How Reading Rachel Symes' Book Selfie, Changed My Perception on the Selfie Trend

For many years people have been criticizing others verbally where the most dominant form is through social media. Selfies are extremely abundant in social media where one single comment can change a persons perspective online. Many argue that since selfies are so high in number nowadays there will be nothing but hatred in media either directly or indirectly

Rachel Symes claims early on in “Selfie” that it is very likely for a person to receive something positive or negative in the media but it doesn’t matter because they are expecting and willing to accept it. People shouldn’t focus on what others think about them because at the end of the day the word selfie has self inside of it representing greatness not shame. Furthermore, Syme also claims that women are also victims of selfie shame making it seem impossible to post a selfie online without being judged by other women.

At this day and age, we see that everyone compares themselves to what they see in social media but it is just one big illusion. In “Selfie,” Syme makes it clear that women are being portrayed differently in the media according to the statement of fashion in the article Vogue. Rachel Syme states “A selfie is only acceptable on a few occasions: if you work in fashion and are showcasing an outfit or a specific part of an outfit for work purposes, if you are somewhere awesome and there is no one to take your picture. Any selfie that involves the “kissy” face is not acceptable. These pictures are not sexy. You look like an idiot” (Syme 13). The media doesn’t make women feel free on what they post online and they shouldn't worry as Symes points out that's the reason you should still take selfies because its all capitalism and you can watch it all burn.

Advertisers buy off popular selfie-takers as capitalism offers teenage tons of money leading to debate if its empowering or not. Rachel Syme states “The checks cash, and some teenagers’ lives change forever. If you could get the opportunity to travel around the world, get gobs of free stuff, and become an instant idol to millions of strangers with the click of a button, could you, at only 18, possibly say no?”(Syme 15). One 18 year old for example Essena O’ Neill realized it wasn’t worth it as she was feeling hopeless having to struggle by starving, relying on likes, and feeling empty physically and spiritually.

Rachel Symes is encouraging the reader by saying that there’s nothing wrong with expressing yourself with selfies but the media can be a cold place sometimes because of followers and many other factors. Syme also states “It is important to recognize the aspect of selfie-taking so that it can be fought against, but it is also important not to let this one test case stand for the whole. Yes, there are those who would want to exploit your selfie and use it for their own gain. There are bullies and harassers who make the lives of some women (and men) who take selfies unbearable” (Syme 16). She is telling us to be strong and that there is a solution to this problem. Rachel Syme's claim of hatred from social media may be tested through which if people actually receive mockery or that selfies posted on the internet are a delusion.

This claim can also be expanded depending on the setting of the selfie and the person in general. My selfies resists Symes idea strongly because my social media followers are people that I’m very familiar with being a huge factor determining whether I receive hate comments or not. The story behind these selfies was a beautiful day in Manhattan where the high top view of the hotel lead to positivity instead of mockery contradicting Rachel Syme’s claim. The selfie reveals something extraordinary about “selfie culture” and that is we don’t need to listen to what people say because we know our greatness and there is no such thing as selfie shame. Selfies are meant to be pervasive and we should take as many as we want especially if we’re satisfied.

Symes also points out in the article that selfie taking can be described in vulgar terms. This is because there are people who are in love with their body and the author describes them as always getting marked x-rated. The self esteem levels for most people are very low because of hierarchical social structures which have been implemented recently in this generation. It states “Like most insults, these barbs rise from a place of insecurity: so many people are so afraid of themselves! Of their flesh, of their nooks and crannies, of how they might be found wanting (Syme 17). This shows that in previous generations there was nowhere near the amount of criticism today because of social media with celebrities and everything that comes with fame. Syme proves a major point that too many people are too scared of what others think about them that they don't even want to look at themselves.

After reading “Selfie” my perception on selfies has changed tremendously since I learned many new descriptions about them and what they can do for people. I usually don’t take many selfies but I understand that it can be a very good memory to look back at. These selfies are even better if you take them at a place you enjoy or wearing a nice fit. My selfies were taken at the highest floor in a hotel in Manhattan with my friends getting the credit for the photo. It felt only right to take those selfies because I had to take advantage of the fact that I don’t go to the city often and we were hanging out having a good time.