True Reflections of Character- In Response to QPolitical's Kylie/Sadie Article

Today I ran across an article written by an author named "NPO" on a conservative blog called QPolitical. The viewpoints expressed in this piece, which compare and contrast Kylie Jenner to Sadie Robertson- two 17-year-old girls who are well known for being on reality TV- show a troubling trend in which young women are demonized for using fashion to express their individuality, and for other personal choices regarding their own autonomy. The article blatantly propogates a "pure," "Christian" image of women as ideal and respectable, and on the flip side, hurls insults and extreme disrespect at young women who dare to step outside society's norms.

Let's review this ridiculous piece of writing, shall we?

Kylie looking cute in a pair of shorts and a tank

Sadie looking cute in a pair of shorts and a tank

1.) Why are you comparing these two different young women in the first place?

Kylie and Sadie are two young ladies who each have their own lifestyles, backgrounds, interests, and beliefs. Yes, they both have an influence on their age demographics. But why the need to put them head to head in some sort of "Battle Morale," where morals and "goodness" are evaluated based on superficial items like clothing, make-up, books, and more? Contrasting women in this kind of mock superbowl is disgusting. It basically asks the reader to question, "Who's a better influence, and therefore, a better person, based on this particular set of criteria?" As women, we should be standing together, celebrating diversity and creativity- not judging and belittling each other based on ridiculous character assumptions derived from social media, clothing, and photographs.

2.) LESSON #1: The amount of skin a woman shows is NOT a reflection of her character.

The author's first argument as to why Kylie is a negative influence on girls, and why Sadie isn't, is that Sadie dresses modestly while Kylie dresses more provocatively. The author states that Sadie is always "appropriately covered up and elegant- a true lady," whereas Kylie is provocative (the assumption here being that she is NOT a 'true lady.") So, who determines what exactly is appropriate clothing for women? Is there a dress code in the Bible that I'm not aware of? Historically, MEN have been the ones who have determined what our society deems as appropriate.

Thankfully, we live in a current day and age where anyone can wear whatever they want without being stoned to death in the street. There is NOTHING wrong with a woman dressing revealing or provocatively if they wish. Both of these ladies are young WOMEN, they make their own choices. They know what clothing makes them comfortable. They are both confident, stylish girls. If one wants to wear shorter shorts than the other, does that make her less of a person?

Sadie may like to dress modestly, and I'm sure she does, as the author suggests, have respect for herself. But why imply that Kylie does not? To make bold, daring fashion choices takes courage. It takes confidence, and I would venture to guess that Kylie respects herself just as much as Sadie. If Kylie feels pride in her body, is comfortable in her own skin, and wants to show it off, why look down on her for doing so? A woman's clothing is not a reflection of promiscuity, and it is most certainly not indicative of her character.

Sadie feels good about herself and is comfortable in a cute, short polka dot dress with heels. She looks great.

Kylie feels good about herself and is comfortable in a short, red dress with boots. She looks great, too.

3.) LESSON #2: Amazon star-ratings do not determine literary success.

Sadie's book has a five-star rating on Amazon, while Kylie's book sold less copies, and only has a two-star rating. Okay....so what? They are both very different pieces of work, appealing to very different audiences. Sadie's book was based on her own life, and aimed at Christian readers. Kylie's book was a Sci-Fi novel and completely ficticious.

The author hurls insults at Kylie, saying that her book's rating is "pathetic," that it "kills brain cells," and calling it "hysterical" when one review stated that her book would be "better as toilet paper." How cruel of someone to laugh at something another put their heart and soul into creating. The author seems to have a lot of hate pent up towards this young woman, and I'm not quite sure why.

If a girl wants to write about their life, Sci-Fi, sex, beauty, murder, etc...it does NOT matter. Writing is creative expression, something we all can partake in as free-thinking people, and on any topic we wish. Amazon "ratings" are easily manipulated and not a fair indicator or what "success" truly is. Catcher in the Rye has 4 stars....is Sadie's book "more successful" than J.D. Salinger's, simply because it has more stars? If both girls authored their own books, and enjoyed doing so...I would say they can both be considered successful, regardless of Amazon reviews and sales numbers.

Sadie and Kylie have both published books at 17 years old...what an accomplishment!

4.) Lesson #3: Wearing make-up or having colored hair does NOT make you "FAKE" or aid in the objectifcation of women. It's creative expression of one's individuality.

This author actually had the nerve to write, "Kylie’s fake look strengthens the objectification of women, while Sadie’s natural look inspires beauty to be more than just skin-deep. " WRONG. If wearing make-up makes you feel beautiful, you should do it. It's not "fake." It's art; it's self-expression. If coloring your hair makes you happy- go for it! Be yourself! There is nothing wrong with styling your hair and make-up creatively, and changing up your style.

The author alleges that Kylie has had pastic surgery, even though this has never been confirmed. If Kylie did, in fact, have plastic surgery (which she has never confirmed) and it allowed her feel better about herself, was something she truly wanted, and was done in a safe way, then we should support that.

