(no subject)
My aunt went shopping in Toronto. She went to Victoria's Secret and brought back items for my step cousins and I. She bought me really nice long-sleeved shirt. 'It's meant for running,' she says. "oh," I say "it's too nice to wear running!". It's actually one of the nicer articles of clothing that I own at the moment (though all the lint that is somehow accumulating in my washer is quickly changing this).
I looked at the tag today and read "Victoria Secret Sexy Sport". This irked me. Sexy sport. I know VS's whole schtick is being sexy and whatnot but argh, sexy sport!? Why do women have to 'sexy' at all times? When I think of sports and exercise I think of self-improvement and empowerment. Exercise is supposed to make you feel good about yourself and give you confidence. This confidence can come from a few sources. Obviously some confidence can come from looking better/different. Confidence can also come from knowing that you're in control. It's an amazing feeling when you push past what you perceived to be your limit. Even if it's just 5 more reps or jogging for an extra kilometer. Knowing that you overcame your doubts is an incredible rush.
It bothers me that VS is taking that away from women by putting the focus of exercise on how others think of you, rather than how your feel about yourself. I sound preachy but I'm not trying to be. For example, I LOVE my Lulu Lemon shorts. They are purple and gray, have built in underwear, and they make my butt look good (as Lulu is famous for doing [that is, making everyone's butt look good, not just mine]). Wearing them doesn't really make me feel any better or like I can do more reps, nor does it make me feel prettier than the girl beside me. Working out shouldn't be a beauty contest.
I looked at the tag today and read "Victoria Secret Sexy Sport". This irked me. Sexy sport. I know VS's whole schtick is being sexy and whatnot but argh, sexy sport!? Why do women have to 'sexy' at all times? When I think of sports and exercise I think of self-improvement and empowerment. Exercise is supposed to make you feel good about yourself and give you confidence. This confidence can come from a few sources. Obviously some confidence can come from looking better/different. Confidence can also come from knowing that you're in control. It's an amazing feeling when you push past what you perceived to be your limit. Even if it's just 5 more reps or jogging for an extra kilometer. Knowing that you overcame your doubts is an incredible rush.
It bothers me that VS is taking that away from women by putting the focus of exercise on how others think of you, rather than how your feel about yourself. I sound preachy but I'm not trying to be. For example, I LOVE my Lulu Lemon shorts. They are purple and gray, have built in underwear, and they make my butt look good (as Lulu is famous for doing [that is, making everyone's butt look good, not just mine]). Wearing them doesn't really make me feel any better or like I can do more reps, nor does it make me feel prettier than the girl beside me. Working out shouldn't be a beauty contest.