French Gender Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa is facing criticism from both sides of the political spectrum after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine. Schiappa is a known feminist author and advocate for women’s and LGBT rights. Although she was featured in a white dress, fully clothed, along with a 12-page interview on these topics as well as abortion, her decision to grace the pages of the men’s magazine has ignited a heated debate.
The Interview and Defense
In her defense, Schiappa took to Twitter saying that defending women’s rights means supporting their right to free expression and deciding for themselves what they do with their own bodies. She said that by doing this interview, she aims to challenge society’s double standards and show that women can be powerful and feminine at the same time.
On her decision to pose for Playboy, Schiappa said that she found it was appropriate because people should not judge women based on their clothes or what they do with their bodies. This is also what she tries to explain in her book “Girls Don’t Count – Why We Need To Change How We Raise Our Sons”.
Critics’ Views
Despite her intentions, critics still abound. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne was among those who criticized Schiappa’s appearance on the Playboy cover stating that it was “not appropriate especially during this period” when France is going through multiple crises like COVID-19, violent demonstrations and inflation. Other left-wing critics also joined in calling it an unnecessary distraction from more pressing national issues.
Furthermore, fellow female activist Sandrine Rousseau called Schiappa’s actions a “smokescreen” and questioned why the minister would choose to amplify her voice via a men’s magazine when so many other platforms are available.
Defending Freedom of Women in France
On the other hand, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin came to Schiappa’s defense saying that she was a “courageous female politician” and her appearance was not a sign of disrespect. He applauded the minister for defending freedom for women in France.
Playboy also defended its decision to feature Schiappa, claiming that she was the most “Playboy compatible” government minister due to her understanding of the magazine’s potential as an instrument for feminist causes.
Broader Communication Issues
The broader issue being debated is not just about Schiappa’s appearance, but also the government’s communication strategy. Some have criticized the government’s use of celebrity endorsements to promote its message, saying that it is creating confusion among voters and detracting from real policy issues that need attention.
Conclusion
As France grapples with various issues such as COVID-19 and social unrest, Schiappa’s decision to appear on Playboy magazine is viewed by some as misplaced. Nevertheless, others feel that in a society where women still struggle for equal rights, her actions serve as a testament to female empowerment and should be celebrated. Whatever the final consensus may be, Marlene Schiappa has made it clear that she will continue to champion women’s rights and defend their freedom of expression in any way possible.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
