What Kim Kardashian's Boobs Can Tell Us About How Society Views Women | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

What Kim Kardashian's Boobs Can Tell Us About How Society Views Women

The case of the missing nipples.

452
What Kim Kardashian's Boobs Can Tell Us About How Society Views Women
Rolling Stone, 2015

Let’s talk about boobs.

Better said, let’s talk about Photoshopping boobs. It may seem like a minor editing decision, but we have to discuss what it means to Photoshop out a woman’s nipples: It can be indicative of society's bad habit of declaring which parts of the female body are acceptable for public viewing.

Before I delve into "The Case of The Missing Nipples," let me point you a couple of instances of the issue, both of which were photographs featured as the cover of "Rolling Stone." I was taken aback when I received my "Rolling Stone" copy in the mail and caught a glimpse at the smiling Kim Kardashian West sporting a red bra and a nautical over-the-shoulder top:

In Nicki Minaj’s January 2015 "Rolling Stone" cover, her body is dripping wet, and she pulls a white tank top taut over her chest:

In both of these photos, so much of their breasts are visible that it is highly unlikely their nipples would not be showing. There are only two possible reasons for this: either the nipples are Photoshopped out, or the picture is so meticulously executed that all but the nipples are shown in the photograph. Either way, there was some serious effort put forth to show as much as possible without hinting at the existence of nipples.

So what’s the problem? In these magazine covers, 90 percent of the boobs are acceptable, but the nipple must not be seen at all. The effect is dehumanizing: it makes the women look like plastic mannequins or life-size Barbies. Why do we have to pick and choose which parts of Kim Kardashian West’s or Nicki Minaj’s or any woman’s body are acceptable? Nipples have a function and they are part of every body regardless of gender. So why pretend they don’t exist?

It's not that everyone in public has to be naked all the time. But there is an unrealistic societal interpretation of how a woman’s body should look. According to these pictures, as well as the fact that “nip slips” are fuel to shame women, and beachgoers are still shocked by topless women letting it all hang out in the sand, women’s nipples are obscene by this impossible standard.

Luckily, people are promoting this conversation through formats like the Free the Nipple movement and this hilarious trend of Photoshopping men’s nipples over women’s in order to make them “appropriate” for the public eye. Ultimately, a woman is made up of her entire body and all its functions and pieces, and to edit out any part of her deemed undesirable sends the message that the way her body is put together is wrong.

The point? Women have nipples. Get over it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15994
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6871
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5074
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4457
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments