The Female Body

[limits2push]

Betty Friedan's death has got me thinking about what it means to be a woman. One thing that has always fascinated me is female body image. Our society lionizes an ideal type: tall, trim, tanned and toned. That's a look that is unachievable for most women (and has even been linked to the potential for certain health risks). Being a petite woman, it's impossible for me to ever "measure up."

Do you think women are evaluated on physical appearance? And if you're a woman, do you feel a need to fit into this socially constructed archetype?

 

[bisexplicit]

I believe that how a female appears is a lot more important than how a man appears in Western society.

 

[Badd Leroy]

Betty Friedan's death has got me thinking about what it means to be a woman. One thing that has always fascinated me is female body image. Our society lionizes an ideal type: tall, trim, tanned and toned. That's a look that is unachievable for most women (and has even been linked to the potential for certain health risks). Being a petite woman, it's impossible for me to ever "measure up."

Do you think women are evaluated on physical appearance? And if you're a woman, do you feel a need to fit into this socially constructed archetype?

I believe we're ALL evaluated by our appearance. But I think the pressure on women to look a certain way greater. However, I also believe that it's the media that portrays the 'ideal' body type and not what most people actually find attractive. Myself, I like petite woman and curvy.

 

[lizaveta]

I do think we are judged on our physical appearance - men and women - but that society's perceptions of women rest more heavily on how individual women FEEL about their bodies, than it does on how men feel about theirs.

I said this on another thread a while ago: looking back, I know I looked better in my 20s than I do now in my 30s. But in my 20s I was pretty hung up on my appearance - that I am petite and not tall, curvy and not rail-thin, etc.

But at the age I am now, I don't really worry about it anymore. Yes, I still want to look good, but by embracing my figure instead of being ashamed of it I feel sexier, and I know that feeling comes through loud and clear.

Or maybe I just won't "allow" people to judge me for my genetics anymore. However it came about, I don't believe they do.

It's an interesting question.

 

[kotori]

I believe that how a female appears is a lot more important than how a man appears in Western society.

Oh, I don't know. Regardless of gender, there's a visual first impression that's based purely on biology; it's been this way since Greek statuary set the standards for Western ideals of beauty.

 

[lizaveta]

Oh, I don't know. Regardless of gender, there's a visual first impression that's based purely on biology; it's been this way since Greek statuary set the standards for Western ideals of beauty.

But part of first impressions is whether a person seems insecure or confident, as well. By being ashamed of our bodies I think women often dig these holes for ourselves.

 

[bisexplicit]

Oh, I don't know. Regardless of gender, there's a visual first impression that's based purely on biology; it's been this way since Greek statuary set the standards for Western ideals of beauty.

For a simple example, look at TV/movies. I think far more men who aren't incredibly attractive become actors because of their skills, where as women are pretty much required to be attractive - regardless of whatever sort of skill they have.

 

[HappyMisha]

But part of first impressions is whether a person seems insecure or confident, as well. By being ashamed of our bodies I think women often dig these holes for ourselves.

I couldn't agree with you more. We judge by looks but I think attitude has a lot to do with it. If a woman looks self-confident, automatically, he looks better. Even if she's not ''hot'' by typical standards.

 

[limits2push]

However, I also believe that it's the media that portrays the 'ideal' body type and not what most people actually find attractive.

I agree. If you look at commercials, women are often objectified as sexual, disembodied entities. I wonder about the message that sends to young women (particularly teens).

 

[Norajane]

I don't know that 'tall' is really part of the beauty requirement for women. That's only for clothing models. In the real world, guys don't really want to date a woman that's taller than they are. I think 'tall' is more of a standard for men.

 

[lizaveta]

I don't know that 'tall' is really part of the beauty requirement for women. That's only for clothing models. In the real world, guys don't really want to date a woman that's taller than they are. I think 'tall' is more of a standard for men.

Ah, but it's tough to get the long, lean look when you're the height of the average eighth grader, and we're far more likely to hear that we're "cute" as opposed to "beautiful".

 

[LadyFunkenstein]

Everyone is evaluated - at least initially - based on looks. That includes men as well as women.

The more attractive you are, the easier life is and the more you can get away with.

Personally, I am no longer worried about fitting in with today's American "ideal" standard of beauty - I will never be that and such is life. But I do try to look my best. Aside from the occasional insecurity, am I am pretty happy with that.

 

[limits2push]

But in my 20s I was pretty hung up on my appearance - that I am petite and not tall, curvy and not rail-thin, etc.

