December 18th 2024.
Last week, Sydney Sweeney stepped outside of her home in Florida, probably unaware that she would soon become the center of international attention. The actress, known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, was simply enjoying some time in the sun, dressed in a bikini with her hair in a messy bun. To most, these were just normal, unremarkable images of a woman living her life.
However, to a dark corner of the internet, these photos sparked a wave of hateful comments. Within hours, trolls were attacking Sweeney's appearance, deeming her unattractive and less appealing than they had previously imagined. It was disheartening to see the poison being spewed by these individuals, but what was equally disheartening was the response from those defending Sweeney.
The comments from these defenders were meant to be supportive, but they only added to the harmful rhetoric. Many resorted to body-shaming, commenting on Sweeney's weight and appearance. Some even went so far as to claim she was a "catfish" for looking different in her private life compared to her red carpet appearances. As I read these words, I, like many others, was appalled.
Sweeney, who has been seen as a sex symbol since her breakout role, has already responded to these critics with grace and strength. She shared their abusive comments alongside footage of her intense training for a role as a female boxer. While her response has been praised, it also highlights the toxic effects of excessive internet usage and the warped beauty standards that come with it.
But what was equally disappointing was how some defended Sweeney by sharing images of her in lingerie or glamorous dresses, trying to prove her "hotness" to those who had attacked her. It's understandable to want to shut down hateful comments, but it only perpetuates the idea that a woman's worth is tied to her appearance. Women's bodies should not be used as objects for commentary or conversation, whether the comments are positive or negative.
It's worth noting that Sweeney has previously been praised by right-wing commentators for her appearance, but now she is being dismissed by the same people. This just shows that these individuals only value women if they fit their narrow beauty standards. By defending Sweeney's appearance, we are perpetuating the idea that a woman's value is determined by her appeal to the male gaze.
There will always be people who try to tear women down for their appearance. Instead of playing into their pointless game, we should focus our energy on rejecting these patriarchal beauty standards altogether. We should not be debating over a woman's looks, but rather celebrating her as a whole person. Everyone's energy would be better spent by not participating in this harmful cycle.
It's important to remember that a woman's worth is not tied to her appearance. We should not be judging women based on their looks, whether it's positive or negative. It's dehumanizing to reduce a woman to just her features, and it only adds to the objectification of women in our society. Let's reject these toxic beauty standards and focus on valuing women for who they are, not how they look.
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