5 Reminders Of Why Your Body Is Not A Political Playground.
Kaneica Gray
Actress, model, and self-proclaimed “hood activist”, Samirah Raheem (@thisishowilook) went viral recently for her responses to a pastor’s interview during a Slut Walk in Toronto. Slut Walks are held to protest against gender inequality, rape culture, and victim shaming. When asked why she considered herself a slut Raheem replied “Because I own my body. My body is not a political playground. It’s not a place for legislation. It’s mine, and it’s my future.” Her confident response triggered the misogynistic interviewer to ask her a series of questions such as “Is your mom a slut ?”, asking if she sleeps around with multiple men, as well as questioning her beliefs. Although Samirah was able to effortlessly clapback to each degrading questions, many women face questions like this every day and have a hard time responding to such negativity. Here are 5 ways to remind the world your body IS NOT a political playground.
1) Never Feel The Need To Explain What You Are Wearing- “Are those your nipples?” is a common question I have gotten when I ditch my bra when I want to wear a cute crop top. A lot of times people are uncomfortable with themselves when they choose to point out your outer appearance. Try not to allow those same people to bring out insecurities in you unnecessarily. You picked your outfit out for a reason, own it and SLAY.
2) Don’t Feel Forced To Smile- Since I was a little girl I have been told I don’t smile enough and even though I would be completely happy on the inside, no one cared about what I felt and all that mattered at the moment was the fact that I “looked” like I had an attitude. Let's make straining to smile to please other people or faking a smile to hide your emotions a thing of the past, queen. You are loved regardless of the world's interpretation of your emotions. RBF looks good on you.
3) Beat That Face If You Want To- Make-up is something that adds to our natural glow. It is the cherry on top of something that is already beautiful. Remind the world that whether you go barefaced or conceal it up, you are still a powerhouse whose light never dims.
4) Your Body Count Doesn’t Define You- Whether you are a virgin or have gotten well over double digits, your crown still sits high. Do allow others to use your sex life to define you. If they don’t know your story, they don’t know you. Regardless of what it is, own your sex life.
5) Your Faith Doesn’t Automatically Put You In A Box- This is a huge topic in itself, but I am here to say, don’t allow others to dictate your relationship with God due to the type of woman you choose to be. Know that we are all made differently in special ways. Be proud of who you are and who you were created to be. OKUUUUURR !
