It’s 2019. Yet, we’re really still here policing women’s bodies and deciding whether or not they must have body hair or not. Despite countless names telling them to politely shut up, time, and time, and time again. 

The newest victim of that is model Emily Ratajkowsi – who appears in the newest issue of Harper’s Bazaar US showing off her armpit hair and discussing women’s rights in an accompanying essay. 

“For me, body hair is one other opportunity for ladies to exercise their ability to decide on – a alternative based on how they wish to feel and their associations with having or not having body hair,” it reads. “On any given day, I are inclined to wish to shave, but sometimes letting my body hair grow out is what makes me feel sexy.” 

To be clear, no person is saying Ratajkowsi’s armpit hair is a political act (unless she deems it so herself) and he or she’s extremely privileged to have the ability to grow it as a cis, white, model – she unpacks this herself within the essay – yet, despite this, fans on IG have felt the necessity to comment their negative opinions. “Being a feminist does not imply leaveing your hygiene behind,” says one commenter, one other adds: “So to be ‘hyper feminine’ means to let a bush grow under you arms. Sorry but it surely’s just disgusting to me.” Besides the hate, there are comments supporting the model from the likes of Ashley Graham and designer Christian Siriano.

“Young women are ripped aside from every angle as they grow up. Within the era of selfies and social media, they’re vulnerable to immediate feedback and criticism,” Ratajkowsi muses within the essay. She’s not mistaken, however the old adage ‘In the event you don’t have anything nice to say’ feels extremely apt here. So, again, let’s stop policing bodies fullstop – especially women with body hair.