I can certainly relate to this. I think there was a time in my life when I felt a bit insecure, because (in part) I'm petite. Standing next to taller women almost made me feel insignificant. Please don't misunderstand...I'm sure taller women may have their own issues. I'm just explaining how I used to feel.

 

[JammieDodger]

I don't get the tall and tanned thing.. I mean, I get the rest.. but I really do think most men would rather a woman shorter than them...

..and personally speaking I like all kinds of skin tones, but on a caucasion I really do prefer pale creamyness. Although on naturally darker skin tones I find it looks healthy if they've seen the sun..

..the whole tall thing I think comes alot more from catwalks, obviously clothes will look better on a taller woman.. but most catwalk models are more a blank canvas than stunning.. I think some parts of the media do not get this.

Personally I find confidence doesn't make the slightest impact on whether someone is attractive, but that's just me perhaps.

 

[BustyJ]

Our society judges everything, we are all guilty of it. The 1st time you meet someone you make a quick judgement of them, based on appearance. Few of us are what is considered "perfect, or ideal". I think be the best you can be, and your inward appearance will shine through, and make the outward appearance that much more.

 

[Badd Leroy]

Ah, but it's tough to get the long, lean look when you're the height of the average eighth grader, and we're far more likely to hear that we're "cute" as opposed to "beautiful".

I'd call you beautiful

 

[lizaveta]

I'd call you beautiful

 

[limits2push]

Ah, but it's tough to get the long, lean look when you're the height of the average eighth grader, and we're far more likely to hear that we're "cute" as opposed to "beautiful".

Yup. Being just 5 feet tall, I tend to always wear some sort of heels when I go out. I'll only wear sneakers when I'm running. And you're right...we're more likely to be described as cute or pretty rather than beautiful. At least that's been my experience.

 

[TWB]

Our society judges everything, we are all guilty of it. The 1st time you meet someone you make a quick judgement of them, based on appearance. Few of us are what is considered "perfect, or ideal". I think be the best you can be, and your inward appearance will shine through, and make the outward appearance that much more.

Wow...your boobs are bigger than your head.








heh.

 

[Peregrinator]

For a simple example, look at TV/movies. I think far more men who aren't incredibly attractive become actors because of their skills, where as women are pretty much required to be attractive - regardless of whatever sort of skill they have.

This is a discussion I've always found interesting. Kotori's point about the larger history is well taken, but so is yours, Bisex. It feels as though there's more emphasis now on looks in men than there used to be. Consider the whole "metrosexual" thing, for example. I doubt there's parity, but then I think of lots of examples of men who are known for their looks and who, were they ugly, might not have been quite so successful. George Clooney and Bruce Willis come to mind. I like both of them, but I think they get a lot of attention--or used to--for their looks.

I know as a man I feel a lot of pressure to appear as attractive, superficially, as I can. That's probably as much vanity as anything, but it does exist. I can remember a kid I used to work, a beautiful little boy with a smile that lit up the room, with who got a lot of accolades until one of the staff pointed out that if he looked like this other kid who was ugly, he wouldn't be getting the rewards. We looked at records of his behavior, and it turned out to be true. His looks and charm had blinded a lot of us.

So it happens, I guess. I think you're right though, that the balance is tipped toward female appearance.

 

[Norajane]

Yup. Being just 5 feet tall, I tend to always wear some sort of heels when I go out. I'll only wear sneakers when I'm running. And you're right...we're more likely to be described as cute or pretty rather than beautiful. At least that's been my experience.

At least you get cute and pretty. A tall woman who isn't skinney doesn't get cute, pretty, or beautiful - horsey and Amazon, maybe.

 

[buzzerbern]

womens beauty

A womens beauty is in her presence her being the way she looks at you, are her eyes warm do they reassure you, if only her physical looks attract you, the essence and soul you will never know, the pleasure of being one in unison you will have missed, you will then truly be a sad bastard.

 

[TWB]

Seriously, there are a good deal of books written on this subject, "fat is a feminist issue," etc. Lots of interesting stuff. It used to be that it was just women who were objectified this way, but I see more and more men falling prey to the same largely unattainable ideal.

 

[Badd Leroy]

Yup. Being just 5 feet tall, I tend to always wear some sort of heels when I go out. I'll only wear sneakers when I'm running. And you're right...we're more likely to be described as cute or pretty rather than beautiful. At least that's been my experience.

I LOVE tiny women!!! Probably due to the fact that I'm not a very tall guy lol.. 5'7"... What I don't understand is why petite woman seem to need to be with HUGE guys !!.. 6'2 plus !???. What's wrong with someone in the same atmospheric zone ??

 

[BustyJ]

Wow...your boobs are bigger than your head.


Um, thanks? I'm pretty proud of them.