Unique, unlike anything else, a word that describes a body perfectly. Over time we are taught through the male and societal influence that women have to look a certain way and act a certain way. Why? Why are there stereotypes regarding a woman’s body? Why do we accept it? It all comes back to traditions, male dominance, societal comfort, and manipulation. Nowadays, it has been implemented thoroughly in the media. Let’s think about this further, what comes to mind when you think of a barbie doll. What comes to mind when you think of a model? What comes to mind when you think of body hair? In modern times, it is vital to understand the importance of body positivity and the outcomes and effects it has been portraying on the woman’s body throughout the years and the evolution of the media.
Believe it or not, nowadays some women are disrespecting or offending each other and in quite honesty, I ask myself why? Throughout the years women are thought to be designed as a specific stereotype regarding their physical appearance. In which case is having a small waist and figure while being skinny, but not too skinny. Having long hair and a small nose while being petite. Through social media, there’s a lot of issues that are affecting multiple young girls and women regarding this topic. There are insecurities within all of us and some women are acquiring the desired stereotype that has been shown in the media. However, there’s also the importance of being aware that our body is perfect the way it is. If for some reason you decide I want to change this or that make sure it is because you want to. You genuinely want to feel better and know that it is your body. I would say don’t be manipulated into thinking that you have to because your body is yours and no one else’s. Additionally, it is worth highlighting that we all have some sort of stretch marks, cellulite, body hair, hip dips, skin irregularities, and more. The issue is that it has been covered in the media and society that women shouldn’t have those. We must embrace them and make sure that young girls grow up in a society that understands the body and doesn’t shame it.
Furthermore, our cultures and beliefs as well implement stereotypes or traditions that I’ve personally have grown up with. There’s one phrase that I’ve always disliked and can’t bring myself up to say or digest. “La belleza duele” meaning that beauty hurts or being beautiful costs or is painful. In Latin communities, I’ve heard this phrase in particular too often and I wonder if it is a way of implementing in young girls to always be in a perfect state with their physical appearance or if it is just a way of marketing and economic influence. The reason why I state this is because when hearing this phrase I think of hair, the skin, and our body. When growing up I was told I needed to straighten my hair and that’s an investment into always straightening your hair or always shaving. Latin communities are very much found in the basis of a male-dominated society. In which through the years statements like beauty hurts and others were said to comfort male desires.
Lastly, as a whole, we need to come into being that all bodies are beautiful and that as women we should empower each other until we make a difference in society. I’ve seen multiple pages on social media that are bringing awareness to body positivity but we need more inclusivity overall no matter the gender, race, physical ability, or appearance. Being open to show your body without feeling shame or receiving hateful comments or looks. Finally, I want to share some Instagram accounts that are doing a great job at bringing awareness to this topic:
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@hi.ur.beautiful
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@curatedbygirls
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@sundaymorningview