As women, we come in different shapes and sizes. While this is our reality, many women often feel pressured to conform to society’s beauty standards. Instead of celebrating our bodies, some women struggle to accept their natural beauty. The result? They go to great lengths to appear “beautiful” and gain acceptance. Social media and other forms of media have played a significant role in reinforcing these unrealistic ideals.
Today, access to plastic surgery and body-altering procedures has become easier than ever. As a result, more women are transforming their natural bodies to fit a Barbie-like image. The media further fuels this trend by placing these altered images on television, in magazines, and at the forefront of the beauty industry. Now, we’re hearing about girls as young as 16 undergoing nose jobs, breast augmentations, and butt implants to look like their idols.
How do we bring women back to a place of self-love and body celebration?
It’s Psychological
We need to dive deep into the mind. For decades, women have been fed shifting beauty standards, which have enriched those who perpetuate false ideals of beauty. This has distorted the perception of beauty and self-acceptance. True transformation must start in the mind.
Could we introduce a more diverse representation of women as ambassadors for body acceptance in schools and communities? Taking it a step further, beauty brands and campaigns should replace altered images with real women—women who choose to embrace their natural beauty regardless of color, shape, or size.
Empower Stores That Care and Are Inclusive
Fashion should cater to all body types. Many women who do not fit the “average size” struggle to find trendy and relevant clothing. This exclusion often leads to discouragement and feelings of inadequacy. While we acknowledge the designers and stores that embrace inclusivity, we must actively promote them. By spreading the word, we can help more women feel beautiful and confident in their own skin.
Educate, Educate, Educate
Education is a game-changer when used effectively. Teaching women about different body types and the importance of self-acceptance can shift perspectives. More importantly, by leading by example, we instill these values in our daughters. Breaking the generational cycle of low self-esteem and self-worth starts with this generation.
Celebrate Yourself and Others
Women, embrace who you are and uplift those around you. Never belittle another woman for being different, and never let society dictate your worth.
Celebrate the wrinkles, the stretch marks, the dimples, and every shade of skin. Every inch of you tells a story and holds a memory.
If nothing else resonates with you after reading this, hold on to this one truth:
You are beautiful.
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We grew up being taught that slim is better, light skin is better, long hair is better, processed hair is better. And as you said, commercials alluded to that back then and to some extent some still do. I am happy that women are becoming more confident in who they are irrespective of what society says.
I used to be extremely self conscious because I’m a heavy set girl. No more. Take me or leave me. I rock this sassy, pleasingly plump self like there’s no tomorrow.
We have to start, as you rightly said, with education. Teach our girls that there is nothing wrong with who they are and teach our boys to accept girls as they are and not what society tells them they should be.
Own your body, it is yours. Love it up!
Thank you for this note Deon, yes, we are getting there but we must continue to put those of us who embrace who we are and how we are at the fore…for our girls to appreciate themselves and for theboys who will become the men in our lives to accept us for who we are.