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RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 5:08:53 AM

pahunkboy

Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline

well since all tootheless ppl are stupid- on that i feel lesser. even tho nearly everyone -well many need dantal work.

1st thing i notice on a person is their age, and the complection- a healthy person will glow-

i tend to hmm, discount, alot of people. it is disturbing how many young will cheat in school like- this carries over to real life when we service eachother.

i dont go by fashion, but that is easier being male in the boonies. i still tho beleive in clean proper fitting clothes...if anything i have grown more modest on that,

most of all- societies general indulgance in sugar, corn syrup, saturated fats, well- that reaks of being hypmotized by the commercials. in fact- phone calls to cutomer service are excercises in hypnosis.

on the flip side I view my refusal of the garbage diet as a plus on me- conducive to a glowing complexion, better immune system, and disappearance of love handles. :-) in that regard- i rock.

(in reply to aviinterra)

Post #: 21

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 5:33:02 AM

LadyEllen

Posts: 10931
Joined: 6/30/2006
From: Stourport-England
Status: offline

NG made an interesting comment on his thread about the research into depression drugs. he said something along the lines of "people today are encouraged to feel anxious and down and to regard this as a normal state of being". I can agree with that - the consumer culture we have drives those feelings through its advertising and messages with the simultaneous message being "you can be happy, if only you buy our product/service".

And I think this applies to body image too - we are encouraged to believe that we are imperfect, and that only if we wear this style, use this cream, lose weight on this programme etc, can we be happy. And most importantly, that our imperfection is what is causing our unhappiness and making others treat us in a less than desirable manner.

The problem for us, and the boon of the consumer culture though is, that none of us are perfect and never can be. If we realise this then we can also realise that our perfection lies in our own minds - accepting ourselves as perfect variations on the human form, and that our happiness lies in a similar place - contentment that we are in as good a place as we can be.

As a TS I get funny looks from psychologists when I say that overall I'm happy with my body - I'm not meant to say that still less to believe it. Yes, there are things I'd like to change, and the arthritis isnt nice but its under control, but I have a healthy, functioning body which does almost everything I'd like it to do, including looking female! As such I dont fit in with most, who hate their bodies, which is what I'm meant to do too. But I know that regardless of the other factors, I'm damned lucky to have this body. A few hours with those not so fortunate is a very convincing experience.

E

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In a test against the leading brand, 9 out of 10 participants couldnt tell the difference. Dumbasses.

(in reply to pahunkboy)

Post #: 22

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 5:39:14 AM

Kalista07

Posts: 4240
Joined: 7/1/2007
Status: offline

Call me stupid.........Call me shallow.........Call me vain............... What have You.........However, i know i'm influenced by the media perception of what a "beautiful" woman looks like. Sadly, i know i'm not that and probably will never be. i'm also self aware enough to realize that i'm not happy with my own body.....

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“Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it.”
~~Sweedish Proverb

(in reply to LadyEllen)

Post #: 23

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 6:30:49 AM

pahunkboy

Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline

...i recall a cari bought in 1988. old clunker $100. then i seen in the mall- a blouse- $300. very little material.

even today as a male when i shop- the sizes are all wrong. im 5 8 -average build- and i have to wacth the sizes. much of it is tiny.
t-shirts i get large- which is the old medium.

we come to confuse consumpition with living. ok- ild rather have too much food that isnt eaten. my body is precious- i need thise vessel for 50 more years. so- knowing i eat "some" junk food i buy it. however- i ask myself am i tuned up A+ ?   i throw cake, breads, away.... actually i toss it in the yard for the birds. even whole wheat - and i dont mean brown. i mean WHOLE wheat, 4 slices a day is less damaging of bleached wheat. same 4.

being a car culture... i wish i would excercise and meditate.last night before bed- i actually read abit. mind you- no radio- no tv, in the bedroom. i only sleep in that room. nothing else. i use the guest br for sex. [less sheets to clean that way- and less chance of crabs]

the body is a temple... not a mall. not a amusement park. and the % it is that is determined more and more by me the peon. i choose to choose.

