no circumstances saying there is anything wrong with being skinny or having a small stature, but to have a precedent for these women to all be a size zero and claim they represent the “perfect body” is complete unrealistic.
The purpose of this article is not only to raise awareness and show that our media companies are corrupting body images and promoting exactly what they say they are against, but to promote a more positive body image for everyone. No matter your age, gender, size, or color, you are exactly what you are supposed to be, as long as you’re happy. Life is too short to worry if you’re skinny enough or tan enough. Spend your time doing good for you and good for others and don’t let anyone tell you you’re anything but perfect. There is one company in the forefront of the positive body image movement that has been doing so genuinely and tastefully and that is Aerie by American Eagle. In their campaign they do not Photoshop any of their models and promote body appreciation and acceptance. There is still good in the world.
You’re fabulous. Don’t let the media say any different. In the words of Marilyn Monroe, the original “plus sized model”, “To all the girls that think you’re fat because you’re not a size zero, you’re the beautiful one, it’s society who’s ugly.”