We are at war against ourselves. We're our own worst enemies. Our bodies are perceived as foes, while our features are often viewed as tragedies. Our negative perceptions, our self-destructive thoughts are weapons, killing self-confidence and self-love. We feel shame, and our culture only fuels the fire, thriving on our self-deprecation.
Marist soon-to-be junior, Brittany Augugliaro, aims to win the war, using self-empowerment to eradicate self-hatred disseminated by societal standards and pervaded through media. As a social work major, Augugliaro envisions change, whether it be minor or pervasive. Her first act of facilitating change is through Naturally Nude, an Instagram account promoting self-love.
I've had the honor to learn about Naturally Nude, and as someone who struggles with body image and anxiety, its message profoundly resonates with me. Augugliaro's passion for this account is inspiring and beautiful; it emphasizes that inner, natural beauty prevails, and that we should appreciate each feature, each flaw, and each quirk as parts that construct our identities. I could go on all day about how I adore this account, but Augugliaro sums up its love and message better than I could: "Make up is a cover up, stop covering what you are made of-- be natural."
Below are Augugliaro's answers to questions I sent her via email.
What is Naturally Nude?
"Naturally Nude is an Instagram account that I have very recently created. It allows for individuals to send me a natural photo of themselves -- unfiltered, unedited, and with little to no makeup - with a caption of their story so I can share it with my followers (along with their location). I started this page to empower people to feel comfortable in their own skin and to promote a message of self-love to my followers. I want to spread the message that you should not let the fear of judgment limit you or stop you from being true to yourself in any way."
What are the values/vision of Naturally Nude?
"My values/vision of Naturally Nude are growth and positive responses. All I ever wanted is to share my message and help people love themselves a little bit more. I hope to see my account grow and spread all over, especially to college campuses. I feel like a lot of girls and boys our age need to hear what we are preaching on Naturally Nude. So share my account with your friends and family and help me get my message out there. I encourage you to follow my account and inbox me pictures of yourself with little to no make up with a positive message as a caption (and a location as well) so I can post it to share your #NaturallyNude story."
Why did you begin this movement?
"I began Naturally Nude for reasons I stated above, and also to serve as a reminder and positive influence on the individuals who follow me. I hate seeing people feel down about him or herself or feel as if they are not good enough, or pretty enough, or skinny enough, or this or that. This movement will encourage people to feel just as beautiful when they strip down to their natural, pure selves. I feel as if the society we live in today is nothing but judgment, and I wish this would stop. When I grow older and have children, I fear that my kids will only believe they are as beautiful as the amount of Instagram likes they get so by creating this account maybe we can be advocates for some type of change. I hope to guide people into the belief that the only approval you should live for is your own. You should not care what is in someone else’s head about you or your life. Live for you."
What inspired you to begin this movement?
"People keep asking me the same question, “What inspired you to begin this movement?” and my answer is the same every time, “Why not?” Why not create an account on a popular social media website that gets the word out there that you do not need the approval of others, or tons of make up, or the perfect body to feel beautiful. My inspiration for beginning this movement overall was the desire to create change and spread positive messages about natural beauty and self love. Everyone out there should love him or herself and accept him or herself for who he/she is. We are all our biggest critics. Maybe if we stop worrying so much about what other people think about ourselves and focus on what we think instead, we will be happier."
How have people responded to your Instagram account?
"People have responded to my Instagram account in a way I could have never predicted! I never thought that I would be touching the lives of as many people as I am. I have received numerous flattering inboxes on Naturally Nude thanking me for what I am doing, but the truth of the matter is I only started the page -- the people who send me their stories and their messages are the ones doing the real work. These brave girls have shared so many personal stories with me and allow me to post to the public. They are the ones who help encourage being naturally nude."
What do you hope for this movement to accomplish?
"There are many things I hope for this movement to accomplish. Specifically, I hope that people read the stories I post and are encouraged to send me theirs. I hope that this movement can reach out and touch people. If I can make one person feel good about themselves, then what I am doing here is more than worth it."
The war against ourselves persists, and we do not show mercy. We live in a society where diminished self-worth is palpable, even marketable, and where loving yourself is anarchy. Nonetheless, with Augugliaro's efforts with Naturally Nude, we are at least one step closer on the long road towards victory.
