One of the biggest grievances I have with the mainstream media industry, is its ever forceful input in the shaming of the unretouched, unclothed human body. Quite frankly, I think it's about time that we sorted this shit out. What I do find shameful is that the normalisation of nakedness makes so many of us feel uneasy. Naked human bodies are nothing to be ashamed of in my book. At least, not any more. Not now that I've learnt to reject projected apparent norms of beauty and acceptability. I don't find nipples (on a person of any gender) to be offensive and certainly not vulgar. Cellulite and stretch marks aren't something that should be hidden if you ask me. Nor are scars, colostomy bags, baldness, physical impairments or tattoos. It's abhorrent that anyone in a position of influence would perpetuate the idea that any of these physical traits are something to be embarrassed of. Why on earth are we taught to despise the physical characteristics which are a part of our own beautiful physicality?
There is an inherent double standard when it comes to nudity, regardless of gender. Nudity itself is so frowned upon in Western Society that witnessing it at all is in itself, a spectacle to behold. From a young age, we're taught that our bare skin is inappropriate. Crude. Shocking. Comparing this to the openness of Finnish culture is positively embarrassing. However, upon the rare instance that it is actually adorned... If the nakedness in question fits comfortably within the parameters of what it means to be conventionally beautiful; it's hailed as edgy, tasteful and a piece of timeless art. Whereas, if said skin is attached to a being who doesn't adhere to universally accepted ideals of beauty, the individual can expect to endure torrents of mockery as I myself have encountered, on many occasions. I'm the (fat) reason that no one takes feminism seriously, just FYI.
Living as part of a culture that allows those at the 'top of the chain' to decide not only what is gorgeous, but what is socially acceptable and what is not, is something that grates on me every single day of my existence. The fact that we seem to be OK with this - permitting the CEO's of international companies to intentionally continue to further the shame of the aesthetics our own race - is even more mind infuriating. Perhaps one day, we will no longer be taught to rip each other apart based on our physical differences and instead, to stand strong and support our fellow humans to fight the real problems in our world.
Whether silky smooth or happily hairy, striped like a tiger or blank like a black cat - every unique individual has gorgeous skin. Whether or not said person wishes to bare their skin and the beautiful imprint that life has imprinted on it, is their choice. What empowers one person may not necessarily empower another. But it certainly is not mine or anyone else's place to decide what that should be.