The skinny on being skinny

[paddy_cakes]

This topic is nothing new. Western culture has been idolizing the skinny body image for well over 20 years. Do you remember Twiggy? I don't, but I was not born the decade she gained widespread fame, the 70s. For those interested see: http://www.swinginchicks.com/twiggy.htmRead more... )

Comments

[kuni_bob]

You know what my stance is on female bodies. Big hips and thighs...nummy!

What I find odd is that I'm attracted to woman my size or larger, but I'm never thin enough for my own standards. Even when I was 115 lb, which is far too low for my build. Where do these pressures come from? Partly my family, I know. My family is far too obsessed with how the world views them.

At any rate, these things tend to come in cycles. Twiggy, then Cindy Crawford, then Kate Moss, and now Jennifer Lopez...I think it's safe to say that we're heading into another 80's-style "curvaceous woman" ideal. Thank god.

(Oddly enough, sometimes the stick-thin look can look gorgeous on people for whom it's proportional, but that's an exception rather than a rule.)

[centerlightpop]

I agree about the curvaceous ideal - look at Beyonce, now that's an ass.

[centerlightpop]

Another thought to consider... I don't think it's the slim build that attracts men for any instinctual reason. I think the opposite... those instincts regarding fertility and procreation are the real reason why, no matter how many twiggys or kate mosses or mary kate olsens rise to stardom, the size 12 woman with wide hips and a tummy still has relatively little trouble getting a date. No matter how much media warps and controls us, it can't beat nature, which tells us deep down that wide hips equal a wife that won't die in childbirth.

[paddy_cakes]

I agree that biologically/instinctively hips and curves cannot be beaten. Raising a child can be difficult enough without losing your wife in the process! I'm sure that's one of the factors for why many women feel inadequate with smaller breasts. Breasts are a very front and present sign of fertility and maternity. Personally, the only thing about breasts that turns me off (and sends me running for the hills) is breasts that are too large or at least disproportionately so. Hello neck and back strain!

I recall watching a Sex TV episode where one behavioural 'sexpert' speculated that large breasts (especially when pressed together) are an instinctive visual trigger for the butt and therefore big sturdy hips and a strong pelvis (for thrusting & child birth). I'm not sure I completely agree, however I wouldn't discount it.

[centerlightpop]

I wish I could make a living as a "sexpert"

[paddy_cakes]

Just sexify your writing style and content!