A Gram of Immorality

Marilyn Monroe the globally renown Hollywood temptress once said, a woman's clothing should be tight enough to compliment her figure, but loose enough to show she's a lady…which documents the long, twisted and multi-faceted relationship that has marred fashion and female sexuality for centuries.

It began with the flash of an ankle, the glimpse of a knee and the heightening of hem lines, but arguably today’s underwear has become outer-wear, and my mother's rule of cleavage or legs (never both), has become more passé than American Apparel ‘Disco Pants’.

Quite frankly, I've seen Kim Kardashian’s breasts more than my own, and for young girls, knowledge is accrued by sight, whilst behaviour is condoned by socially accepted cues.

Yet arguably, there is no clear distinction what is age appropriate and what’s not these days, and I see no difference between the style sold to teenagers, to that sold to someone older. Which begs the question where how does female style distinguish itself?

Some people may find it ironic that I’m choosing to discuss a topic which I myself might be accused of perpetuating with some of the photos I post on Instagram, which is a conundrum I do acknowledge and deliberate over before I hit share…But as an educated and opinionated twenty five year old woman, even I’m shhhtumped on the whole navigational aspect of body confidence vs. moral depravity.

So really, what chance do young and impressionable teenage girls have out there in a confusing and hypocritical world, which contradicts itself continuously?

With even larger repercussions than posting alone, what women put on social media has a more powerful ripple effect for the modern day female, especially in consideration of the following:

Is it liberating to wear what we want?

Is it diminishing to expose ‘too much’ skin?

It is a reflection of female empowerment to dress and accentuate our bodies?

Or, are we all just senseless victims of superficiality?

In an American study of adolescents, adult volunteers viewed moderately sexualized photos of girls as less competent, less intelligent, less moral and less self-respecting. But in a visual world where photo and video content reigns supreme; in a world where female influencers support social movements such as ‘Free the Nipple’…just what is a young girl supposed to do or think?

Again, it reverts back to bench marking a large social media following as the pinnacle of success and popularity; because the more we do that, the higher we raise the bar for women in the superficial style stakes, where the only thing left to do is out sex each other.

But as women, we do not need to be told that talent, intellectualism, ambition, humour, kindness and generosity are the most important qualities in anyone regardless of gender. Because, in a world where sex sells, it’s no coincidence that the most liked post on my Instagram is one where I’m wearing my boobs as earrings (sincere apologies Mum).

Yet, I know I’m a lot more than my body. I have more substance than my work outs, and I would like to think I’m a little more than one-dimensional in the way I interact with my social media.

However, are these ‘alternative’ posts popular? No. Does it bother me? No. Would it bother a teenager seeking social acceptance? Yes.

So wholeheartedly, I write this piece in the immense defense of teenagers, especially our young girls.

Generation Z have no social, moral or supportive navigational help to steer them through these online struggles…and before we start judging anyone online, male or female, I suggest you take a look back into your recently liked photos, and see what kind of culture you’re bench marking for today’s youth to follow suit…

The only knowledge that guides me in the confusion of it all, is the fact that as women I believe we’re defined by our decisions, regarding both our sexuality and topics beyond…And that’s the cold hard truth which either works to our advantage, or our handicap.

So, all I can say to any young girl is choose what you decision you may, but make sure your social media is a holistic representation of who you are – not just a one dimensional showcase of your face and body.

In the words of William Shakespeare "To thine own self be true.”