Negative body image presents itself to most people at one time or another. Much research has been done with females of all ages, with males being studied more only just recently. Triggers for the self loathing that goes hand-in-hand with the low self image are many, with most being socially constructed -- those brutish or even off-hand comments that people make about someone else's looks. Even those of us who feel comfortable in our own skin will often admit to dislike of a particular body part -- readily disembodying that part from the whole. Often these are thighs, upper arms, abdomen, hair, nose, toes or whatever -- each becomes a vessel to hold all the negative thoughts and feelings of self.
I've worked with adult and teenage women in the past and have witnessed many who 'would kill for a body like' whoever is on the front of a magazine. I recall using a cover from a major fashion magazine with a group of adult women. I asked what they thought of the image. Most were very complimentary and used the image to define beauty. I asked how old they thought the model was and got many numbers, most in the mid-20s but nothing below 20. When I told them it was a 13 year old Brooke Shields, they didn't believe me at first -- upon closer inspection, they agreed that it was indeed Brooke. I then posed a question asking why they felt that was the icon of beauty if it was someone who was still going through puberty -- famous or not? We had a lively discussion after this about the role society and the mass media play in telling us what is pretty and what is not. Why would I want to look like a pre-pubescent girl when I have been there long ago and wouldn't go back there for many reasons? Now, most people understand that we can be manipulated by social mores, yet that alone won't stop our buying into this idea. We have to work at reminding ourselves that we are fine as we are and size, shape, hair colour and such don't define beauty.
I've been pleased to hear of 'girl power' programs, but also want to see similar body acceptance for boys. Music lyrics also bolster or belittle self concept. The choice for today deals with positive body image. Enjoy!
All about that Bass -- Meghan Trainor
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