Pure Beauty 101 - A Self Esteem Project
Body Image issues found in Dagny Scott's book - "Complete Book of Women's Running"
Here is what Dagny Scott writes in her book:
"It is the best of times and the worst of times for women's bodies. Why the best? Acceptance of women's participation in sports and fitness activities has changed the spectrum along which the female body is measured. Women are no longer held up to an ideal of beauty that is rooted in fragility and helplessness. Muscle, strength, and athletic ability are celebrated, as is variety among body types.
Which brings us to the worst: Relentless media images of ever increasing perfection skew the standards of beauty. The particularly au courant look - a lean body with large breasts - is a genetic impossibility for all but a few women. Yes, muscles and strength are acceptable, as long as they come in an attractive package. In fact, the fitness craze has upped the ante, since now women needn't just be trim, but toned, too. Fat is, as ever, taboo.
Compounding these expectations is a damning belief that a woman should be able to create any body she chooses -the self help craze run amok. She just needs to work out hard enough and demonstrate enough discipline - or have enough money. Stubborn pockets of the body that resist the effects of training can be enhanced or made to disappear, thanks to cosmetic surgery. The message to every American woman: If you're not happy with something, you can change it.
That message is a dangerous one. Striving for a healthy body and seeking perfection are very different things. Not understanding the distinction is a recipe for frustration. Sure, stomach crunches will flatten your abs, running will tone your thighs, and liposuction can trim the rest, but nothing will alter the fundamental body type, bone structure, and height."
I found this section of her book to be very interesting for discussion. As a health major and my recent exposure to more women athletes than ever before because of my employment at the university gym, I am beginning to see a vast majority of women striving harder than ever before to toned, firm and in shape. Now this is a great thing like Dagny mentions, however we must be careful that our message to young girls and other women is clear. Fitness and healthy lifestyles are great but understanding, knowing and being aware of how far our own bodies can go is very crucial. What are your thoughts on these few paragraphs?
"It is the best of times and the worst of times for women's bodies. Why the best? Acceptance of women's participation in sports and fitness activities has changed the spectrum along which the female body is measured. Women are no longer held up to an ideal of beauty that is rooted in fragility and helplessness. Muscle, strength, and athletic ability are celebrated, as is variety among body types.
Which brings us to the worst: Relentless media images of ever increasing perfection skew the standards of beauty. The particularly au courant look - a lean body with large breasts - is a genetic impossibility for all but a few women. Yes, muscles and strength are acceptable, as long as they come in an attractive package. In fact, the fitness craze has upped the ante, since now women needn't just be trim, but toned, too. Fat is, as ever, taboo.
Compounding these expectations is a damning belief that a woman should be able to create any body she chooses -the self help craze run amok. She just needs to work out hard enough and demonstrate enough discipline - or have enough money. Stubborn pockets of the body that resist the effects of training can be enhanced or made to disappear, thanks to cosmetic surgery. The message to every American woman: If you're not happy with something, you can change it.
That message is a dangerous one. Striving for a healthy body and seeking perfection are very different things. Not understanding the distinction is a recipe for frustration. Sure, stomach crunches will flatten your abs, running will tone your thighs, and liposuction can trim the rest, but nothing will alter the fundamental body type, bone structure, and height."
I found this section of her book to be very interesting for discussion. As a health major and my recent exposure to more women athletes than ever before because of my employment at the university gym, I am beginning to see a vast majority of women striving harder than ever before to toned, firm and in shape. Now this is a great thing like Dagny mentions, however we must be careful that our message to young girls and other women is clear. Fitness and healthy lifestyles are great but understanding, knowing and being aware of how far our own bodies can go is very crucial. What are your thoughts on these few paragraphs?
© 2009 Created by Leanne and Rachelle
