In the words of Jessica Valenti, the author of Full Frontal Feminism, “Value yourself for what the media doesn’t—your intelligence, your street smarts, your ability to play a kick-ass game of pool, whatever. So long as it’s not just valuing yourself for your ability to look hot in a bikini and be available to men, it’s an improvement.” Several websites have picked up the news surrounding people, mainly young women, around the world taking on the Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge. They have posted videos and pictures of their lips, in hopes to resemble Kim Kardashian’s little sister. Using a shot glass, participants try to puff their lips to try and replicate Jenner’s look. What is even more disturbing is how many injuries the challenge has caused.
OH GOD I FEEL BAD FOR LAUGHING 😂😂😂 27 Teens Who Tried (And Failed) The #KylieJennerChallenge http://t.co/HQxf36XhTH pic.twitter.com/icY6kiDWO7
— Smosh (@smosh) April 20, 2015
Even though it has been over a week since the challenge started, Kylie Jenner did speak out on Twitter against people continuing to participate.
I'm not here to try & encourage people/young girls to look like me or to think this is the way they should look. (Cont...)
— Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) April 21, 2015
I want to encourage people/young girls like me to be YOURSELF & not be afraid to experiment w your look. ❤️❤️❤️
— Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) April 21, 2015
The challenge can serve as yet another example of possible body image issues amongst all identifying genders. By trying to emulate the images of Hollywood, people can start to lose who they are as themselves.
For Western Environmental Science major Connie Webb, the challenge presents more issues than one. “I think it is also a double-edged sword because any person should be allowed to wear makeup how they like or dress up how they like. Women shouldn’t be shamed for wanting to do that, but they also shouldn’t be glorified for doing so.” She explained that the challenge shows how younger generations feed into “the unachievable and unrealistic beauty standards in society.”
Body image is a subject that is not to be taken lightly. Organizations like About Face aim to educate young girls and women about understanding how the media can affect self-esteem. Follow their link to learn more about the facts on body image here.
My challenge to women and men at Western is this: Share in the comment section below what makes YOU special, beyond your physical appearance. Learn to love yourself!
