Reality star Kylie Jenner is under scrutiny after photographs for Interview magazine surfaced of her posed in a wheelchair.
Jenner was dressed in a shiny black leotard, a choker and heels that all resemble black electrical tape. Other photographs from the same shoot show Jenner wearing fetish-style outfits as she poses with a blank stare into the distance. The expression and overall mood resembles a sex doll, according to CNN.
The photographer, Steven Klein, is known for his satirical-style shoots, with this one in particular being focused on modern society topics like plastic surgery, according to Fashionista.
Not only is this not remotely appealing, but it is also disgraceful. But saying that, we cannot only hold Kylie Jenner responsible, since this is the photographer expressing himself and what he wanted, but she did agree to be posed in such a setting.
But why a wheelchair? What are you trying to accomplish here, Klein?
Many disability advocates responded when the photograph was released, arguing that Interview magazine, this series of photographs in particular, is a train wreck.
“People with disabilities are already seen as powerless, and this just reinforces that,” said Emily Smith Beitiks, according to CNN. She is the associate director of the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability in San Francisco.
Some people on Twitter brought up the point that those in wheelchairs cannot get into the fashion industry, but Jenner, a well-abled, walking individual, can pose in a wheelchair and make it on the cover of a magazine.
Others criticized the photographs for making a wheelchair edgy, trendy and simply calling it fashion.
The thing that bothers me about this particular photograph is that it is willingly devaluing someone who is forced to be in a wheelchair. This is not a fashion statement. This is something that is very real in our world, and it should not be dramatized or blown out of proportion.
All I have to say is this: Kylie Jenner, do you not have enough money? Why did you think this was a good idea? You could have removed yourself from this situation very easily.
And Klein, was this in one of your nightmares or something? A sex doll in a wheelchair? Think a little more about how what you do will effect everyone, and not only just the kings of the fashion industry.
Neither Jenner nor Klein has made a comment regarding the criticism, but I expect them to use artistic freedom and creativity as an excuse.
There is a lesson to take away from this: Not all ideas are good ideas.
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