The Body Image Site for Every Body
By Lisa Wade, PhD Cross-posted from Sociological Images Today I had the pleasure of reading a 1978 essay by Susan Sontag titled The Double Standard of Aging. I was struck by how plainly and convincingly she described the role of attractiveness in men’s and women’s lives: [For women, o]nly one standard of female beauty … [Read more...]
By Ophira Edut Does the mascara make the woman? The New York Times published results of a study (see the article here) claiming that a moderate amount of makeup "increases people’s perceptions of a woman’s likability, her competence and (provided she does not overdo it) her trustworthiness." … [Read more...]
By Quinn Davis, Intern (2011) "The only way I'm staying with you is if you stop wearing mascara." Sure, I had dated some d-bags before. But this guy competed for it in the Olympics, won the gold and then spent the next six years touring the country so that hopeful up-and-coming d-bags could look up to someone. Plus, some … [Read more...]
Editor’s Note: On those days when you look in the mirror and all you see is ugly, avoiding your own reflection can be an effective on-the-spot strategy in breaking the cycle of negative self-talk. But what might be the consequences of giving up mirrors for an extended period of time? Could it trigger a more positive view of your … [Read more...]
By Sharon Haywood, Co-Editor “To men a man is but a mind. Who cares what face he carries or what he wears? But a woman’s body is the woman.” Filmmaker Elena Rossini cites this quote from writer Ambrose Bierce as her third reason out of 30 for creating The Illusionists, a full-length documentary about how the body has been … [Read more...]
By Melanie Klein "Look! I married you a certain way! I like women who look a certain way! It's my right to like women who look a certain way and I shouldn't have to spend the rest of my life not being happy," Brad exclaimed. The retort from my friend Jasmine's husband was a reaction to her staunch refusal to get 'another … [Read more...]
By Valerie Kusler Earlier this week, in my half-asleep daze, I flipped on the Today Show for background noise while getting ready for work. When I heard Matt Lauer introduce one of the segments, I stopped in my tracks, turned up the volume, and braced myself. “Why are thin, fit women getting liposuction?” he inquired. Oh … [Read more...]
By Helen Rodriguez of Latinitas For years, Latinas have worked hard to break beauty barriers in the U.S. Now that we have managed to forge our own identity in American society, a part of me is thrilled with what Latinas have achieved and the role models that are now available for many young girls. On the other hand, I can't help … [Read more...]
By Sayantani DasGupta "Save the Boobies! I ♥ Ta-tas! Save Second Base!" Like the ubiquitousness of Lance Armstrong’s Live Strong armbands and Susan G. Komen Foundation’s pink ribbon festooned campaigns, "I heart the boobie" bracelets seem to be everywhere these days. Such as on the arms of young women showing their … [Read more...]
Trend Line is Clear: Decline since 2004 By Margaret Morganroth Gullette It was a shock to find after I had a squamous cell carcinoma removed from the side of my nose that I needed cosmetic surgery. I trusted my surgeon, and I trust she did as good a job as she could. But as I feared, the repair didn’t go well: the … [Read more...]
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