There is no denying that Julian Edelman shot himself right up to be one of America’s most desirable bachelors in the past few weeks (unless you live along the West Coast….sorry Seattle.) Within a mere 7 days, Edelman earned immense kudos for his athletic excellence throughout Super Bowl XLIX, and in days later stole the show during the New England Patriots’ celebratory parade. As a 28 year old high off a historic championship win, it’s no doubt that Edelman and the gang (roll in other young Patriots heartthrobs like Jimmy Garroppolo and Rob Gronkowski) want to let a little loose during their well-deserved off season. However, some of Edelman’s fun made its way to social media, creating not only a viral story, but a major gender equality controversy.
Sabrina, a girl just like you or I, lives near Boston and similar to you or I (and Edelman) enjoys having a night out every once in a while. However Sabrina, like many Generation Y enthusiasts, decided to make use of the popular yet societally mocked social platform ‘Tinder.’ Not only her Tinder, but also her overall social media choices have recently gotten her into a great deal of trouble. A Tinder Moment posted by the woman in the hot seat included Edelman clearly passed out and referenced that they 100% slept together — it didn’t need the caption, the picture (even as blurry as it was) speaks 1000 words, way more than a 180 character tweet could have.
There’s no denying Sabrina was in the wrong. Time and time again, we as a generation whom are undeniably dependent on technology and social media are warned about the dangers of the things we post, how permanent they are, and what they could portray about us as people. It’s evident that Sabrina’s social media posting didn’t put her in positive light, and many comments floating around the internet state ‘how proud her mom must be’, with some even going on to insult her overall morale, calling her a ‘thot’ as the tamest of the insulting commentary. Many feel deep-rooted connections to their preferred sports team, and Boston is no exception. With some of the rowdiest and most devoted fans in the nation, many feel as though they have some sort of personal relationship with the players, coaches, owners, and overall organization (Fever Pitch anyone?).
Sabrina’s social shunning isn’t just a temporary slap on the wrist; many are going so far as to use their power in the hierarchy of Boston nightlife to make sure her face is never allowed inside a single relevant place of fun ever again. However, there has to be some thought about how the situation would have played out had Sabrina been a dude, and Edelman been perhaps VS model Adriana Lima (or maybe Boston native Taylor Schilling from The Lucky One/Orange is the New Black….straight 10). One can predict there would definitely be less than positive reactions.
Regardless, taking a picture of someone while they’re asleep is nothing short of being straight up creepy. Not only is it a major invasion of privacy, but no one likes finding a picture of themselves passed out on Twitter or in a Snapchat story the next morning, nevermind having a one night fling put on total social media blast. Being famous is just another spice in the boiling pot of social catastrophe. However, had this been your regular Joe and a 10+ actress or model, the repercussions would be just a slap on the wrist. Maybe a ‘dude, that wasn’t cool’, or quick discussion about taking down the evidence, but there is no denying many would give a hearty nudge for what’s believed to be a ‘job well done.’ No bouncer or nightclub prodigy would ban a guy for scoring a beautiful girl. He’d probably call him a bro.
Although Sabrina could have gone about her brag rights in a different manner, it unveils the social stigma that Sabrina isn’t allowed to be proud about it. Her promiscuity, although universally agreed should not have been broadcasted the way it was, has now written her off as a tramp with a triple digit number, causing negative repercussions that will follow her for at least a year+ to follow. Whether or not Sabrina’s number is 27, or maybe just Julian Edelman, she has been branded with the Scarlet Letter and labeled words far worse than ‘thot’. Meanwhile guys’ numbers are completely irrelevant, and if anything, encouraged to be increased, especially if it’s with someone famous. It’s a double standard we as girls hate to face, but it’s time to stop tip-toeing around the subject. It’s time for women (and men alike) to work to change the way our society views the hookup culture, the opinions and the underlying rules that exist solely based on a person’s gender. Sabrina, maybe skip the Tinder Moments (Snapchat stories, etc.) next time, but please, rage on.