Why does the media seem to hand itself the right to deem what is in and what is out this week? Why do we, as educated people, allow ourselves to fall prey to the cycle of trends? It only fuels our insecurities and sets our self esteem on fire, burning it down into black ashes.
We shouldn’t compare ourselves to anyone. We don’t need to look like anyone in this world because that totally defeats the purpose of being unique and special. We can strive to be healthy but why do we need to slaughter away to be slim and thin, with a perfect hour glass figure, curves but never the stomach, slender legs yet it’s not good enough if your calves are too muscular?
We need to learn, actually learn it is okay to look like us. That it is fine to be naturally skinny, slightly chubby, or by choice athletically muscular. There is all this talk about feminism but where is feminism when a girls immediate unsaid goal in life is to look “womanly” and to be presentable at all things. To look aesthetically pleasing to put it nicely. Why should girls have to worry about sweat dribbling down their faces in the summer heat?
But it doesn’t only stop there. Whenever we talk about body image, we mainly focus on the girls. Isn’t expecting boys to be “fit” and “hot” just as bad? The movies have lead male characters with six packs, the perfect jaw lines, chiselled look and impeccable body shape. Is it a crime now to star in shows or even walk down the street with an imperfection showing?
I’m not shunning make up, surgery, clothing, or anything else. I’m just questioning why famous people have a tendency to hide their imperfections all the time. Switching the spotlight to their flaws once in a while will greatly help the growing generation of today’s society realise that yes that in fact it is wonderful to be yourself. Instead of thinking and speaking these words metaphorically or idealistically, these words would be an action taking place in real life.
People would be more open to comfortably showing their true body perfections and flaws combined to the world proudly. Until then, our obsession with body image will continue to spiral on with the ongoing media and influential role models preaching it isn’t okay to fall below the beauty standards set by us indirectly. After all, if you fall below the beauty standards, one day you’re in, and the other you’re out . . .
How obsessed do you think we are as a society on body image?
We are waaay too obsessed with how we look on the outside. Oh, sure it’s good to be well-groomed; that’s a very good thing. But to obsess over it the way we do, that’s self-absorbed, overly self-conscious, and obsessive. None of that is good for us as an individual or the people around us.
Great post!
LikeLike
I agree with your comment whole heartily. There’s a difference between looking good for yourself and looking good to keep up with standards.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As much as girls are under pressure to be ‘perfect,’ I believe guys have it worse. At least there are different ideals of womanly perfection throughout the world, but it seems to be that all men must have abs and the perfect jaw. What’s worse is that they’re also expected not to ‘feel,’ or expected not to show it.
That has got to be one of the saddest things I can think of.
Feeling is what makes us human.
I dunno, maybe I’m overthinking it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, you’re not over thinking at all. It opens a whole new discussion of the concepts behind “man up” and “don’t be such a girl.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Feeling and expressing emotions don’t make one a ‘girl.’ As a girl, I don’t always express how I feel. Does that make me a ‘man?’ The fact that societies worldwide accept that men can’t-shouldn’t- express their emotions is wrong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This reminds me of a song I came across named ‘Don’t be such a chick.’ Catchy beat I admit, but lyrics – not sending the right message as a role model.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I doubt that I’ll live to see the day when humanity sees that ‘perfection’ is in how we care for one another and the definition is changed, but it’s a happy thought.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think we’re like REALLY obsessed, magazines only show like deadly skinny people! That ain’t healthy!!! I agree with you, you don’t have to look like anyone else or have a perfect body shape. We should be happy for who we are and not care about how we look. Great post!! XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s far from healthy – normalises the idea of being extremely skinny as pretty when pretty comes in all shapes, sizes, colours and backgrounds. Thank you for commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is!! Yeah, they tryna make us think being super skinny is normal! And no problem!! XD XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your right in a lot of areas this topic comes to mind often when I see what people post online on major social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
~Arganise
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right. Social media does contribute a lot to this. It can also lead to cyber bullying based on it. Thank you for commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem love❤️.
~Arganise
LikeLiked by 1 person
this is such an important topic. I love what you said xx /KM
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is, and thank you x
LikeLike
I love this. I’ve been thinking about our society’s view of “the perfect body” alot lately. I think what matters most is what people think of our beauty on the inside not out
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for stopping by. You are so right! A beautiful personality warms more hearts than a beautiful appearance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely spot on, I’ve written something similar in the past about my own struggles and i hate that the younger generation are growing up with manufactured ideals seen in the media
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll be sure to give your post a look (mind linking me to it please?)
Everywhere we go, some sort of pressure follows us sadly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s true but I’m hoping to find a place outback in Australia where it doesn’t exist haha! https://smashoz.com/2016/04/07/me-vs-beauty-standards/
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is really sad actually. My site is aimed at uplifting women. It is a shame that we hurt ourselves just to fit into a certain standard of beauty, as women. Great post! Thanks for sharing! Please check out my post https://ladyhoodjourney.com/2017/04/08/uniqueness-is-beauty/ i would appreciate your feedback!
LikeLike