simmilliarly- while i have movie channels- i view time as- it can have 1 most value at any moment. so- i dont want to live a tv set. less the 4hours a day.   my life has more value then a squualk box.

nor will i go to all you can eat buffets. my body has more value then a cattle troff herd.

silence is golden. i am considering ear plugs to keep on me. in stores the speaker is too loud.. looking up record at courthouse i found it rude a cell phone call over a late movie rental. gag me. libraries are not quiet. and folks have no regard.

i have lost discipline. i want it. iild like to do yoga, meditate. and excercise..... but am lazy.

ye shall reap whatcha sow.

the world before us is- problematic.
i hate that word.

(in reply to Kalista07)

Post #: 24

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 11:41:51 AM

lusciouslips19

Posts: 9792
Joined: 9/8/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: aviinterra

Oh man were those corsets beautiful and painful at the same time. But it is an often overlooked fact that men wore those same corsets also in those times. Actually, men have worn corsets ( then called stays ) all the way back to the 1500s under the doublet ( which itself was boned usually ), letting go of the infernal contraption only for the 18th century, when they all had fans and wanted to be more colorful than the girls. :) Figure shape changes with the times, for both sexes, and if skinny is in now, big boned will be in within a few years or two decades.

What we all do for beauty. Women use to faint. Not only because all those layers of clothes were sot hot but also because they could not breathe adequately.

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(in reply to aviinterra)

Post #: 25

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 11:49:43 AM

SugarMyChurro

Posts: 1912
Joined: 4/26/2007
Status: offline

Here's a visual history of the female body in art (could have been much better, but here it is anyway):
http://www.healthbolt.net/2006/12/27/a-short-history-of-the-ideal-female-body/

Here's an amazon listing for a book that explores curvier female forms in art history also (this is a favorite book of mine, and I own the original release):
http://www.amazon.com/Zaftig-Curves-Edward-St-Paige/dp/1883211174

Here's two Tamara de Limpicka nudes (which put the lie to Erte's absurd rail thin flapper types):
http://www.simondickinson.com/files/14c0ed51.jpg
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40135000/jpg/_40135031_lempicka_tunic300.jpg

Women were both shorter and sometimes more frail historically but that has more to do with nutrition than almost any other thing. That women are taller and sturdier now is a product of good eating and modern medicine. But the curvier woman was always the revered female ideal until the 20th century. I'd say the proof is in the history of art. Just look.

Myself, I guess I like a Renoir type of body: thick but not so I can count cellulite bumps. That's the 1880s Renoir era when women were supposed to be so corset thin. My guess is they weren't and had to squeeze into the fuckers just as women do now.

Here's a useful weight calculator:
http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm

I wouldn't worry about being on the lighter or heavier side of the recommended weights one finds there, it says: "Medical evidence suggests that all body weights within this range are reasonably equally healthy (for people of your height). Outside this range, health risks may occur."

I'd say a beautiful woman is both happy and healthy. That's really the final word on it.

P.S. Some might find the journal entry for 8/22/2007 "On the Beauty and Self-Esteem of the Female Slave" in my profile useful.

< Message edited by SugarMyChurro -- 2/28/2008 11:57:48 AM >

(in reply to pahunkboy)

Post #: 26

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 11:52:09 AM

mnottertail

Posts: 60698
Joined: 11/3/2004
Status: offline

Far as I am concerned that is why there was a word called Zoftig invented.

I want equipment that can take some hard, merciless fuckin' use.
And be up getting my food on the table after.

MingtheMerciless

_____________________________

Have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two? Judges 5:30

(in reply to SugarMyChurro)

Post #: 27

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 11:53:41 AM

RCdc

Posts: 8674
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin

With so much media influence about what is the ideal body image, I have to ask does this media lead ' body ideal ' bother you?

Are you happy with your body image or would you like to become the ideal image as is so often seen in the media ?

