Feminist selfie

I took this selfie specifically for this assignment. I chose to use this one, wearing a hoodie, with no make up, as a feminist statement of sorts. I chose this selfie to show that I am allowed to feel confident or beautiful without conforming to the beauty or fashion industry's demands. I do not need makeup or fancy clothes to feel good about myself. The unrealistic images of women portrayed in the media lead to the negative self image of women around the country. I chose this selfie to show that I do not need to buy into the claims that I cannot be beautiful without sexually exploiting myself, or going to extremes to achieve a certain look.
I also chose this selfie because I took it of myself and on my own terms. I have struggled, as many do, with self esteem throughout my life. I have spent years working to feel good about myself, and I have finally reached a point where I am comfortable with who I am. A coworker at my summer job frequently called me beautiful, and many other terms referring positively to my exterior. However, he told me it was "rather annoying" if I said anything complimentary of myself. I chose this selfie to show that I can feel good about myself, that I am beautiful, that I am intelligent, or kind. I chose this selfie to show that I am allowed to feel those things about myself without the support or consent of a man. I can feel good about myself in spite of a man feeling like I should rely on his opinions for my sense of self worth. I can feel good about myself regardless of the opinions of others.