We all know the world presented to us via Instagram is not, in fact, the reality of what we’re seeing most of the time. Sure, some of the posts from our favourite people to follow can present real realities – especially during COVID times when the world has shifted from idyllic adventures to staying at home in sweats on the couch. But, the newest viral trend taking over is one that is both empowering and a positive step forward.
Introducing: Reality vs. Reality. The trend, first spotted by Glamour UK, is based on the assumption that women, of all shapes, colours and sizes, are real, whether when they’re posed in their best ‘Instagram’ form to when they’re not. It’s different than its predecessor, ‘Instagram vs. Reality’, which showed women in their absolute best compared to arguably less flattering angles (although, women should never compare themselves). Basically, the latter was based on a notion that our ‘gram selves were somehow superior to that of our real selves – an idea that is not only damaging but one that continued to pit women against one another.
Body positive activist Militza Yovanka is one of the many leading the charge, writing to Instagram: “There is NOTHING bad with posing or not posing, there is nothing wrong with anyone’s body at any time.”
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Influencer and journalist Danae Mercer also jumped on board, writing: “I don’t care if you POSE FOR PHOTOS or if you just hang out. Because posed or relaxed, arched or slumped, whatever you do with your body, it is STILL YOU.”
She added, “So today, cowgirl, if you want to pose, you go pose. If you want to let it all hang out, you do that too. However, YOU own your body is incredible.”
And as we all know, lighting, angles and filters all play a part in capturing that moment for what is deemed the perfect shot. But as Jeenie from keepfit.women points out in her caption, “Don’t be mad at the angles, embrace them.”
The point being: posed to the Instagram gods or slouched, hunched or upside down – our bodies are just that, bodies, and they’re meant to be praised for all that they do.
