body images – our obsession with “perfection”

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?