Mirror Mirror...

[Corine]

To all fellow human beings out there who treat their mirrors as a malevolent enemy.

To a certain extent, issues with body image are a response to existing social perceptions, perceptions that often push people to hate their physical forms and induce them to crave the hitherto mythical "perfect body". Let's not forget, this ideal "perfect figure" is not an absolute but a relative notion. Like most socio-cultural phenomenon, it too has been forged by the minds of our contemporaries. So, my point is, if you have to endorse a belief/notion propagated by someone of the same socio-cultural status, why not make it your own?

In many of my forays into GAG.com, amongst other spheres, I have come across people, men and women alike, who suffer acutely from low self-esteem stemming from dissatisfaction with their bodies. Most of the time it is implicit and well under the surface, but it does show through at times. While it is laudable to lead a disciplined lifestyle, it would not do to forget that there does exist a line of difference, however fine, between leading a disciplined way of life and selling oneself completely to popular opinions simply to fit in and be somebody else's idea of "attractive".

So, people, do not do yourself the injustice of moulding yourself to accommodate social stereotypes and please someone else's objectifying gaze.

For there is no greater beauty than that of individuality.

[multilevel]

Extremely well choosen topic and superbly presented. Loved the way of writing as well. I do agree people shouldn't try to be so called "perfect" , but what if someone isn't even average and way different body wise than even a common normal person? I do agree that one shouldn't always obsess over this fact that he is not what a common normal person on the street is , but it does effect his self esteem and self worth!

[Corine]

Thank you. *bows*

[Corine]

See, that is exactly what I'm aiming at. Maybe its time we changed our perception of what is "normal".

[multilevel]

So, is it easy to not to feel odd if you aren't even as good as an average common person? As in MOST men aren't overly hairy and so it isn't common and normal if you end up being that way!

[Spiorad_Aisce]

Very well said - I don't have much to add to your excellent premise.

[Corine]

Thank you.

[IceEverest]

I thought about the movie Mirror Mirror lol

[Corine]

*chuckle*

[IceEverest]

Yes literally. I watched it today on tv... so it was fresh in mind

[Corine]

I suppose such a connection wouldn't be too far-fetched, considering the film, and the fairy tale, are both related to physical beauty.