A few days ago, I was scrolling through Instagram when I came across a post that nearly broke the internet. Kim Kardashian-West, sporting her brief but iconic platinum blonde hair, stood naked in her bathroom clothed in only two black censor lines. The caption read "When you're like I have nothing to wear LOL." It had only been up for a short period of time and already had over a million likes. Before I could form an opinion on the post, I knew one thing for sure. Things were about to get very interesting.
Whatever feelings you may have surrounding the Kardashian-Jenner empire, you have to admit that it is impressive. Even the youngest sisters have started to pave their own path, Kendall with a fast track modeling career and Kylie manning her own make up line that sells out within 15 minutes of every restock. Kim is without a doubt the frontrunner of the legacy. Although some people still like to point out the exact means to which she rose to fame, Kim has undeniably grown in an dynamic business woman and fashion icon.
As soon as her selfie hit the internet, a great debate surrounding the photo sparked. Critiques, such as Chloe Grace Moretz and Bette Midler, and supporters, including Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus, had a lot say about Kim's body. Some even posted their own nude selfie in support, like Sharon Osbourne, which was captioned "@Kimkardashian you inspired me! #liberated." Perhaps the greatest voice of all, however, was Kim herself. In an open letter, she expresses the empowerment she feels by her own embracing her body and sexuality.
Whether or not you like Kim, or agree that her photo should be celebrated for her embrace of her own sexuality, the fact of the matter is it doesn't matter what anyone thinks except for Kim herself. Yes, many women may be inspired by her nude selfie, and that's wonderful. Women should feel comfortable expressing their bodies in whatever form that makes them feel beautiful, whether that's in a cozy sweater or a bikini. Society has no problem objectifying women for their own satisfaction, but God forbid a woman take it upon herself to embrace and own it.
Kim Kardashian-West's selfie is not important because she's a reality TV star. It is pertinent because the criticism she faced over posting it shows that people still think they have a right to try to define, critique, and manipulation the sexuality of another individual. As she beautifully but herself, "I am a mother. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter, an entrepreneur and I am allowed to be sexy."
