In
recent times, the lives of celebrities have been under the microscope and we’ve
seen a number of famous stars open up about their struggles. Thanks to a recent
interview between Emily Ratajkowski and Ashley Graham, we’re still learning
more about the expectations placed upon celebrities and how they cope with these
demands on a day-to-day basis.
As
part of the Pretty
Big Deal
podcast,
Graham touched upon how Ratajkowski was now considered a ‘sex symbol’. After
saying that she had always been seen as a ‘sexy girl’, Graham asked whether
this has become a ‘superpower’. In response, Ratajkowski opened up about her
‘complicated’ relationship with being ‘sexy’.
On
the one hand, she feels good and has found power in her body. On the other, she
believes that she is ‘so much more than just that’ which can make the whole
sexy description a little frustrating.
Wider
Problem in Society?
With these comments, Graham could relate and noted how people were ‘put into a box’ just because of one quality. Especially within the fashion industry, the pair noted how it was hard to leave the box. Once this happens, it’s hard to be seen in a business or editorial light.
Sadly,
this isn’t the first time that Ratajkowski has shared her concerns and she
called it an ‘interesting paradox’ back in 2016. Talking to ES Magazine,
she said that it’s difficult to get serious roles just because you’re
considered sexy. Suddenly, certain celebrities are being pigeonholed and it’s
the perceptions of others that are shaping their careers. In the interview, she
said that women form half of the world’s population and they want to see other
women in films where the characters are three dimensional.
Is
this a problem in wider society? On the second Instagram video, Ratajkowski
said that sexism is still rampant. Rather than teaching young girls that they
have to shut off all other parts of themselves in order to be smart, she
believes that EVERYBODY should have an opportunity to celebrate every single
part of themselves while feeling good.
Great
Response from Followers
Since
the podcast/videos were uploaded to Instagram, the two celebrities have been
praised for their conversation and Ratajkowski has received a number of
comments of support. As Ratajkowski continues to push forward in the business
world, it’s hoped that conversations like this and her actions will inspire
young women. Rather than being pigeonholed or boxed into something, all women
should be able to celebrate their bodies while also being smart and offering a
number of other skills and talents.
In
terms of the podcast itself, Ashley Graham seems to be making waves in what is
a hectic market these days. Even as she gives birth in January, she has
promised to continue with the weekly podcast. Last October, the podcast launched,
and it started with eight episodes. With guests including Serena Williams, Kim
Kardashian,
Lindsey Vonn, and Amy Schumer, it did well from the off. If it carries on with
conversations like this one, it could be important for the celebrity world and
for society in general.
