It's the year of the booty. Size zero is out and thick thighs are in. Videos on squatting techniques, waist training and even padded underwear are quickly being disseminated to the masses in order to produce women with that perfect "hourglass" shape. Between Jennifer Lopez's new single literally called "Booty" and Kim Kardashian revealing an uncanny ability to balance a champagne glass on her ass, social media is inundated with women stuffed in skimpy dresses (or you know...not at all...) showing their butts.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all about this curvy trend! I love food, food equals curves, everybody wins. The serious edge to this coin is that body image has drastically been reshaped in the last few years. Plus size models are getting more recognition, Dove has launched a "love your body" campaign, and more and more celebrities are coming forward, speaking up about the pressures to meet society's aesthetic standard. Yet, even with the beginnings of a social change celebrating the voluptuous, I still have trouble loving my body...and I'm not alone.
Whether social media celebrates my body type or shames it, I wrestle with the concept that I am beautiful in my own skin. Now I'm sure you're thinking, "but Tatum, you're the most beautiful creature I've ever seen." I know. But really....why is it that women today struggle with self-image on a regular basis regardless if the world deems their body "banging." The answer is simple, because we aren't seen.
I had a conversation with a coworker a few weeks ago (I work at a summer camp for teenage girls), and she stated that she feels her most beautiful when up at camp. Mind you, this girl is drop dead gorgeous. She has the kind of face people pay for and yet, she still struggles with insecurity. A response to her declaration of confidence was, "it's because we see her for who she is." No one on my staff will deny the beauty of this coworker, but we rave about her for her heart and mind.
I'm all for promoting beauty at every size, but there has to be some deeper issue here. Why is it when my boyfriend tells me I'm beautiful I can only half believe him? The fact of the matter is this, I am beautiful for MY heart and mind. My body is just a perk. Whether society says I'm a goddess or a slob, my character and passions do not change. Finding beauty in yourself is a hard concept I still fall short of, but whether it's the year of the booty or year of the double zero...I'm still worthy of feeling proud in my skin.
The big butt movement has certainly opened doors for a body type that is often shamed, but has not failed to alienate previous notions of what was beautiful. Society is still the body shaming culture it always was, it's just filtered through a different lens. So, hey, you're beautiful. Whether big butt or small, full lips or thin, flat stomach or not...you're a babe. It's time we all start living like it.
