One of the Kardashians posted a nude selfie (again) on one of the social media sites and the internet went crazy with negative comments about her showing so much of herself. Bette Midler herself even took note, saying that the only way for "us to see a part of her we've never seen, she's gonna have to swallow the camera". Funny, witty, and could have been taken many ways. The negativity is overwhelming from so many corners.
I'm not a fan of the Kardashian clan. I don't understand the appeal of them, and I think a lot of things about them but figure giving them coverage or talking about them just boosts their appeal. And I think most of what they have done and their over-exposure in the media is ridiculous. However, and this is huge, there is no need for slut-shaming. This is why I am breaking my silence about them.
Yes, Kim was made famous by an overzealous mother who capitalized on her fame on a sex tape. But think about it: why was the girl making a sex tape to begin with? Why does she feel the need to expose herself more and more, much like other women are forced to do in the media to make a name for themselves? Why are teen and pre-teen girls being asked to send sexy pictures of themselves over social media to the boys they like?
Part of the reason teens are doing it is because they see people like the Kardashians and pop stars doing it and they think it's okay. When you are an adult, I have no problem with nudity. Show as much or as little as you feel comfortable in, and enjoy yourself in your skin. Kim was doing just that. She is proud of her body (the one money can buy her with trainers and surgery), and if she feels comfortable showing it, more power to her. Tearing her down and talking poorly about her need to do so is not helpful.
The key words here are "When you are an adult". When you are a kid, and I mean teens and pre-teens especially, this mixed message of tearing a person down because they are showing pride in their body and yet it's okay to take these pictures, etc is confusing in a time when most teens are already dealing with body image issues, budding sexuality, and peer pressure. Not to mention the fact that sending nude images of a minor over the internet or by cell phone is a felony, even when both parties are minors. It's classified as child pornography. Kids are going to see this woman posting these images on social media, think it's okay, and maybe send similar pictures of themselves to male friends without thinking of the consequences.
I guess what I am getting at is that you can be proud of your body, but you should also think of the amount of influence you have on people when you live in the public eye. Think about what example you want to set for your children, for your grandchildren, and for those around you who look at you as an example (no matter how misguided it might be in the case of the Kardashians, who I just don't understand the appeal of). If you feel the need to be nude publicly, think about context; maybe take it to a nude beach or nudist colony, but maybe keep it off social media. Never feel ashamed to be proud of your body.
This goes both ways, too: there is no need for the slut shaming of those who choose to live their lives as revealingly as some do, and by doing it, you are setting just as bad of an example as those you are putting down with your negativity.
