We can all relate that there’s at least one thing we’d like to change about our bodies. This is an inevitable fact that women have experienced for centuries and beauty standards have only evolved depending on the current societal norms. But it’s about time that we acknowledge that there shouldn’t be any standard, norm, or guideline to how we should look, at all. In such a digital age, it’s hard not to instinctively compare ourselves to what see on Instagram or magazine covers when they’re constant reminders of what we don’t have and wish we did. But with supermodel Ashley Graham, she’s helping break down beauty stereotypes and barriers.
Ashley proves you don’t have to be a size zero to be a model. She made history in 2016 for being the first plus-size model featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCDeadqTZ0-/?taken-by=theashleygraham&hl=en
Since then, she’s spoken at high schools to promote body positivity. Ashley wrote a powerful essay for Lenny last year about criticism she’s faced in the industry.
No matter how many empowerment conferences, TED talks, and blog posts are out there, women keep tearing one another down over physically appearance. Body shaming isn’t just telling the big girl to cover up. It’s trying to shame me for working out. It’s giving “skinny” a negative connotation. It’s wanting me to be plus size, or assuming I’m pregnant because of some belly bulge. What type of example are we setting for young girls and their self-esteem if grown adults are on Instagram calling other women “cowards” for losing weight, or “ugly” for being overweight?
In another effort to encourage women accept and love their bodies, Ashley recently posted an up-close and personal photo of her stretch marks and cellulite on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPthBsNAK8O/?taken-by=theashleygraham
She wrote, “I workout. I do my best to eat well. I love the skin I’m in. And I’m not ashamed of a few lumps, bumps or cellulite.. and you shouldn’t be either.#beautybeyondsize #lovetheskinyourein” The photo has more than 300k likes and she’s received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback.
In an industry as controversial as modeling, it’s great to see that we have an activist like Ashley to reassure us that we all we’re not alone in the insecurities we have and that our flaws don’t have to be hidden, cropped, or edited.
