If you’re somewhat involved with social media, you’ve probably seen, or at least heard of, Nick Jonas’s pictures for Flaunt Magazine. In these pictures, the youngest of the Jonas brothers can be seen grabbing his crotch and posing almost naked. After these photos were released, countless teenage girls went absolutely crazy. They found no problem with Nick’s revealing pictures, in fact, they applauded him for it. However, when a friend and fellow Disney star, Miley Cyrus, released revealing pictures in 2013, she received much criticism and was labeled a “slut.” This is simply one example of a double standard in today’s society. 

 

In case you aren’t familiar with double standards, a “double standard” is defined as “a rule or principle that is unfairly applied in different ways to different people or groups.” In this case, both Miley and Nick have taken and released revealing pictures to the public. However, Nick Jonas was praised for these pictures, whereas, Miley Cyrus was criticized and shamed. It doesn’t seem fair, does it? Nick is praised simply because he is a guy, and Miley was, and still is, criticized simply because she is a girl.

 

In today’s society, many women are shamed for doing the same things that men are commended for. Not only does this double standard apply to Miley Cyrus and Nick Jonas, but it applies to women around the globe. Whether it’s taking revealing pictures, or having a multitude of girlfriends or boyfriends, let’s face it, women are shamed for these things, and most often, men are not.

 

It’s easy to recognize this injustice, but do nothing about it. It just seems right to let boys show off their bodies, and not girls, or to label guys who date multiple girls “players,” but shame girls who’ve had many boyfriends and call them “sluts.” The best way to overcome thee double standards, is to not play into them. The next time you see a female celebrity’s revealing pictures, or see a guy with multiple girlfriends, think before you criticize.