For centuries, girls around the world have shared a common goal: to have the “perfect” body. The idea of a “perfect” body usually comes from the influence of the media and is usually aimed towards women. The “perfect” body image is pounded into the heads of girls at an early age. The first influence is through toys – more specifically, Barbie Dolls. Barbie Dolls have always consisted of a doll with a tiny figure and long legs. This makes little girls believe that this is what they will look like when they are older, or even more so, what they should look like.
As girls get older, fashion magazines become a must-have for teens. These magazines usually have images of models with unrealistically skinny bodies, consisting of just skin and bones. In addition, there are always stories written about celebrities either losing or gaining weight. Needless to say, if they lose weight they are praised and if they gain weight they are put-down. This immediately makes girls believe that they will not fit into society if they do not have the perfect body that society considers ideal. As a result, many girls have suffered depression over their bodies, leading to eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa.
Today, girls are still struggling to feel comfortable in their bodies. However, rather than girls desiring a body of skin and bones, more are aspiring to have a toned, muscular body. Women desire to have a body with a flat stomach, toned legs and arms, perky breasts, and an apple shaped behind. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, and the currently very popular Kylie Jenner are all celebrities who have had work done in order to have this body image. Also, social media, specifically twitter, has many fitness accounts that often post pictures of girls with a tiny waste, toned thighs, and a “bubble butt.” The pictures posted are usually captioned with words such as “bae” or “wifey material,” making girls believe this body is the only way they can be attractive.
I am sick and tired of listening to girls who have great bodies complain about their figure. Here is the truth: You are beautiful. Women come in all different shapes and sizes. If we all had the same body type, height, hair color and eye color, there would be no room for individuality. No one should have to spend hours in the gym everyday and not enjoy life because of the physique they believe they are required to have. It is, of course, important to maintain a healthy body weight and it is acceptable to work out daily, but it is not required for every woman to have this kind of body. Stay true to who you are, accept the way that you are built, eat and exercise in moderation and -- most importantly -- don’t forget to love yourself.
