What does it take to define yourself beyond what others see? Nadia Aboulhosn is on a mission to shed new light on individuality, normalcy, and masculinity.
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It’s said mankind defines “normalcy” by what’s typical for each individual in society—measured by one’s own principles, values and standards. In turn, it’s almost second nature to think of normal as something that’s routine or structured. It can be as simple as waking up every morning, planting your feet on the floor and starting your day—or as complicated as swallowing a bitter pill and having to live with the consequences.
it’s human nature to chase after whatever we believe to be normal. When we catch it, we hold onto it while trying to find our bearings. By the same token, we often run the risk of getting too comfortable within those confines—whether they’re built by our own two hands or the hand of society regardless of their moral value. We come to acknowledge such things as acceptable or a norm, and that they’re simply a part of the way the world works.
Blogger and fashion model Nadia Aboulhosn has some much different ideas on this topic. Described by Upworthy.com contributor Robbie Couch as “a force of Nature”, Aboulhosn defines the word normal’ by her warrior clothing line. The collection, inspired by the fundamentals of masculinity and the military, aims to redefine gender roles in modern society. It also sends a message of strength and warrior mentality to women and young girls around the world. Now, as reported by Couch, this modern day Wonder Woman is bringing her ideals to mainstream media.
Abboulhosn graces the cover of the April issue of Women’s Running Magazine as she looks to help redefine the image of health, perfection and normalcy in magazines. However, she isn’t known for fitness because of her less-than-perfect body stature—and she wouldn’t have it any other way:
“I’m just trying to normalize what should have already been seen as normal,” Aboulhosn said in a recent interview with BuzzFeed.
She goes on to comment about her magazine cover, and sends a powerful message to those who question her motivation to “color outside the lines”.
“Even if [it’s] making people feel uncomfortable right now, I hope readers take away that [body type diversity] is what ‘normal is going to be eventually.”
If someone were to look at this with one eye shut, they might see a story about woman living in modern times—living in a man’s world. If that same person were to walk away from this story for a while and come back with both eyes open, they’d see all of this picture—in all its beauty.
This is about an individual who’s well aware that she’s living in rapidly changing times, as are all of us. Instead of running from it, avoiding it or throwing up an angry fist about it, she’s embracing it. She’s showing women that it’s OK to be tough and why they need to be that way. Perhaps more important than that, however, it can be argued that this woman is letting men know it’s OK to allow women to be as thick-skinned and tough as they are.
That’s something that should be celebrated, right?
Photo Credit: www.huffingtonpost.ca
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