Do you think this is porn or art?
Why?
If you think this is somewhat pornographic, or at least suggestive, I don't blame you. Really, I mean look at her:
She's stunning, right? Breathtaking, even. And she's sexy. Very, very sexy. Wow, okay I'm getting distracted. But my point is, she fits society's standards of women. She is desirable. Her level of attractiveness is unattainable to most regular humans. Therefore, pictures of her posing confidently in skimpy swimwear are sexualised. Why? Because she's sexy. Duh.
Okay, a comparison. Take a look at Arvida Byström, a photographer, artist, and Tumblr blogger known for her unusual photographs, often of the female body:
So, porn or art?
Most people will have a more artistic view of this image compared to the one of Emily Ratajkowski. Why? Because this picture makes a statement. Because women with armpit hair do not fit into society's ideals, and her pose (clearly much more comfortable than Emily's) is relaxed, slumped, and her hair appears a little greasy, and she is not pushing together a pair of large, tanned, oiled up breasts. She appears not to be trying to impress or satisfy anyone.
People look at Arvida and instantly assume she is a feminist. And while art is subjective and not everyone will like her work, they understand what she's doing. She has a large following on social media and people think the photographs of her are beautiful. But they rarely get sexualised. I find this interesting, because she really is a beautiful woman.
Here, she is posed delicately and smiling softly, instantly appearing 'prettier' than in the last image. This is the only smiling photo of her I could find. I think that explains a lot, because a smile can express confidence and sexuality, which is demonstrated clearly by Emily Ratajkowski and the way she is viewed in the media.
So, after looking at the contrast between a sexy, slim yet curvy, tan-skinned model, and a slightly unconventional, body hair-bearing woman with a less 'inviting' aura, I would now like to explain why these women are viewed and treated differently, and why I have an issue with it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a feminist. She has discussed it publicly a few times and has recently defended a fellow 'sexy' woman, Kim Kardashian-West. After Kim posted a nude photo online, she got an overwhelming amount of hateful responses, even from other celebrities, all claiming that it was either distasteful and trashy, or that she was setting an unrealistic body image for young girls. Emily found this extremely sexist and tweeted in support of Kim.
The issue is, women with the 'ideal' figure; nice curves, proportionate breasts and bums, are instantly objectified when they show skin and pose confidently. No one expects them to be feminists, because they shave, and they wear makeup and push-up bras.
Emily has spoken out before about how much women who want to look sexy, or women who talk openly about sex, are shamed for their actions. People think that a woman wanting to be sexy is bad for feminism, and that it's objectifying and pornographic. Sexy nudity is not considered to be art, regardless of whether or not the images are creative and have come out of passion, not sexual fantasy.
The female body is art, and any shape or figure can be portrayed artistically. It doesn't have to be through flaws or rebellion. I think it's wonderful that women are being taught and encouraged to be body positive regardless of their 'flaws.' I love that things like stretchmarks and body hair and uneven breasts are being praised and celebrated. But every woman deserves to be celebrated. Every body deserves to be recognised as unique. And women who want to look sexy deserve respect to do so. They are allowed to preach about body positivity, and they are allowed to be feminists. Feminism is fighting for equality regardless of gender, which means allowing women to do what they want with their bodies. You wanna grow out your armpit hair? Beautiful. You wanna keep shaving and pushing your boobs together in selfies? That's great. Whatever. Do what you want, and never ever listen when someone says "you can't be a feminist if you still shave." Feminism never has, and never will mean creating a new, strict, one correct way sort of body standard to replace the current one. Feminism means it's fine to shave and it's fine not to. Are we clear on that? Okay. So why can't Emily's photos be considered art?
Emily is happy and comfortable with everything she does in her job. She loves her body, and she loves to feel sexy, and the fact that her body is appealing to her audience does not turn her into a sexual object. She has her sexuality, and it is hers. She is in control of it. She feels good.
Porn actresses and models don't have the same control. Sure, some may very much enjoy what they do, but that should be considered lucky, seeing as their jobs actually do depend entirely on other people finding them attractive. Their job is to please others, and to fit society's standards. They are told to smile, and pose suggestively, and act confident. They are paid to pretend to enjoy sex with strangers for money, so that other people can watch them and feel satisfied because the women appear to be enjoying it. I am very aware that models are directed and asked to pose and look sexy, but they will not be pressured in the same way, and someone like Emily could easily walk away from something she's not comfortable with. Porn models are more likely to be desperate for money, and the people they're working with will be much more assertive and persistent. In porn, the women are usually not comfortable, and they generally just want money and sexual approval. Porn is different from art because the women do not feel passionate and empowered. They are objectified. And people only try to objectify attractive women who express their sexuality out of choice and because it makes them feel good, when there is something about them that's considered unattainable to most women. Oh, you're offended by Emily Ratajkowski because you don't look like her? Tough shit. Really, all you can do is appreciate your own body, because it's yours and within it, you hold all power. You can sexualise it, or you can keep it to yourself. You can do both of those things. Just please, understand that your body is unique and beautiful, and learn to love it.
'Sexy' does not devalue art.
The difference between porn and art is simply passion.
