No, ASAP Rocky And Jonathan Majors Are Not Being Emasculated

“Emasculate” is one of those words I wish more folks simply hadn’t learned.

Case in point, it’s overuse in recent conversations surrounding magazine covers; specifically the covers of British Vogue, featuring Rihanna, ASAP Rocky, and their son, and Ebony Magazine, featuring Jonathan Majors. Folks across the internet are weighing in on these magazine covers, and the conversation has devolved into not only antiquated “gender roles” but dangerous rhetoric.

Starting with British Vogue:

Noticeably, Rihanna is walking ahead of ASAP Rocky and their son with the focus on her. The article is, after all, about her. The focus should be on her because that is who the story is literally about.

Yet folks are saying Rocky is somehow “emasculated” because he is not only walking behind Rihanna (gasp) but also holding a baby. His baby. His son. Leaning in to get a kiss from the smiling baby at that, and looks at peace with it all.

“How dare he?!”

Certain folks have even resorted to geometric breakdowns of the cover to attempt to prove their points.