Comments for Adios Barbie

Comment on Why Shawn Johnson’s Weight Loss is Not Heroic by Jeanne

Jeanne — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:14:02 +0000

Thanks for such a great article!

I think the fact that Ms. Johnson can see the horrible way she is judged and yet feel compelled to give into it speaks to the longevity (centuries) and the depth in our psyches of this problem and how difficult it will be to raise awareness and keep it raised.

Comment on You’re So Perfect…Except for Your Boobs by Talia Y

Talia Y — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:16:24 +0000

This post truly spoke out to me and made me antagonistic towards breast implants. I did not realize how harmful breast implants are, not only for your health but also psychologically and emotionally harmful. Whether or not one approves of cosmetic surgery they sadly still tend to consider it because of the way our society values beauty. As seen in this case, although Jasmine suffered emotionally (because of her boyfriend) and health-wise she still considered getting a second pair. The pressure put on females to look beautiful, be desirable, and feel desirable is ridiculously influential and makes women consider dangerous procedures just to fulfill the criteria of being (for example) “sexy,” or “wanted.” This article is eye-opening and focuses on the idea that girls and women are extremely pressured by society, the media, males, etc. to embody the “perfect look.” The media suggests that females will only be loved if they are beautiful. Most movies, tv shows, chick flicks etc. focus on a women searching for her soul mate, and trying hard to please a man. Because of this, there is a lot of pressure on real women. These real women take on drastic measures to become beautiful so that they can please a man. I honestly feel bad for Jasmine, but I don’t blame her for the insecurities that encouraged her to get breast augmentations.

Comment on Feel Fat? Try Burlesque to Feel Beautiful by Dina

Dina — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:47:20 +0000

I’ve seen plenty of burlesque shows and the majority of the performers had the same kinds of bodies society dictates as the beauty standard — slim, big breasted, not much fat. So, our experiences differ. There was also a burlesque club at my college and my friend who was in it said it was just like every other body-conscious venture where the girls would choreograph dances in their carnival-esque or pinup costumes, all the while still staring at each others’ bodies in the mirror and comparing, complaining, feeling bad.

And it kind of did seem like glorified stripping — like stripping with classier costumes and scenarios. I have a suspicion that true female empowerment doesn’t come from flaunting your body, no matter what you look like.

Comment on The (Bluest) Eyes Have It by Edna

Edna — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:14:11 +0000

Yolanda Gomez, Do you live in Finland? I would love to touch base with you, I am half Finnish half African American, and I live in Finland. E-mail me at causeipleaseu@gmail.com

Comment on Michelle Obama’s “Biggest” Mistake by “You Are What You Eat” | wearestardustwearegolden

“You Are What You Eat” | wearestardustwearegolden — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:21:33 +0000

[...] RUNNING EFFIN’ FAST ENOUGH. And now, America’s First Lady has called these contestants ‘role-models’ for their attempt to get healthy. Getting healthy is good. Almost killing yourself via crazy diets [...]

Comment on How Yoga Makes You Pretty by Pauline T

Pauline T — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:30:02 +0000

I enjoyed reading this article because it is true when people say everything revolves around being “pretty”. I used to think, and still think at times, that everyone should try their best to look pretty. Over the past few years, I realized that if one does not truly like themselves for who they are, they will never think of themselves as “pretty”. It is essential for people to love who they are and what they look like. I myself do yoga once in a while; I wish I did it more because I love the way I feel after each session. It is true when you said yoga promotes self- love. This is important to love who you are considering all of the garbage the media shoves down our throats. We need to ignore what we are fed, and learn to become one with our body, and yoga is something that can help us with that.

Comment on Feminism, Body Image and Yoga by DannyM

DannyM — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:01:27 +0000

I never knew yoga could have such an impact. I do agree that women are too harsh on themselves on their bodies. They may say they are not trying to please males, but in reality they are. Males are the one that set those impossible standards of beauty. Women are just trying to fit into societies norms. I never thought yoga could help at all and would wonder what the point of it was. I’m glad you shared this experience because I can see how beneficial it is.

Comment on Pregnancy, Body Image and the Age of ‘Bump Watch’ by Amber S.

Amber S. — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:34:32 +0000

I can completely understand how you felt. I felt fat during my pregnancy too. I actually exercised almost every day. I remember the day I had went into labor, I had a huge contraction when I was on my daily walk. Though at the time I did not know it was a contraction. I definitely don’t think it helps that the media is crazy over “baby bumps.” I had gained the correct amount of weight too but still felt fat. It’s really sad that the media can have such profound effects on us.

Comment on Feminism, Body Image and Yoga by jasmine M

jasmine M — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:57 +0000

I can only hope to be able to attain the same body satisfaction that you posses. I have been slowly working towards rejecting what society has defined as beautiful and I am also embracing my feminism. In this process I am able to accept things that society have taught me to label as flaws, and it feels great. Reading this entry makes me truly happy that you have liberated yourself from this patriarchal society and gives me hope that I may one day be able to do this as well. It is amazing that yoga promotes such health body concepts and your attitude about your body speaks volumes. It shows women that total acceptance of our bodies is possible and I hope to find myself in this state of mind soon.

Comment on Doll Parts: The “Barbie Executioner” Strikes Back by Simara Williams

Simara Williams — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:49:35 +0000

Looking back as a child who played with Barbie I always looked at her as a child not as a figure I want to become. I think a lot her feelings had to come from her childhood memories of being told that she needs to lose weight and you have to suffer to be beautiful. I was perfectly fine of how I looked because my parents never put that pressure on me to be thin and I was never told that in order to be beautiful I have to go through pain. I am strong believer that if you are brought up in a superficial environment like many people have than you are a victim of society and how they portray the “perfect” woman. Time will only tell when a song about the Bratz doll will emerge.