Inside Scoop: Emily Ratajkowski and My Body

Image Courtesy: Vogue

I had the great pleasure of attending a Q&A session with Emily Ratajkowski, in which she talked about her book, her politics, the modeling industry, and her ups and downs. 

In what ways do you show up differently for yourself and others since publishing your book?

Emily started by saying she felt she had a “lack of validation and respect for [herself] working in the world as a body.” Writing made her feel seen, empowering her to embrace her truth and create a validating experience. Not only was writing her story validating, but it was a chance for her to put herself out there in the world and say, “I am more than just a body.” She struggled a lot as she found herself, but it has made her a better person as she feels happier and more content with herself.

In your work, My Body, topics that might be sensitive or triggering to you are constantly confronted and written about. How has writing your vulnerability made you grow in any way?

In writing, she found she was determined to find self-blame: “What did I do wrong.” How did she get to this place in her life, where were her beliefs coming from, and how did she get to this point in the world? As she continued to write and edit her essays for her book, she realized that she was truly trying to blame herself. Finally acknowledging this was a release for her, and she was able to stop blaming herself. It was important for Emily to capture these self-critical tendencies in her book, as the accompanying sense of release was necessary for her journey to self-awareness and healing. Although many may think writing is therapeutic, this was not therapeutic for her; in fact, she compares this painful release to BDSM. Still, she has never read her book after publishing it because she knows it very well. Emily did say she is getting to a place where she will soon want to reread it, but for now, she is interacting with those who have read it. 

Image Courtesy: Esquire

What’s your favorite passage in the book?

She likes different parts for different reasons. Emily favors an anecdote from her final essay, in which she takes a bike ride with her son, former partner, and best friend. At this moment, she realizes that she finally loves and appreciates her body. She appreciates what her body can do for her, as it allowed her to spend this beautiful day with those she loves. She had not found such peace in a long time—the peace in appreciating her body for the life it gives. 

What guided you to continue your path to the end of the tunnel?

Most of the writing was completed before she approached a publisher, and it was a while before she decided it was something she wanted to put out in the world. She had an innate desire to create something, as anybody who makes art feels. Nearing the end of her twenties, she knew she wanted to make something for herself.

What was your first act of being politically progressive and what drives you to be politically engaged?

When Emily was in high school, she was a huge Democrat. She lived in California in 2008 and advocated against Prop 8, a state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, and worked on the school paper when Obama ran for president. She didn’t become a Progressive until she was disappointed by the Obama organization. In 2016, she started showing up to places, believing in grassroots movements, and realized with her platform she was able to be politically engaged. That was when she became politically active. One thing she mentions is that she does not like to be called an activist, since she considers activists to be these people who dedicate their whole lives and careers to activism, and that is not her. It is a tricky thing to get involved with politics, so she uses her gut feeling to know when to get involved. 

Do you think a woman’s body is ever going to be nonpolitical?

“No, I do not think a woman’s body will ever be nonpolitical.”

How are you able to overcome challenges that seem impossible in your career, like maintaining your moral standings and sharing your creative input?

Stick to your gut. Emily says this is something Gen Z does well. She mentions you need to understand who you are, and that will be the best work you ever do. You will be happy no matter what if you stick with your gut in your career and everything you do.

How are you using your platform to change the trajectory of how women are displayed in an industry so hyper-focused on appearance?

This was a hard question for Emily since she still works as a professional model. The bottom line is that modeling and fashion have a problematic fundamental—no matter what body standards and inclusions a company has, they are still setting standards for women. There is still a lot that can be done to protect young women in the industry. The only way to change it, in Emily’s eyes, would be to not work in the industry. The problem for Emily is that she has a son, she is a single mom, and she wants to work. She is hoping to not work in this industry forever.

Image Courtesy: US Magazine

Is there anything people get wrong about the industry?

Models do not have a union. There are no protections for models and young women who decide to pursue this industry. SAG is made for actors, but there is no organization for models. Models are usually vulnerable young girls who can come from anywhere. She believes there should be more regulations within the modeling industry.

How are you creating a community on TikTok, and how is it impacting your life?

Emily thinks that people who are not on TikTok are irrelevant. In her eyes, if you are not watching TikTok, then you are missing out on cultural relevancy in our media. It is a way for people to connect and find their community. Emily has been asked by those who know her why she doesn’t share the same side of her on Instagram as she does on TikTok. She has tried, but there aren’t as many ways for her to connect authentically with her fans on that platform. She decided that she prefers TikTok for sharing her thoughts and hearing from her viewers and followers. TikTok is her way of sharing her opinions that she would have normally turned into an essay, these little two-minute TikToks are a more personal medium for her to express her thoughts. 

How has your image of the fashion industry or acting industry changed since becoming a mom?

“Everything has changed since becoming a mom.” She feels as though she is “down for way less bullshit.” She does not care as much, and that feels nice to her.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from this year alone?

“Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.” Share your POV and let people in. People may not agree, but you will feel relief and you will have more to contribute to the world.

Image Courtesy: The Cut

What mantras do you go by in your life?

Emily does not truly have a mantra but mentioned how she did come up with one in high school with her group of girlfriends. Although Emily could not remember the mantra exactly, she said it went something like this: “Life cannot be dictated by how you are perceived.” She found this funny as she went on to pursue a career of being perceived. It has opened a conversation of not “giving a shit” and living your life for you.

What would you be doing now if you weren’t famous?

She wonders if she would have just written a book about something else. Before she became famous, she wanted to either work in art or be a painter. Maybe she would have amassed an equally influential following in her artistic pursuits.

If you could give yourself any advice at 20 years old, what would it be?

“Don’t be so hard on yourself.” When she was in her twenties, she felt that everything she did was a mistake, small or large. She constantly felt she was making the wrong decision or failing at life in a way. There is no escaping this feeling in life and “anyone who says anything different they have issues and are lying to you.” 

Emily Ratajkowski was an amazing person to listen to, and it was truly cathartic to hear her story and learn from her life experiences. 

Strike Out,

Writer: Lucia Villanustre

Editor: Noelle Knowlton

Graphic Designer:

Tallahassee