Girls, agree or disagree: nobody can perfect and not everybody is beautiful, but everybody can be beautiful?

[AliceGregory]

Okay, so a lot of people have talked about how social media sets such a ridiculously high standard of beauty and it causes a lot of women to have a bad relationship with their self-image. But on the other hand, you have the whole-body positivity movement which is meant to show that most women don't look like what you see on IG. However, I think it's gone a bit too far by saying that "every body is a beautiful body".

I disagree and while I'm against bullying or shaming people for certain lifestyle choices, I don't think we should be putting them on a pedestal. Yeah, I get it, body positivity is showing "normal" women but being normal doesn't necessarily mean being right and given the prevalence of obesity in our society, we shouldn't be saying being normal is being OK. The main problem with social media isn't that it sets a high standard; it's that it sets a standard that's unattainable for the majority of us. While pretty much everyone can be in as good shape as IG models, most of us don't have the genetics that will give us that perfect figure once should we get into top shape.

Instead of showing what the average woman is like to counter the harmful impacts, of social media, we should instead show what every woman can be. What I mean is that we should be putting women who are fit but still have the flaws that most of us are born with. That would set a high BUT attainable standard and encourage women to get in shape. At the same time, less would fuss over all the little flaws we can't do anything about.

[Crimsyjo]

I agree too. Body image is so bad in mostly girls and women due to TV and social media.

I also know that a certain level of obese is NOT normal. But it's a super tricky area. Because yes a lot of women should try not to get obese or be helped to reduce obesity rather than be told its ok. BUT not everyone is obese just from lack of control and diet. And not everyone can lose weight enough to be classed as "normal".

And what is normal? Do you think a woman with a flat tummy is normal? Or is a more rounded one normal? What about mummy tummies?

I agree more different shapes and sizes should be showcased as beautiful. Which I think the positivity movement is about. The bigger bigger women tho.. it's kinda hard for them to say "we are promoting different body shapes but your excluded"

My daughters are teenage, perfect figures and both massively self conscious about their bodies. Honestly, my own bias aside, both have been told they could be models. My oldest when she was a kid. My 2nd daughter now is tall and slim. But she covers herself in baggy clothes because teachers keep making me send her doctor thinking she's underweight and telling her she's too skinny! I hate it! She's lucky the way she is.

My other daughter is not so tall (5'2 at 18) but has perfect hour glass figure.

Myself.. I was normal growing up. People said "skinny" but I think just normal. Then due to two pregnancies and an abusive relationship in my 30's I put on huge amount of weight. I've lost a lot and toned up since then but I will never be "skinny" or flat tummy or "normal" even like in the pictures you post. I don't get called fat tho (only some people on here) and I attract lots of guys who seem to like my body as it is. Surprised me but helped me accept guys don't only go for IG looking women. In fact I sleep with guys around 20 years old who tell me they like my body better than gals their own age...

Comes back to what's normal? I think going back to Greek and Roman times the more motherly shape was considered beautiful... ?

Sorry this ended up long!

[thegreenyogi]

I agree with what you say and it's precisely the reason why I came off social media platforms months ago.

[thegreenyogi]

Thank you!

[Dela_99]

Being obese is okay in my opinion its not an indication of health and the obsession with women’s weight causes a lot of ED that is at least my experience

[Chloe1225]

A lot not just social media and tv, but at home growing up having “keep up” with my sister , cousin, mom. The locker room.