On December 1, Interview magazine, a fashion-forward magazine that discusses sophistication and the arts, released an utter culture shock — an article and a series of photos depicting a sexualized, almost lifeless Kylie Jenner posing in a gilded wheelchair. Thousands of critics, both able-bodied and not, exploded on both Kylie Jenner and the photographer, Steven Klein, stating that Kylie Jenner not only glamorizes disabilities but also upholds the stigma that people with disabilities remain helpless.
However, a representative from Interview magazine defended Klein's work, saying that Jenner was placed "in a variety of positions of power and control" in order to delve into "her image as an object of vast media scrutiny."
Why choose to depict Jenner as impotent and vulnerable instead of empowering her to become more than the media's portrayal of her as a self-centered reality TV star, model, and publicity hound? This world never ceases to need more inspirational women to guide and motivate the developing minds of the post-millennials in a world filled with racism, war, and hatred. Steven Klein held the artistic freedom to present Kylie Jenner as the anti-bullying advocate she is but failed to do so.
Most importantly, we must discuss the use of the wheelchair in Interview's photoshoot. First and foremost, if Interview magazine and Steven Klein desired to utilize a wheelchair in a photoshoot, why did they fail to choose a model or human being with disabilities?
Why can we not redefine beauty so that it does not only mean a model with a full face of makeup but also people with disabilities? Even though that person may not be able to walk, it does not discredit the fact that they are both beautiful and poised. Diesel's Spring 2014 campaign introduced several unconventional models, including Jillian Mercado, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy during childhood.
The stigma surrounding disabilities must end. People with disabilities often mention that they feel dehumanized since people often only see the wheelchair or the crutches instead of the human being underneath it all. A physical impairment does not mean that they lack an able mind. From Stephen Hawking to Lenin Moreno to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, their disabilities did not stop them from achieving greatness. So, if their disabilities did not limit them, why should public opinion?
"My ability is stronger than my disability." ~Luke Watson