We need to STOP judging other women based on their appearance. There is nothing wrong with being natural, but also nothing wrong with dressing up and getting creative with your style. How exactly does Kylie having fun with make-up, or expressing an artistic sense of style by adding teal extensions to her hair, "objectify" women?

Telling women that they SHOULDN'T express themselves in these ways is truly what objectifies and restricts them. Women are not objects that need to remain "natural and untouched." We are people, and should not be insulted or objectifed, no matter what we decide to adorn our bodies with.

Kylie looking gorgeous with colorful extensions and make-up.

Sadie looking gorgeous with natural hair and make-up.

5.) LESSON #4: Again, what a woman wears has NO bearing on her character, nor does it affect her relationship with her God.

Sadie is an outspoken Christian. That's great! I'm all about people speaking out in support of what they believe in, as long as they respect others. But that does not necessarily make her a person of stronger faith than Kylie. Someone's relationship with their God is personal, existing solely between one's self and whomever one worships. If Kylie wants to go to Church in jeans and crop top, then she can. That's the clothes that make her comfortable... so why not? The only thing "disrespectful" to the Christian faith would be judging and condemning other worshipers based on their clothing.

"Come as you are."

6.) LESSON #5: A woman's sexual history has no bearing on who she is as a person.

Sadie and her boyfriend are abstinent, wheras Kylie is dating a man who is 25. 17-year old girls are not considered underage in California, so there is nothing illegal happening here. She is emancipated, and can legally make her own decisions. Is it wise to date someone who is 8 years older than you at that age? Maybe not....but that's her decision. Any vow of abstinence or purity is DEFINITELY not indicative of someone's character. A virgin and a woman who has had sex with multiple people are not any different in "God's eyes," correct? A woman's sex life doesn't define her as a person.

Kylier and her boyfriend helping out their community and looking happy.

Sadie and her boyfriend also look very happy.

7.) LESSON #6: There is nothing wrong with being confident in one's sexuality and sharing experiences or products that you enjoy with others on social media.

The author says that Kylie has no respect for herself because she posts "sexually-fueled photos" on social media. Is it possible that Kylie posts photos showing her body because she is simply has confidence in herself and is proud of the way she looks?

Kylie is confident and happy. Her instagram, like Sadie's, is filled with family, inspirational quotes, and appropriate memories of teenage life. Why are partying and shopping not considered appropriate activities for a teenager? One can probably safely assue that Sadie does these things too.

Also, one most note that Kylie has a line of clothing and beauty products, and occasionally posts "material" things as advertisements from her sponsors. Sharing images of people, experiences, and even products that you enjoy on social media is nothing to be ashamed of. How about respecting others for their decisions in sharing their lives whatever way they deem fit?

Sadie at a pool party, posted to social media.

Kylie at a pool party, posted to social media.

8.) LESSON #7: It is not ignorant to encourage self-expression.

The author says that Kylie is ignorant because she "didn't take responsibility" for the #KylieJennerChallenge. It was NOT Kylie who created that silly challenge. She did NOT ask for people to try and look like her by potentially hurting themselves- so why should she take responsibility for something she never encouraged or meant to influence? Kylie's response to the trend was actually well-worded. She encourages girls to "be YOURSELF and not be afraid to experiment with your look." Sounds like a pretty good thing to encourage- individuality and creative expression! If the internet were to start a #SadieRobertsonChallenge where they did something goofy to try and look like Sadie...(say, pinch their cheeks to try and give themselves dimples like Sadie)...would Sadie have to "own up" to her part in that? I think not.

9.) LESSON #8: You are not your family.

The author states that Sadie's family is ruled by Christian values, and Kylie's family are obsessed with fame and materialism. I'm glad the author knows all of these family members personally and can judge them as such.

From what I've seen....Phil Robertson, Sadie's grandfather, is a hateful bigot, constantly promoting discrimination against LGBT people, while Bruce Jenner, Kylie's father, is a kind-hearted, generous, wonderful person who bravely speaks out in order to open hearts and minds. But that's all beside the point.....

No matter who your family members are, we should be judged by our OWN actions, not that of our family members.

Sadie and her family. Should Sadie be judged for Phil's comments? NO.

Kylie and her family. Should Kylie be judged for Kim's various actions? NO.

IN CONCLUSION....

I understand that the author believes that girls should "follow" Sadie more than Kylie. That's the author's opinion, and they have a right to that opinion. But the underlying issue here is...WHY? What is it that makes Sadie so much "better" than Kylie to follow....her clothes? Her family? Her make-up? Her RELIGION? Do all of these factors really reflect someone's morality and character?

A true reflection of someone's character is how they treat others.

Judging young women based on the criteria above- THAT is what is of poor character.

#KylieJenner #SadieRobertson #QPolitical #Response #Kardashians #Robertsons #DuckDynasty #KUWTK