Body image and body confidence

[textivore]

Ok, finally getting around to this. I may have to break this up into multiple parts if the toddler wakes up

Comments

[ellipticcurve]

Don't forget about culture. We are all of us influenced by it, no matter how smart we are or how out of the mainstream we pride ourselves on being. I, personally, had the precipitous drop in self-esteem (especially related to math skills) during my early teen years--despite having strong and supportive parents and being in advanced math classes. I've never watched much TV and was a pop culture dropout from an early age (ask Jess!)--but I had still gotten and internalized the "girls can't do math" message.

Ahhh, the Puritan foundations of America... the gift that keeps on giving!

[textivore]

Oh yes, I'm quite aware that this culture affected me whether I noticed it at the time or not. But as pervasive as it is, it's harder to pick out particular sources for its effect. Trust me, I'll be getting into this more as I have quiet moments to reflect and type!

[weaktwos]

Yeah, I'm definitely not the sort that would feel comfortable in a nudist colony. But then again, I'm not necessarily comfortable just sitting around the house naked. Sure, reading in bed, no problem. But doing house chores, etc. or sitting on my vinyl drum throne is not conducive to nudity, imho, so aside from sleeping, I'm not naked.

However, I have no problem walking around the house naked. If someone is peaking through the window, they get what they get.

My mother is very sensitive to people seeing into her house, though. She likes windows shut tight so that no one can see her.

[undeep_thoughts]

Ooooh, what a difficult topic to start your self-introspection off with! I am continually amazed at the power culture and cultural expectations wields over us as individuals. Occasionally I weep for the days of yore when my body type was considered beautiful (I've seen the paintings! I know it's not just my imagination).

But I live now, and after so many years in this body, I just can't bring myself to give a rat's ass what society (in general) thinks about my body type. Which is why when I went to Hawaii this summer it was my pleasure to be the whitest, chunkiest person on Waikiki beach :) I wasn't going to let other people's expectations ruin my opportunity to have fun. And it was so much fun!

[textivore]

Just don't forget that your body type is still considered beautiful by plenty of individuals, whatever crap society shovels. And good for you for not letting the biases of others straightjacket you.

[kest]

I almost think you're lucky. I remember *exactly* what traumatic experiences (and yes, they were very up there on the scale of traumatic experiences) led to my body shame (or rather, paranoia) for many many years. Luckily I had a good understanding boyfriend in college who helped me out a lot with that, and now I'm still modest, but much better adjusted than I used to be.

[textivore]

Oh, in a lot of respects I think I am lucky. In a general sense, I think the crap boys get about their bodies is a lot more benign than what women get. And I know there are worse things than not knowing where you got your programming from...