It’s 2017. We live in exciting times where technology has made it possible to discern the origins of the creation of the universe by studying light traveling from a prehistoric era. We live in a time where technology has made the impossible, possible. Mankind has made leaps; unfortunately humanity hasn’t kept up.
Lola Kirke turned up at the Golden Globes red carpet and critics (including Pakistan’s Instagram patrol) body shamed the accomplished actress’s decision to not shave her armpits, calling her disgusting and even sending her death threats. We think fashion needs to rid itself of the element of bullying; body shaming is not cool.
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Shaming someone for body hair is as bad as any other form of body shaming and reactions to Lola Kirke’s red carpet appearance are not only outrageous but downright offensive.
It’s 2017. We live in exciting times where technology has made it possible to discern the origins of the creation of the universe by studying light traveling from a prehistoric era. We live in a time where technology has made the impossible, possible. Mankind has made leaps; unfortunately humanity hasn’t kept up.
We might have progressed to the point of creating algorithms that can replace humans in a professional setting but body shaming still persists. Damaging stereotypes pertaining to gender, age and race are still perpetuated, advocated and continue to blight our evolution.
Case in point: the fact that actress, musician and overall exceptionally accomplished human being, Lola Kirke dared to show up at the Golden Globes red carpet in a strapless gown with armpit hair. The horror. All hell broke loose.
Julia Roberts started this trend when she attended the 1999 London premiere of her hit film, Notting Hill in what has been described as “unfeminine” behavior.
Let’s stop and take stock of the situation. Body hair is a natural, biological occurrence, serving the evolutionary purpose of protecting our epidermis and keeping infections and diseases at bay. Hair removal comes with its own perils; it could result in ingrown hair (mild reaction) to skin cancer (electrolysis, anyone?). So propagating a silky smooth body as an ideal is not only a ridiculous demand levied only on women but can also be harmful.
This discourse, by the way, isn’t taking into account the amount of time, money and resources women spend in trying to achieve this unrealistic standard of beauty. Waxing is painful and can often lead to burns, skin laser is expensive and shaving requires constant upkeep.
Given the fact that we as women have grown up indoctrinated with the idea that body hair is disgusting and should never be visible, it is possible to understand why the sight of someone confidently sporting it in public can be jarring. That, however, is no excuse to sit in judgement on anyone’s choices when it comes to their body or appearance. Shaming someone for body hair is as bad as any other form of body shaming.
There are women who struggle throughout life with rapid growth or coarse hair; young girls who are bullied in school for having a “mustache” or “beard” and who are constantly made to feel less due to a hormonal issue they have no control over. How does that make any sense?
Fashion has the ability to change the discourse; it has the ability to shun unrealistic body ideals in lieu of a more diverse outlook. There has been progress – miniscule, but progress nonetheless. While the Western media wasn’t so harsh in judging Kirke, critics and social media commentators were mortified at her boldness for taking on something as divisive as body hair (sarcasm intended). Some run her down ruthlessly and others even sent her death threats, as absurd at that sounds.
The problem isn’t just judging women for choosing the right for how they want their bodies to look but also resides in the sweeping vilification of feminism, conveniently brushing all those advocating for equals rights as fascists. And not just any fascists, the worst kind that you can compare an entity to in modern times.
One caption on an Instagram post, for example, claimed that no matter how hard feminazis might try and justify it, body hair is disgusting.
It might serve to remember that if it wasn’t for these women who chose to stand up against the status quo we’d still be considered second class citizens with no right to vote, there would be no dialogue about domestic violence, heck girls would still have to contend with a quota system while applying to medical colleges instead of being accepted on merit. We live better lives thanks to the sacrifices made by these women.
Fashion needs to rid itself of the element of bullying. Sure, there are style rules that are meant to be followed but mostly it’s fun to break them to create a unique look. Using fashion as a means to comment on someone’s body or make them feel inadequate about their appearance brings down the message of individuality and self-expression that the industry needs to promote. To each their own.
