The recent hubbub about Billie Eilish uncovering her body to make a statement about body shaming made me think. I am supportive of any movement/action that sends a positive message about pretty much anything. At a concert recently, Billie Eilish played a video clip (between costume changes) of her unveiling her torso down to her bare shoulders and bra. Along with the visuals, was a voiceover of Eilish in which she says things like:

“If what I wear is comfortable, I am not a woman. If I shed the layers, I am a slut.”

“Though you’ve never seen my body, you still judge me for it. Why?”

Maybe I am naive because I have never thought a thing about her body. Yes, I find her face cute and she has a great smile, but that never devolved into wondering what she looked like naked – much less tweets or comments giving her crap. I know there are internet trolls out there that do stuff like that, but it is not how most people react. I think it may be more of the circles she is running in.

I think it would have been more powerful if she took over her outer layer of clothing to reveal yet more concealing clothing underneath. It feels like she is objectifying herself to speak out about objectification.

Her’s is a carefully crafted image whether she is shocking the fans with her outlandish outfits by Gucci, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, or MCM, you can bet there is a big payday in it for her. I get the feeling that she is “selling” outrage and virtue signaling… and laughing all the way to the bank.

That said, I think she is a sharp young lady who has tapped into a moment brilliantly. Her music is interesting, her voice is unique (something that I look for in new music) and I wish her all the best. Her version of Bad Guy in in my playlist along with a couple other tracks of her’s.

by Chris Doelle