saturday january 3rd 11:53
kim kardashian and i
Women with high statuses, who symbolically represent sex, are sought after by men. The hot women. It’s always “the cool girl.” Those who hold themselves confidently and presumably carelessly, in a sophisticated way. The women who dress provocatively. They want them. They desire them, and that desire manifests as sexual or romantic interest. I saw this photo on Twitter right now, accompanied by a caption that said “HARDEST FIT PICS.” Kim Kardashian’s entire life and aesthetic are centered on being a sought-after commodity. I can only commend her for her success and passion for beauty and fashion. However, once Kanye got a certain, what he believed to be, power over her, whether that be the length of their relationship, or the capacity of him, her, them, whatever it may be, he decided she was too slutty. She showed her body too much for his liking. She was sinful. But was it sinful when you were lusting over her? Involvement with an individual, someone of her stature, knowing that it is her aesthetic and career, her regard and point in fame, and denying this lifestyle is such an interesting concept. Deriving from lived experiences shared by women, the excuses usually come down to two notes, conscious and sub.
The first being, they know how guys think — but it’s not all guys, right? There are thoughts of others’ lust and attraction imposed on her through the eyes of the audience. However, this list of lustful eyes once included his, and yours. Are you telling me that her value gets diminished because she is, to some extent, or entirely, nude? Even so, photos that accentuate features may fall into this category, including those posted by friends and me. So does my value diminish? Did you view me as less than a woman or less of someone of value to you because I posted an attractive photo of myself? Why is it that women are valued? How are they valued? Are there multiple values? Is it only a given, automatic value when it is your mother? Your sister? Is that what a woman needs? Is an identifying personal value necessary for you to see her as a woman? A being? If we stopped following male-centric instructions, would our value decrease? Would this value develop because we don’t show our bodies, or does this value further cultivate because we are listening to you? Obeying?
The thought stands true to a higher degree—power exertion. The result of imposed societal expectations from a young age, enforced, then individually analyzed and applied, creates perceptions of boundaries within men’s and women’s own limitations and their roles in society. In instances of threatened masculinity, there is desire to annihilate, followed by an attempt at destruction in the women’s self-possession. In turn, condemned is the woman, vitalized is the man. Denying a woman the right to dress freely is small in the grand scheme of things. It may be overlooked, too small to take from. However, criticizing success and confidence was and is a way of exerting authority and manliness over a woman. The masculinity was and is threatened; she is attractive and successful, the status of the man’s authoritative power in the concept of familial structure has been demoted. What can I take away to make her smaller? How can I make her smaller than me? I can take something of value to her away; it starts small. The power and authority over her own decisions and body is the steady road to recovery from a case of weakened masculinity, the presumed equal trade-off. A woman’s confidence torments a man, his confidence, and our value decreases in his perception of you, me, her, and themselves. The act of dismantling threatening confidence women exude, stealing strength from a man, comes lacking the realization that each of these men are their own perpetuator.