No it doesn't bother me and no I don't care about their ideal.
I am comfortable with my body image and I think I pretty much rock, but I would still like to have longer legs and I have a mummy tummy - but my feet are damn sexy and my breasts are the bomb.
I disagree with people who find plastic surgery and those that support it distasteful, OTT or wrong to like.
If you dye your hair, wear make up, have false nails, your performing some sort of modification to make yourself more attractive or comfortable in your own skin.

Obviously there are extremes, but in general -
'If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad.'
.sherylcrow.

the.dark.

< Message edited by Darcyandthedark -- 2/28/2008 11:54:44 AM >

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RC&dc

love isnt gazing into each others eyes - it's looking forward in the same direction

(in reply to Aneirin)

Post #: 28

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 11:54:35 AM

Aileen1968

Posts: 6062
Joined: 12/12/2007
From: I miss Shore, New Jersey
Status: offline

It's taken me about 40 years to finally get comfortable enough with my body to the point of not minding pictures taken of me, etc. I still hate being seen in a bathing suit, but that's just because I'm shy. I'd love to be about fifteen pounds thinner. That has nothing to do with any kind of media pressure. I just know that I look more attractive when I'm thinner.

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(in reply to Aneirin)

Post #: 29

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 11:56:27 AM

sweetwenchie

Posts: 1993
Joined: 4/19/2006
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin

With so much media influence about what is the ideal body image, I have to ask does this media lead ' body ideal ' bother you?

Are you happy with your body image or would you like to become the ideal image as is so often seen in the media ?

The media idea of the perfect female form does not bother me as much as it once did. While i still find it extremely difficult to see myself as others seem to, i no longer detest the body i have. In some ways i think going out and playing in public has really helped me get over the worst of my issues. No one has seen me naked at a party and turned green, no one has said anything negative at all, that in itself was quite freeing. Never will i undestimate the feeling of joy and freedom when i can slip off my robe in front of a roomfull of people and not think twice about my body's imperfections. The shyness factor still plays a part, and most likely always will, but i no longer feel unable to be proud of who and what i am.

Would i love to be some skinny little woman? Probably not, once upon a time i was skinny enough to have every bone in my body sticking out, it did not take long for me to realize that i had more dating offers when my body was more hourglass than ruler.

i rambled so much more than i thought i would i can only hope i actually answered your questions.

_____________________________

"To make oneself an object, to make oneself passive, is a very different thing from being a passive object." - De Beauvoir

"You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist." - Nietzsche

(in reply to Aneirin)

Post #: 30

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 12:42:58 PM

Bound2One

Posts: 614
Joined: 1/11/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin

With so much media influence about what is the ideal body image, I have to ask does this media lead ' body ideal ' bother you?

Are you happy with your body image or would you like to become the ideal image as is so often seen in the media ?

The media's 'ideal' body image does not bother me, personally. I need to lose some weight and get healthy, and am working on that, but it's not the media making me feel that way. I'm old enough to be very comfortable with my body, especially when in a loving, caring relationship which fosters my feelings of confidence.

I am concerned about how the media influences others, though. My 7yo UM was in gymnastics class the other day. She's maybe 40 pounds and little ... just the way she's built. There was another girl in class whose mother was watching her through the window and bemoaning that her little girl has gained some weight. Sure she was a bit thick around the middle, but she's 7 and just needs a growth spurt. She could run around and do everything like the other kids did .. yet this mom was worried about how her daughter looked. ::shudder::

< Message edited by Bound2One -- 2/28/2008 12:43:33 PM >

(in reply to Aneirin)

Post #: 31

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 12:44:40 PM

subtee

Posts: 5133
Joined: 7/26/2007
Status: offline

I'm definitely happier when I'm thinner and toned, which I'm sure has much to do with years (and years) of media-hyped body image messages. When I have the few extra lbs, I'm not content until I get them off.

The older I get, however, the less it is prevalent in my mind. I'm happier with who I am generally, no longer straining to change aspects of my personality or body. I used to not even wear a bra because, well we burned them and the girls would stay put anyway. Now I don't like going without one and I do wish they would go back to where they started, but not enough to alter anything. I just wear the bra and nobody gets hurt.

tee hee

_____________________________

Don't believe everything you think...

