The War.
Interesting conversation last night... with a wise woman whom I admire (when she's not my academic advisor, she is wonderful). We spent some real time, and elaborated on dysmorphia (in particular, our own). Media thrives on dysmorphia. The West is full of it; it's a multi billion dollar industry... selling products that make us appear more youthful, and less imperfect. hair dye, firming cream, rejuvenating masks, rhinoplasty, spanx, botox, hair growth serum, acne treatments, thigh master. What does a real 35 year old woman actually look like? How can we want to appear younger without knowing what the standards are?
Dysmorphia, as discussed in the lecture, stems from peers, family, and media (other places too I'm sure, but let's keep it general).
Family. Mother and fathers who are overly self conscious and subject their children to their insecurities, therefore, spawning this poison in their children. Sadly, I am an example of this... the victim of a mother who is poorly educated on the ways of the body (and how to maintain it).
The War.
Everyday is a battle featuring: myself versus (*ahem*) myself.
I may win the battle, but no one truly wins a war.
I am a firm believer of 'you must love yourself first, and then will you be able to love another'.
Brings me to another issue... Perfection.
The Media stressed the perfect features one must possess to be loved by all... the perfect brow, nose, lips, hip girth, shoe size...
I do fairly well for myself, and I do not have a pre-pubescent (no hips, no butt) body shape. And I am definately NOT a size 2. And that is all right with me.
As the wise prof put it, you only have so much life to live... how long are you going to battle yourself before you allow yourself to live?
She is so right. How simple is that concept. She gave me a dose of reality; one that i perhaps needed... to look at the broader picture and not waste time on the completely irrelevant bull in life...
I hope I get a good mark in that class :)
Sincerely, your loving Y.H.N.
Dysmorphia, as discussed in the lecture, stems from peers, family, and media (other places too I'm sure, but let's keep it general).
Family. Mother and fathers who are overly self conscious and subject their children to their insecurities, therefore, spawning this poison in their children. Sadly, I am an example of this... the victim of a mother who is poorly educated on the ways of the body (and how to maintain it).
The War.
Everyday is a battle featuring: myself versus (*ahem*) myself.
I may win the battle, but no one truly wins a war.
I am a firm believer of 'you must love yourself first, and then will you be able to love another'.
Brings me to another issue... Perfection.
The Media stressed the perfect features one must possess to be loved by all... the perfect brow, nose, lips, hip girth, shoe size...
I do fairly well for myself, and I do not have a pre-pubescent (no hips, no butt) body shape. And I am definately NOT a size 2. And that is all right with me.
As the wise prof put it, you only have so much life to live... how long are you going to battle yourself before you allow yourself to live?
She is so right. How simple is that concept. She gave me a dose of reality; one that i perhaps needed... to look at the broader picture and not waste time on the completely irrelevant bull in life...
I hope I get a good mark in that class :)
Sincerely, your loving Y.H.N.