The targeted covering up of specifically women and not of men , by online platforms that supposedly define our generation , is contradictory in every sense and hails of a time when it wasn ’ t seen as proper for women to have a career let alone allowed to vote . In today ’ s youth culture , nudity is the norm and nipples aren ’ t inherently sexual . Many online sites , magazines or adverts are now flooded with nude or revealing fashion images by photographers , which our generation wouldn ’ t question or disapprove , so it seems antiquated to assume otherwise . As a Twitter follower of Free the Nipple campaign states , “ it is illegal for women to go topless in most ( US ) cities , yet you can buy a magazine of a woman without her top on at any ( corner ) store . So , you can sell breasts , but you cannot wear breasts in America ”. Even Grace Coddington , fashions ’ favourite redhead , had her Instagram account temporarily deleted last year when she posted a cartoon of herself , reclining on a deck chair and chilling with her breasts out . So indeed , when it comes to social media where we are supposedly free to express ourselves in any which way , it doesn ’ t matter if you ’ re black or white , young or old , real or hand drawn , breasts are definitely not what ’ s best . Unless , of course , they are nipple free .
“ EVERYONE SHOULD
HAVE THE RIGHT
TO PRESENT THEIR BODY ON THEIR TERMS ”
The main point that Free The Nipple is trying to get across – it ’ s a singular little nipple and we don ’ t need to be so frightened of it . The Free The Nipple campaign is far from a ruse to exploit nudity on social media , it ’ s a protest against society ’ s global perception of what women should be and how they should act . It stands against the unfair sexualisation of women , supporting gender equality for all . It ’ s a group of people coming together to enforce change , and as is the nature of any protest , there ’ s power in numbers . And with a million “ Free The Nipple ” hashtags , a number that is ever rising , surely this is where the battle will soon be won . New York City was the only area in the United States with a law that supports women walking around topless . However changes are starting to take place , outside the realms of social media , this month Venice Beach , California denounced its ban on women going topless , with Melissa Diner , lead council officer , stating it was “ a serious equality issue ”, that she was inspired by the Free The Nipple campaign , enabling women “ the same rights as men to sunbathe topless on the sands of Venice Beach ”. Decriminalising the nipple on social media is however the next big step forward in achieving gender equality . “ When the ban on the female areola is lifted , we ’ ll know that we are able to create change and that society is ready to accept it . First the nipple , then the world !” So check out the Free the Nipple website , sign a petition , spread the cause , and , if not for yourselves then for your mothers , sisters , daughters , and granddaughters , start freeing the female nipple . Censorship just got old .
Words : Holly Elliott Photography : Alexander Rocks
Graphics : Stephanie Taite
JUICEBOX | GIRLS SUMMER | 15