So, What’s Wrong With Women Using Their Bodies to get What They Want?

What’s wrong with using your beauty, your body, your brain, everything that makes you who you are to get what you want?

Recently, Kate Henshaw shared a post which criticised women who use their beauty to get what they want. “It will amaze you to know that the only skill some ladies of this generation have is beauty,” the post said, and this kicked off a tense debate on the actress’ wall.

While Henshaw agrees that women should have skills rather that using their bodies to get what they want from the society, one of her fans presented a strongly worded opinion on how women are trapped in a society that objectifies them and yet shames them when they attempt to exploit that social construct.

See the exchange:

But, what is wrong with using what you have to get what you want?

This brings to mind how Kim Kardashian rose to fame. Many times, the mother of two is criticised for stripping and using her body to drive traffic to her page, break the internet and dominate conversations, unlike, say, Beyonce, who became influential because of her music.

At every award event, Beyonce is less criticised when she steps out in revealing outfits, but Kim Kardashian is laid on the slab for slaughter. Her infamous sex tape with former boyfriend Ray J is called to the surfaced, used as yardstick to judge the reality TV star’s success. People ignore that she made something out of that scandalous phase; she brought attention to her family, runs a successful multi-million dollars business, has gained global recognition such that top designers like Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing calls her his muse. She has graced covers, same as other top acts have done, and has headlined events as much as, or even more than other artistes in the movie/music/fashion industry.

While some women use their intellect to lead top IT firms and the financial industry, in the same way also many others like Nicki Minaj and Beyonce use music to lead the music industry. But those who have heavily influenced the beauty world, and made women love their bodies no matter the size and shape, get shamed for this.

Why can’t women flourish the way that they can?

Tell us what you think – is there a set standard only women must pass through to become respected? This same standard that is never imposed on men.