Six days ago Harry Styles made history by becoming the first ever solo male to cover American Vogue. The photoshoot was beautifully done by photographer Tyler Mitchell, who also happened to make history in Vogue by becoming the first black photographer to shoot a cover in September 2018. This momentous announcement has received an immense amount of support from fans and celebrities everywhere. Unfortunately there is bound to be backlash among the support.
The statements of author Candace Owens and media host Ben Shapiro, seemed to have caught the most attention from the public:
Candace Owens Tweet@RealCandaceO
Ben Shapiro Thread@benshapiro
Ben Shapiro Thread@benshapiro
Their comments sparked conversation about Harry Styles's outfits during the Vogue shoot. He was photographed wearing dresses, skirts and other "traditionally feminine" clothing items. People like Candace Owens and Ben Shapiro, took offense to this creating long threads to attack Harry and other men who wear clothing like this.
With seeing the backlash, fans of Harry and other celebrities, again decided to shower him with more love and support to drown out the unnecessary hate being given. Many making refutes back to the rude comments and others just making general comments appreciating the beauty of the shoot. The conversation hasn't died down since those remarks were made and it doesn't seem like either side will give in to bring it to an end. Styles hasn't made any comments about the situation, but it isn't necessary seeing as the shoot speaks for itself.
My take on the argument:
Why do they care? It makes no sense to me that what other people wear can affect someone so much. It's sad to see with how far we have come, there are still many people out there who are offended when people are different.
Harry Styles has been a figure for these movements in the past and all of sudden they are bothered by his actions, when they are causing no harm. He has helped so many people around the world come to terms with who they are and appreciate what makes them different. Wearing a dress doesn't make him any less of a man. I don't know who started that idea, but it couldn't be more wrong. It shows that he is comfortable with his masculinity, that wearing a dress doesn't violate that.
The narrative started is just toxic. Fashion and clothing are ways of expressing yourself. It is easy for some people to disregard this, but for others it is their personality on display for the world to see. It is a beautiful art form that is unique for every person.
There shouldn't be this much hate in the world. I know this conversation is far from over, but hopefully it will lead to the acceptance of our differences. It is such a simple concept, just accepting others. We can get there someday, but until we do at least we can acknowledge that Harry Styles looks incredible in that dress.
