Over the past few days, I have seen many posts regarding Kendall Jenner’s post on Instagram the post consists of her posing in lingerie for a photo shoot, I have no knowledge on whether these images are photoshopped or not, so I can’t comment on that however if they are I do believe that it should be stated in the caption. When I came across her post on my feed my honest opinion was, wow she looks amazing and I carried on scrolling, I have been teaching my self for years that comparing my body to someone else’s only ends in misery and self-loathing, in fact, comparing any aspect of myself to anyone else is dangerous, comparison is a killer, it slowly kills all the amazing aspects fo yourself that make you, you. So, I wasn’t going to sit staring at her post and start listing all the aspects of her body I wish I had, because I know that wouldn’t have gotten me anywhere, I would rather be kinder to myself and think positively about her body because yes, she looks great. I’m well aware that Kendall Jenner sits within the standards which society deems acceptable and beautiful, but please remember beauty is subjective, it looks like thousands of other things in different people’s minds. Just because you don’t look like Kendall Jenner doesn’t mean you aren’t beautiful and being within a society that is obsessed with appearance doesn’t forget that beauty is also beyond looks.
However, through the flood of comments on Kendall Jenner’s body, I think people forget because she is a figure that is in the public eye and fits within society’s standards, that she is also only human. I see people preaching about body positivity and mentioning how all bodies are beautiful yet commenting on Kendall Jenner’s post saying how she is promoting unrealistic body standards, but in fact, it is real for Kendall that is her real body and her everyday reality, which yes is unrealistic for other people. Kendall shared a photo on Instagram where she is feeling confident, is not promoting anything, she is not encouraging anyone to change and look like her, just like when curvier women posts a photo in lingerie, neither of the two are encouraging you to change yourself, but they are saying if you do look like me then that is ok and if you don’t that is also ok. Kendall is entitled to feel sexy and confident regardless of what her body looks like, as she shouldn’t be ridiculed for that. I have seen images of the photos she shared on her Instagram compared to behind the scenes photos, saying how her body looks different and I just want to state how normal this is, it is impossible to look the same in every photo, lighting, potioning, and posing play roles in making your body appear different when we are relaxed are body looks different to when we are posing, our bodies are designed to bend and twist so we can do things, so yes Kendall will look different in different photos depending on how she is a stud, sat, walking, running, etc.
As a person that could be called slim or ‘skinny’ i see my privilege in that my body can be seen more acceptable in societies eyes, and that people think that people who are slim, don’t have any reason to feel self-conscious, even though I may fit into that area I still have bad body image days and feel self-conscious, my body may seem unrealistic in others eyes but it is very much my reality as it is for many other people. You cant preach body inclusivity whilst accepting one type of body and not the other. Kendall most likely has her own insecurities because that’s what society has taught us to believe, that we cant be content in our own bodies, that there is always something that could be better and more attractive whether that is having a flat stomach or a toned bum and large breasts. which has led us to pit ourselves against each other by constantly comparing ourselves to one another, and commenting on other people’s bodies. Why are we wasting our energy and time obsessing over our looks when we could be doing something much worthwhile, like creating memories which are much kinder to the mind and soul. I am aware that it may be harder for people whose bodies aren’t seen as acceptable because they are plus size, and that they are more open to judgment from others online and offline, which is horrible, but commenting on other people’s bodies isn’t ok, whether they are ‘skinny’ or ‘fat’, and that it is just as damaging commenting on a person who is considered skinny as it is commenting on someone who is considered curvy even if the comments are worded in a way that is meant to have a kind intent. skinny shaming is just as real and present as fat shaming. We are coming a long way with being more accepting of other people and celebrating that all our bodies are unique, we are seeing more plus size women on runways, and on the front covers of magazines which is amazing, and it’s about time that we saw that. but I’m seeing more and more comments skinny shaming people like the ones about Kendall Jenner which is not ok, if we continue to the skinny and fat shame we will continue to roll around in this vicious cycle of competing with others and comparing ourselves to others.
if you are one of the people who after seeing Kendall Jenners photos who have begun comparing your body to hers, and are feeling like you aren’t beautiful or worthy, this is your reminder that no matter what your body looks like you are beautiful and you are worthy, there is no set image or look that defines beautiful. Comparing yourself to others will only result in unhappiness. Begin to start loving your body when it is at its healthiest most nourished form regardless of its appearance whether you are slim or curvy embrace your natural body. Let’s celebrate all bodies!
