RICHMOND, VA— It’s time to think of a New Year’s Resolution!! What changes are you willing to make in order to have a kick ass 2017?! Starting at the very top of the list would be (let’s all say it together) “I want to loose weight!"
It is a given. We all want something we don’t have, usually pertaining to looks. For me, I would KILL to look like Candice Swanepoel (HOT Victoria’s Secret Angel).
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show conveniently comes on right around this time of year so we can gawk at the perfection these women exude. The effect of the show on women is usually along the lines of “we are going to go to the gym starting tomorrow and we will eat healthy for the rest of the week, etc.”, aka our new year’s resolution.
But what about if we stop and think about the effect of constant obsession with being skinny or looking hot has on the generation of younger girls, growing up, going through puberty, and coming to terms with their bodies. How does this high standard affect their expectations of beauty and how they “should” look?
“As young girls develop, emphasis needs to be placed on issues unrelated to their body type and sexuality,” said licensed therapist Suzanne Peterson.
“They should be encouraged to develop their creativity, intelligence, compassion, and other interests that hold more worth and value than a particular body size. Young girls need to know that they are valued for the brains and heart and not viewed as sexual objects,” continued Petersen.
With the fashion show being a nationwide phenomenon, it creates the standard to which women want live up to but also stages the perfect storm for mental and physical illnesses.
Girls around the country have developed eating disorders and other self harming behaviors in order to feel “good enough” for today’s society.
“..speaking from the standpoint of someone who's had an eating disorder I can definitely say [the VS fashion show] perpetuates unrealistic standards,” said VCU freshman, Katja Timm.
Programs have sprung up all across the US to try and promote healthy self esteem in young girls and women, such as the Dove Self-Esteem Project. This was created to help girls and women reach their fullest potential along with a healthy self-image and self-worth.
Other companies have taken notice to the effect of the extreme editing and unrealistic expectations put forth by VS. Many have publicly launched campaigns to empower women and also boost their self-esteem.
Arie, the lingerie brand from the clothing company American Eagle, began showcasing real women in their catalogs for swimwear just last summer and have already had ten of thousands of positive responses.
While Arie did get scrutinized for the lack of editing in their catalog photos, they held their ground and supported the natural beauty of their models.
So, as this new year begins, use the example that Arie set forth. Stand up for yourself and your natural beauty! Instead of having the goal of becoming skinny or looking like a model, try rephrasing it to becoming more healthy and looking like the best version of yourself.
Happy New Years!
