Trigger Warning: Discussion of body image
The obvious, a “perfect body” does not exist. All bodies are beautiful, and nobody should need verification to feel so. I will be diving into the purpose behind the false creation of the idea of “the perfect body.” If you are someone who struggles with self-esteem issues I would encourage you to read with caution, but know that this article will not be supporting any favoring of one body type over another. This article will not be defining “the perfect body.” All bodies are beautiful and nobody should need verification to feel as if their body is beautiful.
An image of “the perfect body” has always been controlled by men, and has been endorsed by women who have been brainwashed by negative influence from the men in their lives. The truth is, “the perfect body” has always been created for the sole purpose of exploitation. Whether it’s cinema, photography, advertisement, or any other male-dominated platform, “the perfect body” was made to make money. Repeating an image of what somebody should be in order to be popular will constantly motivate them to be that person. If men in power see a certain body type as “perfect” and then award women with fame and money for looking that way, then more and more women will work to look like that certain image. Leading to girls as early as 12 years old working on shaping their body image to match that of which is exploited in media.
It is necessary to explore, are heavy-set women seen as a threat in this country? A close woman that was once in my life told me, “When I was a freshman she [another girl] told me ‘I’m so happy you’re not like large, you would be really scary.'” Actors such as Leslie Jones or Melissa McCarthy always seem to play an angry person no matter what skit or film they are caste in. Where does the psychological fear for men come from heavy-set women? My guess, would be the challenge of masculinity insure wealthy men must feel when seeing a woman who might be bigger than them. But why demonize someone for being bigger then you? Is it for the purpose of reinforcing the idea of “the perfect body?” If we believe “the perfect body” was spread to make money, perhaps anyone outside of that “category” (it’s not actually a category because it’s not a real thing) is demonized by the same people who created that image, in order to brainwash more women into believing they must fit into that “category” (again not a real thing).
In 2017, U.S. magazines and other media platforms have been featuring more and more plus-sized women. More and more women are becoming body positive and taking over control of their bodies. Whether that be from not shaving body hair or freeing body parts that have been over sexualized such as the nipple. There are millions of women forming their own identity to combat the image of what a women should be, created by and portrayed by men. Portland, Oregon has the naked bike ride and the slut walk, two marches that are meant to symbolize liberation of the human body.
Being body positive is more than just being proud of who you are. It is actively combating the expectations set on young women. As well as, fighting against an industry based off of exploitation and manipulation. Please encourage your little sisters or daughters to be themselves, and that the only person they need to impress is themselves.
