Social media is a crucial element of today’s digital world. It is effective, informative, and accessible. It has allowed individuals to voice their opinions and perspectives on many subject matters and form connections with those of a similar mind. Everyone has a voice and an opinion, and it is important to use it and share it. However, in North American society, freedom of speech and expression are luxuries that are sometimes misused. We may have the right to freedom of speech, self-expression and thought, but like most things, they come with limits. With democracy, comes social sacrifice. Always.
In today’s pop culture, there are two teenagers who have gained the world’s interest in a matter of a months. Both teens belong to wealthy families who have become “rivals” in reality television. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I am certain that you know which two families I am talking about: the Kardashian-Jenner family, and the Robertson family. I am referring to the most “influential” teenagers in reality television, Kylie Jenner, and Sadie Robertson.
Recently there has been an online debate about which TV star is the better role model and ultimately, the most influential. There have been many opinions and arguments surrounding the two, as if most people don’t have anything better to do with their lives. But that’s another topic in itself.
Typically, I am not one for the ongoing drama in pop culture. Most of the time, I am the last of my group of friends to hear about the latest issue on E! or TMZ. Sure, the shows are entertaining but beyond that, I have my own life to live. That being said, with social media being a huge part of our daily lives, I can’t completely steer away. Recently, I was scrolling through my Facebook page and found myself reading an article from QPolitical comparing the two stars and their overall lifestyles. To say the article is biased would be a huge understatement.
In the article, the writer heavily praises Sadie Robertson and criticizes Kylie Jenner. It’s one thing to share constructive criticism, however this particular writer thought that judging both stars on their physical appearances would be the best bet. There are many aspects to this article that I found as unfair and incredibly judgmental, but I particularly wanted to address the writer’s opinion and criticism pertaining to each star’s fashion style.
The writer begins by labeling Sadie’s style as modest, claiming that it is “a reflection of the respect she has for herself and others.” Sorry, but was I the only who was confused by this statement? Since when did wearing modest clothing become a way to express self-respect? If I go to the gym, wearing absolutely no makeup, a frizzy tangled mess of a ponytail, spandex shorts, and a torn up, extra-large t-shirt, does that make me a less of a self-respecting woman? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
Don’t get me wrong, I adore Sadie’s fashion style—it’s chic and elegant. My problem lies with the writer comparing Kylie Jenner’s more revealing style, and then asking the reader questions like “would you want women in your life to dress like Kylie?” Ladies, I am trying to keep my language as “modest” and “ladylike” as possible, but this writer is making it difficult.
The writer not only labels Kylie’s clothes as mere small pieces of fabric, but she also criticizes the star for her unapologetic cleavage game. Furthermore, she continues by throwing shade at Kylie Jenner by claiming that not everyone wants to see her cleavage on a daily basis. Perhaps she’s right to some extent. However, that doesn’t make Kylie less of a “lady.” The writer expresses Sadie’s covered up style as being that of a “true lady.” I’m sorry but have you seen the fashion style in France during the 18th century? Aristocratic women literally had their breasts pushed upwards to accentuate their cleavage. They were still “ladies,” were they not?
It’s the damn 21st century! Women are recognized as capable of expressing sexuality and equal to men. We are entitled to wear whatever we choose. It is crucial to wear clothes according to the event—it wouldn’t be appropriate to wear a bikini to a court trial. Has Kylie done that? If so, I certainly haven’t seen. As I like to say, if you’ve got it, flaunt it! Be proud of your body and own your sexuality. Don’t be afraid to show off that booty, or those long, toned legs. We as women need to empower each other, not bring each other down. Women have to stick together, or else, we won’t receive any respect as a gender.
Ignorant people like this writer annoy me. If you’re interested in reading the article I am referencing to get your own take on it, then click here. To this writer, I say: expand your narrow perspective on the world. Didn’t your mother ever tell you? If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it.
Image/Gifs Sources:
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https://allenedwardshair.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/kendall-kylie-jenne…
https://shatteredmagazine.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/sadie-robertson…
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Article Webpage: http://qpolitical.com/when-kylie-jenner-challenged-sadie-her-response-wa…