YAlways turn to Rihanna to make the internet buzz. Last week, the singer and beauty mogul was spotted outside a Manhattan restaurant in her loose T-her shirt, mini-her skirt, and statement her thigh-high her boots. After giving birth to her and A$AP Rocky's first child in May, her public appearances have been relatively infrequent, but she's been clamoring for the chance to see her after giving birth with each release of a new paparazzi set. While some of the online buzz about the photo focused on her oversized footwear, much of it was about her body... unfortunately.
In some dark corners of social media, spiteful reactions have spread, with sharp remarks about Rihanna seemingly maintaining the weight she gained while carrying her son. Thankfully, far more people are against such comments than they support them. Let's not be ashamed of her body because we're in no rush," read one tweet. admired her. One fan wrote:
In many ways, statements like this are encouraging and represent a shift to a culture where fluctuations in people's weight and appearance are no longer an issue. After all, tabloids are notorious for commenting on body size gains and losses, even if pregnancy isn't involved.Rihanna is still in her vulnerable postpartum period, so it's hard for people to stand up for her looks. It's also great to see. But by praising the star for defying expectations, you end up reinforcing the idea that there were expectations for her body in the first place, and that in itself is a big deal.
Loud praise of someone who weighs more than others, or even their past selves, is not always taken as an intended compliment. Rihanna has not clearly positioned herself as someone who wants to get the message out about her positive body. She was just living her life when people on the internet simply decided to see her as an inspiration to exist with a curvy body. In a time when people cling to the idea that what we look like or do should be our business alone, it's important not to project a statement to people who don't want it. We won't know how Rihanna really feels about anything unless she tells us at.
Over the past decade, beauty has only been equated with being slim and white. Although the idea that there is has changed a lot, gaining weight, and getting bigger in general, can still be a sensitive topic for many. Jonah Her Hill last year explicitly asked people to stop commenting on her own physique after she was praised for looking topless on the beach. In a social media post, the actor wrote, "I know you're mean, but please don't comment on my body." Similarly, Nicola Coughlan had to ask people not to share their opinions about their bodies, telling fans: Sending you directly what you look like every day.
It may be refreshing for those who have commented to see a large person growing healthy. However, it doesn't take into account the fact that the person receiving the "congratulations" may not want to be considered a hero in their own way. Make it an important part of your brand. She danced with her crew named "Big Grrrls" and launched her line of shapewear, Yitty, designed for every body type. She positions herself as someone who clearly wants her body to stand as a form of inspiration for others. People have to accept that certain notes aren't always welcome...even uplifting ones.
Overall, it's positive to see people supporting themselves to do whatever they want with their weight.Trying to highlight the different ways people can be attractive The fact that the movement is pouring in is also encouraging. But the next time you see someone, whether it's a multi-platinum her-selling artist or an acquaintance you haven't seen in a while, you don't need to bring it up because you're living in a bigger body. By bringing it up, you could do more harm than good.
