It's SUMMER time which also means its dreaded SWIMSUIT SEASON. Most women would agree with me that putting on a bathing suit is not something that they enjoy doing. We as a society have become very image conscious and the public's perception of thin has changed over the years. What use to be perceived as thin and gorgeous in the 1950's would now be considered overweight or obese by todays standards. Let's take a look at how far we as a society have come in the last 50-60 years and how our perception of beauty has changed dramatically.
The first picture is of Marilyn Monroe taken sometime in the 1950's or 1960's. She was considered to be sexy and the ideal woman. Personally I think she is gorgeous and has amazing curves. The second photo is a contestant from the 2009 Miss Universe pageant, who I feel is alarmingly skinny. Is this what we now feel is beautiful and acceptable?
How did we let it go this far?
The scary thing we face now-a-days is that girls as young as 10 years old are beginning to diet and worry about their weight. Anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders are on the rise and I don't see an end in site. If you know of a friend, daughter, mother, sister who is struggling with their own body image I encourage you to reach out to them and let's turn this problem around. Ladies, be proud of your bodies! Whether your a size 10 or a size 20, be proud of your body and take care of it, its the only one we've got so LOVE it!
This image shows just how serious this matter is and how some people perceive what they see in the mirror differently than how the rest of the world sees them.
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10 comments:
Wow I don't even think that pageant girl is something to idolize. She is skin and bones. Society needs to wake up! Marilyn Monroe was a gorgeous woman who had some amazing curves. Thanks Amber for sharing!
I grew up in high school with friends who suffered from anorexia and bulimia. Both are serious illnesses... and I think I was fortunate enough to understand that the real issues were about image and control... not weight and food.
Something most people mistake as the 'root of the problem'.
I also had a friend who "ate" but she exercised so much that she was burning more calories than she was eating.
I, too, have been guilty here and there of being overly critical about my own body image. Since having a baby, it's ALSO been difficult to accept my body for the way it is. I have come to realize and appreciate my healthy body, even the certain stretch marks, little bits of flab here or there, and the other "imperfections".
We are often our biggest enemies and it has been a goal of mine not to criticize myself.
Your post is well put, obviously it's something I feel passionate about.
Love your blog post Amber...yes it is true we are a society were super thin is "in" ...kinda scary!
I love Marilyn she is hot!
I have a niece who is starting to struggle with anorexia. Thankfully, my sister is taking her to counseling. I can't believe that girl in the Miss Universe pageant! So sad. I hate how society is so Hollywood crazy and so into outward apperances. It's hard not to get sucked into it. It surrounds us! We need to fight back!
What a great post...for sure so many women have it all messed up! I so agree! I say enjoy life it's to short not to!
Amber...what a great post!!! Being a mom to a young daughter makes me look at myself in a different light. I try and teach her that I'm proud of the way I look and that by exercising and eating healthy we can make our bodies look good from the inside out. Thanks for the great message!
When not given the right anorexia treatment, anorexia may result to anemia and low white blood count which are necessary in fighting off infections.
I agree that the pageant contestant is really thin, but that was a picture of Marilyn Monroe after she gained 20 pounds due to 3 failed pregnancies, which she lost shortly afterward. She was actually 5'5" and 120 lb - which of course is still more healthy looking than Stephanie Naumoska.
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