By Christina Fermin
Politics & Society Columnist
Women being unhappy with their self image does not surprise me anymore. I am sometimes even unhappy with my own self image, sometimes thinking “I have to lose weight” or “I need to work out,” even though I know that I am not overweight or anywhere near it. I got into my car the other day and turned the radio on since I forgot my ipod and my phone was on the verge of dying, I was disgusted by the amount of self image commercials; from rejuvenation services, to liposuction, to botox injections, diet fads, breast enlargement services and the list can go on.
I notice that whenever I watch television, stand in line at the grocery store, listen to the radio or pick up some random magazine to read, I begin to think to myself “Man I wish I had that body.” It’s amazing how advertising affects the mind to think this way, and it is no wonder why so many women are unhappy with the way that they look. But to go as far as doing a surgical procedure to alter your body when there is nothing wrong with it in the first place, in my opinion, goes too far. Since I have limited television, radio, and commercial exposure I have noticed that those thoughts do not enter my head nearly as much as they use to.
I have learned to be happy with myself because I am healthy, normal weight for my height and I take an active part in taking care of myself, mind and body. I may not have the six pack abs that I so often see in magazines and television, but that’s okay. Whenever I come across young teens I try to exemplify the fact that they are beautiful and to notice it, I also tell them not to pay attention to the models, actresses, magazine pinups and commercials because to attain that body image is almost near impossible for many of us, especially when you get older, without developing an eating disorder. I am constantly telling that to my teenage sister who is surrounded by fads, commercials, and heavy advertising. I always tell her she is beautiful even though she doesn’t always believe me, I always tell her to take care of herself now because she will regret it later in life.
I do not know if I get through to her or she fully understands what I say to her, but I hope that one day she will hit an “ah-ha” moment and understand what I mean. When I am out in public, that seems to be topic of many conversations and I think to myself, “This country is falling apart, there are several wars, and political unrest and you are talking about self image.” I wish that I could sometimes take these people and shake them and say “You are fine, there is nothing wrong with you, you are beautiful.” I really wish there was not so much attention put on how women looked. If marketing campaigns were aimed at your intelligence rather than superficial materialistic objects, imagine where we would be as a society.
If you are truly unhappy with yourself, the best fix is dieting and exercising. Quick fixes are exactly that, quick and never last very long. Through eating more nutritiously and exercising you not only change your self image, but you change the way you think about yourself and the outside world, significantly altering your lifestyle for the better. I know we can all get caught up with our lives and the people we are surrounded by, so don’t forget to always take time for yourself and do an activity that’s just for you. By always making sure you put aside time for yourself you can be happier and never regret wishing you could have done something. We have to remember at the end of the day, beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, what is beautiful to one person is not always beautiful to another. We cannot take what the media deems as beautiful and try to apply it to all women, we already know one size does not fit all, so don’t forget you are beautiful just the way you are.
Peace & Love,
Christina
About the Columnist
With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now.
As a guy, I’ve found that every woman that I’ve been in a long term relationship with ends up with Image issues. Not because I’ve ever mentioned anything but because of the constant pressure that comes from the Media.
I think the recent story about Arnold Schwarzenegger is very telling.
It should highlight to women that Men are NOT attracted to what they see as the perfect model body. What we like as men, … as people really, because I think the same applies to women … is to have someone we can laugh with. someone that we connect with, someone that we can have an intelligent conversation with.
Working out always helps keep up energy levels and overall feelings of wellness, but dieting … well just look at the first 3 letters of that word. No one wants that!
People are attracted to people who feel good about themselves. Plain and simple.