Reflections On ‘Jenna Dewan Tatum Gets Mom-Shamed

Recently, the 36-year-old mom and wife Jenna Dewan Tatum has sure got people talking – A LOT!

The actress and dancer is at the receiving end of backlash for her latest Instagram posts (@jennadewan) sexy photos of herself in lacy body suits.

For some, they thought the photos were stunning leaving complimentary comments about how fantastic Dewan Tatum looks. But, there were some who felt that Jenna’s naked booties are for private viewing only – meaning her husband’s eyes only.

This sparked a debate among people about what's "OK" for moms. Apparently these days, moms are not allowed to show off their sexy bodies, or they are bad moms. *eyes rolling*

Society’s Dangerous Double Standard For Moms

I am a ‘rookie’ mom of 2-year-old boy. I admit that I still have so many things to learn about parenting and issues like mom-shaming usually gets into me. I am blown away by how closed-minded our society can be about the standard of ‘what is a good parent’.

Honestly speaking: would I have cared, or worried, or paid much attention to moms posing in their bathing suit bottoms for all the world to see? Probably not.

Why can’t a mom be sexy or express her sensuality? Why are only women expected to shed their sensual and sexy side once they become a parent? Simple. Because according to some, moms aren’t allowed to be publicly proud of their bodies.

There’s a double standard (Yes, there is!) that once you become a mom you’re no longer allowed to be sexy. And this speaks to how we’re socialized to place the burden on women to police sexuality while giving men free rein.

Maybe that last point is one place where those of us who take issue with Hall’s post and the dangerous double standard we feel exists in society, and those who don’t, can find a place to agree – that we, as parents, can and should do more to empower women, and educate not just the men every people.