My inspiration for this post came from my dear, longtime blogging friend, Debbie @ Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who is not only a gifted...
Alert: No humor today, just a very passionate VENT.
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Perhaps it’s because when I was a kid, I was always told I was too skinny and needed to gain weight that I feel a bit verbose when it comes to society judging those who are heavy because they automatically assume weight gain is always about how much FOOD someone puts in their mouth, or that someone is not exercising enough.
Excuse me, but has it ever occurred to society that some people are heavy due to possible glandular imbalances, psychological challenges, or that it’s the result of genetics?
For instance, I could eat and drink anything I wanted (and as much as I wanted), yet it still wouldn’t affect my weight.
Why? Because of my high metabolism. It’s been that way my whole life.
And even being a lightweight person, I have never looked upon heavier people as unattractive. Never.
In my opinion, many people look great with more meat on their bones. It naturally suits them.
And what really pisses me off about weight judgment is that it’s much more strictly enforced upon women.
And it’s the same when it comes to aging.
Women are much more highly criticized when it comes to weight and age.
And trust me on that because I was a professional actor for many years, and a licensed cosmetologist. Therefore, I KNOW what women go through.
Just look at all the actresses versus actors whose careers are cut short because they got to an age where Hollywood said, “You’re too old.”
And also, look at how many of these actresses are having cosmetic surgery; trying desperately to compete with younger actresses.
Tell me, why is it that men age gracefully, yet women are sent out to pasture when they reach 40?
To my eyes, women age just as gracefully as men do.
Example: actress, Helen Mirren.
What an attractive, confident, and sexy lady she is. And she’s certainly not young, wrinkle-free, nor model thin. She’s one of those rare and fortunate women in the movie industry that has been able to keep working as she ripens.
Allow me to say that I do take care of myself when it comes to my skin, and try not to go overboard with excessive food. However, I don’t do this with the intention of looking like I did when I was 25 years old. I do this because I want to feel and look good for the exact age I am….56.
There is only so much a person can do (outside of surgery) that will assist in helping them look good as they age. The rest is up to genes and lifestyle.
If someone wants to lose weight because of health issues, I can certainly understand their intention. Yet, to lose weight because someone feels that society will accept them more, or that they’ll be happier because they’re thin is sad to me.
Last week, I was strolling through Barnes & Noble and came across these books. And can I just tell you how much they ANNOYED me because it only goes to show how society brainwashes women into feeling comparative to other women. And what totally FLOORS me about these books is that they’re written by other women.
*Please notice the TITLES…..
Well, I guess if women are not YOUNG or THIN, then they better read these books, hu?
No, these books are utter RUBBISH.
These books send out subliminal messages; reinforcing women that there’s something WRONG with them because they’re not young and thin.
I’m certainly not qualified as a psychologist to be handing out advice to other people, but I do have a strong opinion when it comes to self-image.
My opinion is to STOP reading books like these (which only make you feel less about yourself), and start reading books that teach you how to first ACCEPT yourself for who you are.
And STOP reading glamour magazines with photos of supermodels in them because they’re not REAL. And besides, what makes you think their lives are any happier than yours?
To reiterate, if someone is trying to lose weight for health issues, I totally understand and applaude them. However, if someone is trying to lose weight because they assume they’ll be more attractive to society’s ludicrous standards, then I say….
….look into a mirror, long and gently, and begin seeing YOU.
And I bet, in time, you’ll begin to see just how unique and faaaaaaaaabulous you are.
And then, if you should decide to lose weight….it’ll be for the right reason.
Your well-being.
Remember….you may not be able to alter the way society views YOU. But you can certainly alter the way you view YOURSELF.
Have a spectacular weekend everyone!
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