When I saw Kylie Jenner’s new Interview cover, I immediately felt uncomfortable. In case you haven’t seen it, the 18-year-old is posing in a wheelchair, one much more glam and stylized than your average. Here’s the thing: Kylie doesn’t have a disability that requires her to use a wheelchair. So why is she posing in one? I don’t think I’m that out of line in thinking it’s insensitive. And when Interview came to Kylie’s and its own defense, it annoyed me even more. I knew the magazine would spin some crap about being “creative” and “bold” and “artistic,” and that’s exactly what it did.
“At Interview, we are proud of our tradition of working with great artists and empowering them to realize their distinct and often bold visions,” the publication tells E!. “The Kylie Jenner cover is part of this tradition, placing Kylie in a variety of positions of power and control and exploring her image as an object of vast media scrutiny.”
Like I said: SMH.
There are endless amounts of miscellaneous objects that could’ve been used to get this point across, yet a wheelchair was chosen. I really don’t get why. If I’m being honest, the people behind this photo don’t seem artistic or inventive to me. They seem like ignorant jerks trying to push the envelope for their own benefit. I do not use a wheelchair, but I imagine that if I did, I would be annoyed with this cover glamorizing its purpose. It isn’t a luxury. It isn’t a ticket to land a big-time magazine cover. And it isn’t constricting. It’s a necessity for those who aren’t as fortunate as Kylie to simply live their lives and get from point A to B. Now ask yourself: would you be OK with taking photos in a wheelchair if you didn’t need one? Call me crazy, but I would feel weird about it.
And clearly, I’m not alone in thinking this.
The idea that Kylie Jenner in a wheelchair is seen as glamorous yet disabled people that use wheelchairs struggle to find modelling work…
— Steph Bauble (@stephhboal) December 1, 2015
So disabled models can't get work or advance in the fashion industry but Kylie jenner can use a wheelchair and be classed as edgy
— Beth (@Bendy_Mermaid) December 1, 2015
Here’s input from those who actually use a wheelchair:
@KylieJenner wow being in a wheelchair is so fun and fashionable! #Ableism is the ultimate fashion statement! pic.twitter.com/lOScQnODhy
— Ophelia Brown (@bandaidknees) December 1, 2015
Kylie Jenner used the wheelchair to represent her limitations. Which is horrible. Because my wheelchair LIBERATES me.
— B❄️TH❄️NY (@bethanyhurts) December 1, 2015
As someone in a wheelchair @KylieJenner @InterviewMag, this is offensive. My chair is not haute couture. pic.twitter.com/y3sBaiJzIH
— Jessica Jewett Jones (@JJ9828) December 1, 2015
All due respect, it's not a little thing when that job could have gone to an actual model in a wheelchair. https://t.co/B8vNhHtKKm
— Jessica Jewett Jones (@JJ9828) December 1, 2015
Plus, don’t you think it’s a little questionable that Kylie and Interview posted numerous photos from the spread to their respective accounts, excluding that one?
It’s just not cool, Interview. Express your creativity and art, but maybe with a little bit more sensibility next time.
