Quote of the Day

"When somebody tells me I have to lose weight it makes me want to . . . Eat"
-Holly Madison

Not the most predictable source of quote of the day material, but totally spot on.

Body Image Project

I have talked about body image on here quite a bit, and a major part of that reason is the mixed emotions I have felt in regards to my own body throughout my life. With the help of many of the communities and spaces I have been a part of, I have made a conscious effort to examine where my body image comes from and transform it into something productive rather than destructive. Although that may seem like a simple statement to make, the process itself is a constant challenge. When you’ve spent a good portion of your energy hating on your body for years, it takes quite the effort to undo that damage. I feel like having a positive outlook on my body is a constant struggle, but one that is well wroth the effort.
For the class I facilitate, our midterm project focuses on body image. Since as facilitators, we do these projects along with out class, I wanted to do something that represented and honored that struggle. I also wanted to do something that would remind me of what I feel like when I am feeling body-positive for the days when I’m not feeling so happy about my body or am not feeling comfortable in my skin.
I ended up making a pretty poster (complete with little colored jewels) reminding myself of all the different reasons why I appreciate and love my body. At the same time, I made a list on a scrap piece of paper of all the negative things I have told myself or been told by other people. As I was making these two lists, I realized that most of the negative things I have thought about my body stem from comments other people have said to me which have been internalized, rather that something I’ve found inherently negative about my body. I also made another observation- many of the things I appreciate about my body have to do with what my body does for me rather than what it looks like. While I did write down certain things that had to do with my appearance (i.e., my curves are SEXY), many more concerned all the things I’m able to do (i.e., I can make things, it allows me to function and interact with the world) and how amazing that really is.
The poster is now hanging on the big wall over my bed, to remind me every time I get down on my body that there are many wonderful reasons to love and appreciate it. I hope this is one midterm project that will continue to inspire me long after the semester ends.

Old Naked Women for Peace

So my awesome former teacher also sent me the link to this video and although it's pretty funny and I believe in their message of promoting justice and peace, I have to say, it doesn't completely sit right with me. These women are clearly playing off the notion that old fat naked women do not exactly fit the beauty ideal, and at the same time are reinforcing the ideal rather than challenging it. The "threat" they make in the name of their cause makes a statement, but also encourages observers and participators to think of these bodies as not just undesirable but downright disgusting, rather than beautiful. If we are going to redefine beauty to be more inclusive and positive for all women, we should stop referring to ourselves in negative terms and instead promote the idea that all women can be beautiful, 'cause I don't know about you, but when I'm old, I'm going to be sexy as hell.

I was introduced to this poem a few months ago and had to share it. Creating and maintaining positive body image is a constant struggle for many people (myself definitely included) so finding things that promote positive attitudes about bodies are really important. Hopefully one day positive body image won't be so rare.

Apparently Being a Woman Means Always Being on a Diet

Watch Hot Fudge Sundae for Only in A Woman's World.

You'll laugh out loud when you watch this for the new series Only in a Woman's World.
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After seeing the ad above, I was really pissed off. So, if we eat something that's delicious and decedent, it's understandable if we work out for four hours to counter the calories. Not only is it understandable, it's expected. I don't know about you, but if my friend told me that s/he worked out that long because they ate a sundae, I wouldn't find it understandable or humorous, I'd be concerned. The rest of the site seems to have the same message- women's #1 concern is their bodies and losing weight. The four characters bond over concerns about exercising and food consumption, but not in a way that emphasizes healthfulness, but rather with the motivation of being able to fit into a dress by Friday (as in webisode 9). I understand the website is for lower calorie snacks, so of course that is their emphasis, but I think the way it normalizes an unhealthy relationship with food is concerning. Food intake should not be the center of women's (or men's) lives, yet according to "A Woman's World," that is what being a woman entitles.