Embrace each shape

In today’s age, we have many differences in our world. From art to sports, things vary greatly from one person to another, but all deserve respect. From Lil’ Wayne to Adele, Football to Ballet, and Salvador Dali to Vincent Van Gogh, all are severely different in style but are appreciated equally. These are only a few examples of hundreds of social acceptances we have known. But there is one difference that affects us more personally and causes stress, pain and sadness in our society.

Body appearance is one of the biggest topics in all forms of media and attacks us everyday. Why do we have many kinds of respect in the world but our physical body isn’t one of them? Both men and women are told to have a “perfect body type” but how can this physically be true? I want to write about how unjust and really idiotic people can be with how we perceive the human body. This is prevalent in all stages in life but especially in college, with many peer pressures and starting a new life away from home.

Although some people think that mostly girls are targeted for body figure, men are also pressured under society to have a certain form. I made sure to mention men because they are usually known as soulless creatures that only want girls with certain desirable assets. This is a lie, because girls can be just as ruthless about judging men only on their physical appearance, rather than personality.

Men are depicted as strong, muscular, wide shouldered, and tall in most men’s magazines and publicity. In reality, most men in GQ work hours a day, take many supplements and are paid to be at the gym and look the way they do. Guys are constantly pressured to be “ladies men,” and unfortunately many men try to live that lifestyle.

Conversely, I believe the most attractive men are the ones that have the most confidence and act like a gentlemen. Of course, I have my preferences in the looks of guys-- it is impossible not to-- it is like everything else in the world that we have opinions on. But I don’t judge a man based on appearance; only after a couple minutes of talking to them do I make my decisions on what type of man he may be.

Although men have it tough, girls have a different situation all together. While men try to get big and strong, women are starving themselves to skin and bones in an effort to look better. The fashion industry has destroyed women’s self-esteem and knowledge on how we are supposed to be. The truth is that women were built to have curves, we are meant to have children, which is where our lovely hips come from.

I cannot understand why people think that the skinnier the better, while there are gorgeous girls who have shape to their body. Some women have sacrificed their wellbeing over their looks, starving themselves until they have an ideal body. Many young girls are not taught what a healthy body is supposed to be like, some are not meant to be skinny. Adele and Marilyn Monroe (one of my idols) are both famous women who are beautiful. Marilyn was a sex icon of her day and showed off her curves with confidence. I have some curves myself and can openly admit that someday I would love to be one of the tall skinny runway models. But at the end of the day, this is the body I have and I am thankful that I am healthy and happy.

I am not saying that we should all let ourselves go and not care; on the contrary, we should try hard at what our body is supposed to be like. With the proper eating habits and correct workout routine, we all can be at our body’s physical best, although even that may not make us look like models. We all have different shapes and sizes and we should embrace these.

If you are a man or woman and prefer a certain type of body attractions, that is perfectly fine; all I ask is that we accept those other types as well. If someone has curves, realize that they are beautiful too. If a guy is shorter than you prefer, realize that he is the perfect size for someone else and may be a wonderful person to get to know. What would be perfectly ideal is for people to educate themselves on the human body, so we can better understand how our body is supposed to be. Do not starve yourself; embrace your body’s shape, and appreciate others. Remember that confidence can be one of the most attractive attributes.

Holland is a senior majoring in Apparel Retail Merchandise and Design.