In case you haven't seen it yet, there it is. Well, half of it anyways. Just the right side. Victoria's Secret's photoshop team shared no love with the left side, however. While I'm unsure if this was complete carelessness, a lazy job, or a secret plot to throw Vicky's under the bus, I'm sure the master behind this work of art had to pay for it. Will it stop me from shopping at VS? Not a chance. I was once an employee for Victoria's Secret and I fully stand behind their merchandise. Plenty of girls do. It's hard not to love. However, what I do not stand behind is that this provokes a huge body image issue.
Body image issues are huge enough on their own. According to dosomething.org, "Approximately 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies and resort to dieting to achieve their ideal body shape. Unfortunately, only 5% of women naturally possess the body type often portrayed by Americans in the media." Additionally, 58 percent of college-aged girls feel pressured to fit in with a specific weight range. Some of us want to lose weight in that target area, or maybe we're looking to tone our arms or get that ass that won't quit. What do we look to for inspiration? Victoria's Secret models. These girls are already twig thin and beautiful, and I'm sure they've worked hard for their bodies. It's their job to look good. I have no doubt that these women who are modeling are perfectly fit and toned. But when photoshop comes into play by making their chest perkier, their underarm fat disappear or giving them that butt we all climb the Stairmaster for, that's just unrealistic. Want to know a fun fact? Most of their models average an A to B cup. So girls, don't feel bad when you realize how unattainable it is to have a body that thin with a lovely set of D's. Unless genetics are working in your favor, most women do not look like that. The models don't even look like that.
Body shaming and body image issues are always talked about for the girl who is bigger than she would prefer or the girl with the eating disorder, but people tend to forget that the door swings both ways on the issue. So whether she didn't fill out her cheeky panties enough or she's got a little extra lovin' on the hips, regardless of your opinion you have no right to pass judgment on it. Growing up as a very skinny girl, I can say first hand that being teased for being the tiny girl is just as much of a thing as being teased for being the not so tiny girl. Girls are constantly judged for their bodies. What's your bra size? Do you fit into those jeans? Honestly, it affects nobody but yourself so I say let's keep our opinions to ourselves if they're less than pleasant.
Perfect is not normal. The American pop-culture's idea of perfect is not normal. If you are unhappy with your body image, realize that one, you are not alone and that two, it is so important that you find a way to be positive about your body image. Learn to notice the things you love about yourself because those are your true assets, and they are what truly stands out to the world (we're talking more than physical traits here, ladies). Learn to love yourself and encourage your friends to do the same! It's the driving force that starts it all.
