We’ve seen it on Instagram and in the tabloids, and heard it discussed on the subway, so what is the truth behind the advocacy campaign, Free The Nipple?
Here is a quick overview: Free The Nipple is an equality movement that brings to light the terrible double-standard regarding the censoring of female breasts. In today's society, boobs are all over everything from billboards to commercials, but constantly one thing is always covered: the nipple. While at first thought, one may think that this is a campaign stunt to just let women run bare chested at all times, but it is far from that. It is your everyday women who are trying to make a difference in today’s society. Lead by filmmaker and activist, Lina Esco, the ultimate goal is to decriminalize female toplessness and inspire men and women all over the world to take a stand against gender inequality.
Though the media cannot get enough of Donald Trump with his quick wit and cutting remarks leading up to caucus season, also making headlines these days is the controversial Free The Nipple campaign. While this movement may have received lots attention and heat over the past few months, celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Lena Dunham, Cara Delevingne, and now the most controversial of them all, Willow Smith, are using their celebrity status and social media accounts to get people's attention regarding this movement. As expected, many people took to Twitter to voice their opinions of Willow Smith's version of her #FreeTheNipple post via Instagram. Yes, Willow Smith is a 14-year-old posing in a top that features a females bare chested silhouette, but does that mean she qualifies for walking the line of child pornography, or simply equal with the boys her age that are posting photos with their shirts off, nipples and all? She may be pushing it for her age, but Willow is not shy in pushing the envelope by any means. And I applauded her for that.
I believe that every woman should be treated and respected just as equally as any male would. People should not be treated differently based on their gender and the way their body looks. I myself may not be bold enough to share a shirtless #FreeTheNipple post via Instagram, but if the woman sitting across from me is, by all means she should have every right to.
So what is stopping you from speaking out? You do not need to be held back by your gender, your race, political views, economic standing, age, etc. If you want to be involved, check out Free The Nipple to join the movement! On the site, you will find information on how to get your friends together to take a stand in an area near you. If that is too intense for you, head on over to our good friend, Netflix, to view Free the Nipple - How Far Will You Go For Equality. While Free The Nipple might not be as important as ending world hunger, it certainly gives us an opportunity to look at things in a different way, and sometimes that's just the tip of the iceberg.
