In her new book, My Body, Emily Ratajkowski tackles body objectification, sexual assault and, feminism.
Since her rise to stardom, Emily Ratajkowksi has done it all. She is a renowned model, an actress, and now, author of her debut novel My Body. Through a series of gripping essays, Emily sheds light on her life as a ‘sex symbol’ and how she has dealt with body objectification from a young age.
The “Blurred Lines” of Feminism
At 21 years old, Emily came to notoriety after featuring in Robin Thicke’s music video for “Blurred Lines”. Alongside models Elle Evans and Jessi M’Bengue, Emily danced while scantily clad in front of the musicians. The video faced critique for being misogynistic as viewers were outraged by the objectification of the model’s bodies.
“The politics of my body were suddenly being discussed and dissected across the globe by feminist thinkers and teenage boys alike”.
At the time of the controversy, Emily claimed the music video empowered women and their bodies.
However, the self-proclaimed feminist shared how her views on using her body as an avenue for female empowerment have shifted.
“I’ve felt objectified and limited by my position in the world as a so-called sex symbol.”
Stories of Sexual Assault
Emily opens up about her heartbreaking experiences of sexual assault throughout her life. At the hands of her ex-boyfriend, Emily was sexually assaulted at just 14 years of age. She then accuses Robin Thicke of groping her on the infamous set of Blurred Lines.
“I didn’t react — not really, not like I should have.”
Taking Her Body Back
So now 30-years-old, a wife and a mother, Emily is using her novel to explore the harsh truths of body commodification as she fights to take back her body.
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