Yet people are outraged about Kim Kardashian-West being photoshopped AND naked in her Paper magazine cover. Idealising the female body is not modern phenomenon, neither are butts, breasts, nudity or being famous for "no reason". All Marie Antoinette did, was being born into a good family, getting married off into a good family and wasting money, yet she still is a much quoted and admired icon.
I'm not a fan of the Kardashians TV show, because I their lives aren't interesting to me. But Kim took a man's betrayal of her trust and turned it into a multi million dollar business. She's not especially original, not talented or inspirational, compared to some other women, but she's a business woman, and her looks are selling well because she knows how to use them. Kim Kardashian is honest, clever, naked and yes, she is a mother, too. Many are acting like seeing your parents int the nude will ruin your life- when fact is, that your parents have witnessed you coming into this world covered in blood and goo, and then took care of your shit until you were able to do so yourself. At some point you might return the favour. Loving your family members includes seeing and caring for them at their most vulnerable times. But, coming back to the Paper magazine cover- does Kim look vulnerable, scared or exploited? Not if you ask me! It seems like she's having a great time, enjoying her job and feeling good in her skin. I can't imagine North, or any of her future children being ashamed because their mother chose to appear oiled-up and empowered on a magazine cover. As a feminist, I can only encourage women to feel beautiful and empowered, whatever size or shape you are, and to teach these values to your children, too.
What we consider art is constantly changing. So get your issue of that damn magazine just for the sake of it, one day it'll be worth something.
