Written by Charlotte Wall
Last week’s Catalyst featured an article about Women’s Health Magazine’s decision to no longer include phrases like “bikini body” and “drop two sizes” on its covers. Featured in the Catalyst article was the description that the image that comes to mind for “bikini body” is “a white, blonde woman with a very slim body.” In an interview with a Colorado College female who bears a body many would describe along the lines of “white, blonde, and slim,” she attests that she does not see her body as “ideal,” and by no means does she glorify it.
In regards to the Catalyst article about Women’s Health’s vow to retire particular body type vocabulary, the writer predicted that only once models become more diversified in terms of body type and race will their images become inclusive and liberating. The new #AerieREAL campaign by lingerie company Aerie, however, hires healthy-figured, natural models and promises to leave them untouched by Photoshop. Most recently, Aerie’s newest model is Barbie Ferreira who proudly presents her U.S. size 12 body “unapologetically.” Although this campaign challenges supermodel standards, not all women will feel empowered.
We live in an era in which attractiveness is equated with having a slender figure. However, this era also bears sentiments that embrace curvier women and shame those with slender figures, such as the Lane Bryant “I’m no Angel” campaign. This campaign stigmatized those with bodies similar to ones featured in Victoria’s Secret advertisements. It called for such women to not feel body-confident. From this, it is safe to say that no figure can truly be “ideal” in our society that is obsessed with perfection.
Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross, MD from Psychcentral.com, released in 2012 that 80 percent of women hate their bodies and another 10 percent have eating disorders. According to another site, an astounding 90 percent of women admit their body makes them feel ashamed. Female desire for body perfection is no longer simply a weight issue. Women with “normal-sized” bodies and even those “underweight” still struggle with body acceptance.
In the end, there is little cheering for women on either end of the scale. What should be brandished is that women of all body types are worthy of retailers’ attentions. Furthermore, no body deserves critical comments from trolls.