This body obsession has promoted not only unhealthy weight loss diets, but also the movement towards negative body image. Because weight loss ads have not focused their advertisements to promote healthy living, rather than perfect body results, more individuals focus the faults in their body appearance rather than the faults in their way of living. Often, when the topic of weight is discussed within a group of people, it is not long before someone says "I'm so fat" or "I hate my (insert body part)". We have become accustomed to exert negative comments about ourselves rather than visualize the improvement that healthy living could produce. This self-hatred has extended not just to adults and teenagers, but is promoted among the new generation of children as well. A story produced by the Huffington Post discussed the controversy that has arisen over a onesie sold in an New York University bookstore that reads, "I hate my thighs". Although the producers of the baby clothing claimed that the onesie was simply a joke, many individuals believe we should take notice to the hidden issue; self hatred and unhealthy living have become more important than improving an unhealthy lifestyle.
We each receive one life, and one body to execute that life. So why should we spend our life hating the only body we have? Instead of self hatred, we should promote self love. Learning to except the body you have is an important life principle that all individuals should acquire. It teaches people that their personal characteristics are what define them rather than their outward appearance. Yes, one may focus on self improvement, but in a healthy and prosperous way. In fact, why must we feel obligated to loose weight and obtain the perfect body? Individuals should focus on being content with the way they look rather than trying to amend every flaw they have. Having the perfect body is not a requirement for living a healthy and happy life. Let us learn to be satisfied with ourselves and love the body we live in rather than promote self hatred that will only lead to an abyss of unhealthy decisions and unsolved problems.
I completely agree with your post Sabrina! Our society has become too concerned with our images and how people see us that we tend to veer off track and forget to think about how we see ourselves and how we can take care of ourselves in the healthiest possible way. The story you attached blows my mind! I too believe that even though the onesies were made to be jokes, they have a harmful impact that no one even realizes. The fact that these onesies can be made and most people find it as a joke is the biggest problem I believe we have in society today. We are so used to gender discrimination and girls being overly self-conscious that it has come to the point where these insulting comments done even phase people anymore. We need to take notice of what is becoming of our society and come together to stop it to help the well-being and health of not only women, but our society as a whole. Good job on this week's blog!
ReplyDeleteI was really impressed by your blog post this week Sabrina. Overall, I'd say your connection to your audience was clear, concise, and very mature. When I first started reading this post and realizing what it was about, many different people's faces popped up in my mind, and they were saying the exact same things you expressed inside of your blog. It's almost funny how common this issue of body image is common nowadays and the lengths people will go to achieve the quote on quote "perfect body". Your reference to the Huffington Post provided an increased to your Ethos and enhanced your credibility. In addition, your voice throughout was solemn, yet assertive on how we must get over ourselves and focus more on enjoying our lives on a daily basis rather than being concerned about how others may see us. I completely agreed with everything you had explained in your blog post this week and really liked the fact that I could apply the lesson here to myself too.
ReplyDeleteI found your post to be extremely powerful. It almost seems like nowadays people are being taught to dislike themselves more than they are to accept themselves. It is so common to hear people complain and pick apart themselves when, like you said, we are only getting one life. One body. And with these constant advertising and promotional products it seems like people want us to change. When in reality we are all made perfetc in our own ways. And as a teenager sometimes that concept is really hard to grasp. That we don't need to change or fix ourselves for anyone. I enjoyed how your blog post brought some attention to this honestly neglected issue. good job! I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteSabrina, I think that you chose the perfect topic. In today's society people are more concerned about how they appear to other people rather than maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Most people base their opinions of themselves on what other people tell them or how they think other people view them. Earlier this week I heard an eighth grader talking about how she "was to fat" and had "thunder thighs". However, when I looked at her I didn't see any of those things. I saw an average sized girl almost in tears because of the hatred she was expressing about herself. It was sad to witness such a thing. I also liked you use of rhetorical questions. They helped me, and other readers I'm sure, to actually take the time to think about body image and its effects. Finally, I enjoyed your embedded article. I was shocked to see how this store supposedly divided the genders and wrote "I hate my thighs" on one of the onesies. I understand that it was meant to be a joke but people actually struggling with their body image wouldn't see it that way. The scary part is that some people found it "cute". This just goes to show that making hurtful or discriminating comments doesn't impact some people and they don't see anything wrong with making them. It has become almost second nature to some people and it will most likely just get worse with time. Overall, I was really impressed with your blog and can't wait to read what you have to write next week!
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