Zendaya Coleman, for those who do not know, is a nineteen year old wonder talent. A dancer, singer and model from a very young age, she co-starred on Disney’s Shake It Up and was, at the time, the youngest contestant and runner-up on Dancing with the Stars. She has been the subject of ignorant racial slurs for her beautiful braids at this year’s Oscars (which no one watches). She handled the comments with grace.

“To say that an 18-year-old young woman with locs must smell of patchouli oil or ‘weed’ is not only a large stereotype but outrageously offensive.”
“There is already harsh criticism of African American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair.”

Now, this gorgeous young woman has been PHOTOSHOPPED.

Remember that this young woman is only nineteen years old. Her parents must have done something very, very right in raising her because she immediately called out Modeliste Magazine and put up the photoshopped and real versions of the offensive pic on her Instagram account along with the following statement:

Had a new shoot come out today and was shocked when I found my 19 year old hips and torso quite manipulated. These are the things that make women self conscious, that create the unrealistic ideals of beauty that we have. Anyone who knows who I am knows I stand for honest and pure self love. So I took it upon myself to release the real pic (right side) and I love it😍😘 Thank you @modelistemagazine for pulling down the images and fixing this retouch issue.

But, it is not just her “19 year old hips and torso”. Modeliste Magazine also made her face appear slimmer and, clearly, bronzed. Why would anyone ever feel the need to Photoshop this lovely young woman.

Parents can tell their children (both girls AND boys) that the images they see in magazines and online are not real. These images have been touched up or Photoshopped. That is all very well and good and is important. More important for our young people is having someone like Zendaya call out, in a very public way, a corporate entity like Modeliste Magazine.

Yes to hips and pudgy faces. No to body shaming.

Miss Zendaya Coleman is a role model and inspiration.