“Don’t be afraid to be the first.”
-Halima Aden
Everybody knows Sports Illustrated. The magazine infamously known for their annual swimsuit issue published annually. The models featured on the cover are mainly big fashion models and they tend to pose wearing next to nothing majority of the time. This draws the attention of many (men) every year. Although the magazine had slowly drifted away from only featuring models, to include female athletes and race car driver, they are still there posing exotically somewhere on a luxurious beach. So what was it that sparked the craze this time around? Who and what made this year’s issue so different?
Halima Aden. That’s who.
She made headlines when she became the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant where she was a finalist. She then signed a contract with IMG Models and has been on everyone’s lips since then. Walking the runway for some of the biggest names such as Maxmara and Kanye West. The public saw this as a step into the right direction of diversification. Which is absolutely right! It was about time that the industry gave recognition to a Muslim (and African) beauty.
“Growing up in the States, I never really felt represented because I never could flip through a magazine and see a girl who was wearing a hijab”
-Halima Aden on feeling unrepresented as a child.
She is no stranger to being on the cover of magazines. In 2017 she became the first hijab-wearing model to feature on the front page of Vogue Arabia, Allure and British Vogue. Continuing to break boundaries. She starred on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. A sight their subscribers are not familiar with. A sight even those vaguely accustomed to the norm of the swimsuit edition are not familiar with.
When the issue aired, there were (like with every controversial image) those who praised her and those who disapproved and criticised her. She probably knew it was coming but she did it anyway. She is known for pushing the limits and breaking stereotypes so why wouldn’t she agree to do it.
Whether you’re an avid Sports Illustrated reader or not, you can appreciate and respect Halima Aden for stepping into the spotlight and allowing herself to become vulnerable. I say this not only because being on the cover of any magazine will get you criticism, no matter who you are -maybe because of bad photo shop or portraying an image that society feels is too unrealistic for women average women to follow, but because she is also Muslim. Islamophobia is a real thing. Added to that she has taken the most desired and exposed part of Sports Illustrated and covered herself. This was bound to get hate.
There is no denying that the world could use with a lot more inclusion and diversity in multiple image-based industries, but could this have been done in another way?
Aden stated on her Instagram that her appearance in Sports Illustrated sends a message to both her community and the world that “women of all different backgrounds, looks, upbringings…can stand together and be celebrated.” This is true but on a countless occasion’s this very magazine has objectified women. To some this sends the wrong message, whether her intentions were pure or not.
On the other hand, what better way to break down the barriers and address issues of diversity, inclusion, change and most importantly, the misconception of Muslims. The only way we are able to get the attention of the masses is to spark controversy and I would say she has done a pretty good job. Despite the harsh words, she has opened the door to a conversation about issues dealt with, yet do one is dealing with. Could this issue be showing a change in way women are being viewed in the Sports Illustrated world?
Real Talk 