I’m writing this as a two-part series as there is much to cover. Part 2 will highlight how men face these challenges too, how the times have changed and a positive take away from this.
How did the ‘ideal’ beauty standards develop?
The historical standards of beauty were based on paintings and drawings that would suit men’s fantasy.
An evolutionary perspective suggests that beauty was an indicator of women’s health and fertility. One bodily feature was the fat distribution being concentrated in the hip and thighs area also known as gynoid body distribution. Over time studies have shown that the size of the WHR (ratio of waist and hip circumference) have produced changes in the way female attractiveness is looked at in different societies. Studies show that our mental mechanisms have evolved as we look at a lower WH ration as an indicator of good health hence the attractiveness. This shows that beauty standards are not as random as we thought.
Media has also played a massive role in this; Models, actors and actresses have all had a certain body type. Children growing up idealize this as the perfect body type and strive to achieve it.
Culture also has an influence on how we see our and others' bodies. Even though we evolve with certain preferences, culture can influence them. When a person strongly identifies with their culture they are more likely to adopt those norms.
‘Skinny’ is seen as a problem too
While researching for this topic most of the search results were focused on ‘obesity’ and ‘women.’ But criticism is something men and “skinny” people face as well. Yes, there is something known as ‘too thin.’
Now, I am not talking about those who suffer from anorexia nervosa, that is an eating disorder.
The straight body shape is often criticised and made fun of for being ‘too stick-like.’ This is the figure models have and many strive to achieve but, the same figure on your average joe may be criticized.
It is often thought that those who are too thin have an unhealthy diet or don’t eat enough. But sometimes it is just the genes, the food intake and exercise that they do are only a part of it.
Personal experience
I was and to an extent still am insecure about my body as I am ‘fat’. Now, I say fat as it’s just a body type but it has often been used negatively.
Growing up I hadn’t seen diversity in the film industry; men and women of different race and size were never really the main focus. Fat people were there to be the butt of all jokes, they were the sidekicks.
It was difficult to deal with an issue you never thought was a problem since it was not spoken about much. I will share two experiences that made me hate my body.
I hate shopping, one of the reasons is that I was told I’m ‘too’ big and won’t fit into the clothes they had. As a teen going shopping you don’t want random shopkeepers saying “Aapka size nahi milega.” (you won’t get your size) being rejected time and again made shopping a very anxious experience which is why I avoid it today.
The second instance was one time when I was in a rickshaw with my family, the rickshaw was going up a slope and it was difficult to reach up. Instinctively the driver turned behind and smiled at me saying “Wazan ke vaje se nahi jaa raha”(unable to climb due to the weight) and my family smiled not thinking much of it. That really embarrassed me, I wanted to go back home and never step out again. This may not seem like a big deal and funny even (i do laugh when I think about it now) but as an insecure 15-year old that had a huge impact on how I looked at myself.
All this being said I do want to end by saying, beauty standards have changed and even though we have a long way to go there is no denying that body positivity is more encouraged than it was in the early 2000s.
Comentarios