On April 21, paparazzi and celebrity news reporters wrote about the next big news story: Emma Watson getting upskirted by a photographer on her 18th birthday. The media alluded to how she did this on purpose with the intent of having people see up her skirt. After seeing the pictures myself, I have to say that this picture is not a girl following in the footsteps of Britney Spears or Paris Hilton; this is a young woman who has been abused by the media.
Watson was sitting in a car, and the picture was taken through the front windshield. Her legs happen to be uncrossed, but not opened in an inappropriate way. Celebrity hungry gossip will stop at no cost. Watson has been exploited by the media and given an unfair perception.
With the expansion of the Internet, anything can become published at the drop of a hat. This, along with society’s seeming obsession with today’s starlets, can only mean trouble for these ladies. But, the line isn’t drawn at only the famous. Even here on campus, how women are being perceived has become an issue.
Our readers and community have been debating, in the Clarion, about the title of an exercise class and how it continues society’s view of women.
A DU professor claims that the title, Bikini Boot Camp, “perpetuates notions of status quo femininity, feeds into the culture of female bodies as spectacle and hastens serious and potentially deadly health issues of anorexia and bulimia,” and the name only expands the idea of “experiencing women only as bodies and not as full human beings.” In response, a DU grad believes that this professor “opines about the adverse health effects that result from the images of physically fit women, yet fails to accept that fact that these women, for the most part, are far healthier than their inactive peers.” Instead, she should be considering the “health benefits of Bikini Boot Camp” that “far outweigh the subjective and anecdotal concerns.” This title is just utilizing “the best marketing” which is “that which is truthful and catchy.”
While I believe both opinions hold importance, I think there is an overarching idea that we should be focused on instead. I am not going to say “don’t wear bikinis” or “never uncross your legs.” I am going to say, respect yourself and know what you’re saying with both your actions and also the decisions you make about your outward appearance. Just remember, what you say and do can end up on the Internet, and you better be prepared to defend yourself.
In an era of digital cameras, Facebook and blogs, nothing is safe from being captured forever on the Internet. For Watson, this means there have been pictures posted all over the Internet. For you, it could mean mistakes recorded on film and then uploaded onto the Internet. Regret doesn’t end the next morning anymore.
Although this is only an instance of yellow journalism, it still has a lasting impression on the public. Whether one person sees you during a humiliating moment or a million see the moment frozen in a picture on the internet, just think about how you want to be remembered.
