In our generation, it's hard to live a life without the constant presence of social media influences. From a young age, girls are being raised with ads everywhere, from Victoria Secret magazines to runway ads of girls who are the “ideal” image and tips about how to get that “ideal” summer bod. Yet, what girls don’t know is how photo shopped and altered the images truly are. It seems as though back in the day, girls were freely loving life and wearing whatever they wanted without a care in the world. In today’s society, girls are being shamed for wearing bikinis because they aren’t society's version of skinny or “worthy enough to be wearing a bikini.” My question to society is who gave anyone the right to say and define who is skinny enough or not to wear a bikini?
Girls should be able to express themselves how ever they feel most beautiful. When society puts out “social rules” or shames girls for wearing a bikini, it can be very emotionally degrading. It's sad that we live in a culture where people think it's OK to judge a person’s body by what they wear, let alone publicly express their disgust.
We live in America, land of the free, which means, people can wear whatever they want, whether it be bikinis, tankinis, or one pieces. Who cares, let people express themselves how ever they decide. Women should not be degraded for feeling beautiful in a swimsuit or a certain style of swim wear. If someone is that concerned about how a girl looks in a bathing suit I think we have other issues on our hands.
Pre-teen and teenage girls especially are at a vulnerable time in their life when they are self-conscious about every single part of their body and how someone might perceive them. I know when I was in middle school I was very self-conscious so I was hyper-aware every look and everyone around me at the beach or pool.
The people who bikini shame others for expressing themselves and wearing bikinis are insecure with themselves so they feel the need to take it out on someone else. Bikinis are just a natural part of our clothing options in today's world, just like buying shorts, and tank tops.
In today’s society, the pressure girls have to conform and fit in a certain mold of body image or type is immense pressure causing many to have an unhealthy view of themselves. Bikinis should be something that offers them a solace, an article of clothing they should feel beautiful in if they feel so compelled to wear it. They should not be criticized or made fun of by anyone, especially strangers.
The emotional impact girls face when being insulted by what they wear, especially with what they wear to swim, is especially violating. Bikinis should be an asset to who they are if they choose to wear one, not something to make them feel bad about themselves.