My Bodies of the Year

“My Bodies of the Year: Kim Kardashian’s Instagram Moment and 12 Unsexy Months” was a very thought-provoking article for me. In it, Wesley Morris discusses the role that our bodies play in today’s culture and society. The main question that arises from this piece is if bodies matter more today than they did in the past? I believe that the answer to this question is that yes, they do. Today’s society values physical appearance and beauty above almost everything else. Whether it is a celebrity or just the average person, being healthy and looking good is praised, while those who are not are looked down upon. In the past, I believe there was a greater emphasize on someone’s personality and character, rather than solely on appearance. In Morris’ article, he brings up that one of the few films this year that didn’t focus on someone’s body was Her. Rather, Scarlett Johansson portrayed the main character’s dream woman, even though she was artificial intelligence. Joaquin Phoenix’s character finds true love because he wants someone with an excellent personality, instead of someone who is just physically appealing.

            The film industry was not alone in emphasizing the importance of bodies in today’s culture. The music industry also plays a huge role. When looking back on this year, one person automatically pops into my mind when thinking of drastic changes to their body and appearance, Miley Cyrus. Miley Cyrus went from being a childhood superstar to a typical pop singer, and then suddenly completely altered her look. She dyed her hair blonde, cut it very short, and began to twerk on stage. She also began to release risqué music videos, including “Wrecking Ball” where she swings on a wrecking ball completely nude. In return, she received massive media attention and her music career prospered even more. It wasn’t necessarily the music that she released that people were captivated by, rather it was the way she began to portray her body.

            In conclusion, our bodies and appearance matter more now than they ever have. Bodies are a vital part of today’s culture and I believe they will only go on to play an even greater role.