I Believe in Growing up Beautiful
So you all were there and you all know I got rather emotional about American beauty, what that meant, what it meant for me, and what it means for coming generations. Speaking to you all as a group, especially one with boys seems like it was a pinnacle for me. I've had an issue with body image for years, as do many people. It was only during my junior year that I realized my body wasn't wrong, the way I thought about it was wrong. During the past two years I have been coming to the conclusion that girls and boys should not have to change the way they think about their bodies, they should grow up thinking they are beautiful.
There are a lot of emotions tied into body image. But connecting the heart and the head with these issues is innate. You perceive and connect to images you are given with beauty, but you really should not connect with beauty. Models are currently 28% under weight and their body types are achievable by 5% of women in the world. Girls are happiest with their bodies at the age of nine. Freaking nine years old? And this isn't an issue that is being addressed? This Americanized ideal of beauty has permeated the world and body-altering surgery is more and more prevalent. It can change and it must.
Changing the way women and men think at a young age will improve health, both physically and mentally. The idea cannot persist that people must change to attain something that is so out of their reach. Understanding must permeate more than dissatisfaction.
3 comments:
I of all agree with you idea about American beauty. I don't even know now what American beauty is anymore. People are always trying different ways to identify beauty. The only beauty I care about is the inner beauty, because the inner beauty is much more valuable and precious that defines ourself. Furthermore, you are beautiful inside and out not matter what.
Your whole tag line of "growing up thinking you are beautiful" is inspiring. I also liked the stats that you have given, they are really eye opening. I love how, not only are you addressing and issue, but you're also demanding a change. I'm sure it was hard, but you're awesome for showing your emotions and telling us a little bit about your story. You are so pretty and cool Hannah; I've thought that since day one.
I'm glad you've come to believe in believing that people are beautiful. I struggle with my weight and my body image all the time and it is refreshing and motivating to hear you talk about the mindset of thinking you are beautiful, as yourself
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