(in reply to Aneirin)

Post #: 32

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 1:08:37 PM

KatyLied

Posts: 13029
Joined: 2/24/2005
From: Pennsylvania
Status: offline

The old metabolism ain't what it used to be. I'm an average size 12. I'd rather be a slimmer size 10. I know that I look much better when I'm about 20 pounds lighter. At the present time I don't have the motivation to do the diet thing. I hope I can shed some of this winter weight over the summer.

< Message edited by KatyLied -- 2/28/2008 1:09:27 PM >

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(in reply to subtee)

Post #: 33

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 1:48:56 PM

fiestysubmissive

Posts: 5
Joined: 11/26/2007
Status: offline

Strangely, having lost 45lbs over the last few months (for health reasons mostly) - I find it's changed my 'body image' - prior to this I was relatively happy and confident with my body. Now I find I'm lacking in confidence, and overly self concious.

I am in no way as attractive as I was - what was large but firm (along with nice c-section scar and the now ledgendary overhang), is now wobbly and saggy and offensive to my eyes. For the first time in my life I'm considering cosmetic surgery to try and remedy some of it.

I've noticed that I'm viewed more positively by colleagues and others etc, which is somewhat insulting, I was always a nice and competent person!

I don't think this relates to the media lead issues....... other than the fact that it suggests there is a level of conditioning through the media that overwieght people are incompetent or unpleasant.

I would like to return to who I was, and if I didn't need the health benefits the weight loss has provided I would be stuffing my self silly!

(in reply to KatyLied)

Post #: 34

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 2:00:57 PM

Lumus

Posts: 5968
Joined: 9/16/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin

With so much media influence about what is the ideal body image, I have to ask does this media lead ' body ideal ' bother you?

Are you happy with your body image or would you like to become the ideal image as is so often seen in the media ?

The only thing I thought about my body type was that I could stand to actually put some muscle on. However, I gradually came to appreciate three things: that built muscle has to be maintained to keep the 'look', which is more effort than I care to invest in looks that will eventually pass anyways; that the muscle I do have is not obvious, which suits my personality rather well; and that I'm ectomorphic, meaning no matter how hard I worked at it, I would never appear 'sculpted' - just lean and wiry...which I am.

_____________________________

<Talk to educate; listen to learn.>

~ the other half of "L&L" ~

I have been dubbed the Rainmaker. Do not make me take your water for my tribe.

(in reply to Aneirin)

Post #: 35

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 2:16:48 PM

Pyrrsefanie

Posts: 1222
Joined: 9/18/2007
From: NEW HAMPSHAAAAAAH!
Status: offline

I've never considered myself attractive. I'm always surprised when somebody tells me I'm beautiful or sexy.

And for the most part I think it's because I just... don't look like other people. Maybe if I moved to Europe I'd fit in better, but it's not just the light skin and dark hair and dark eyes, it's my facial structure and my build. To me, all American-type girls look exactly alike. Then I stand next to them and I feel like singing that "one of these things just ain't like the other" song. My body image sucks because of that.

Even the "unusual" girls in the media that men flock to... they don't have the same features as me. So I never was able to consider myself beautiful by American standards. The curse of being only second-generation!!! I really don't blame the media so much as my heritage and always feeling like the odd woman out just by looking at the people around me.

(in reply to Aneirin)

Post #: 36

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 2:23:42 PM

dollparts85

Posts: 1233
Joined: 10/22/2006
From: NY
Status: offline

I think I look pretty good actually hehe but I'd love to lose weight and be able to wear clothes more my style and be in better physical shape and not so much pain all the time. It's totally not fair that thin girls can buy cute panties for like $5 but I gotta pay like $20+

(in reply to Pyrrsefanie)

Post #: 37

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 2:28:26 PM

Mystique567

Posts: 273
Joined: 6/11/2006
Status: offline

Before I got into the lifestyle I was a body snob, I was really hard on myself, I like so many others have always been bigger, not huge just not what people would call petite. I hid this with the right clothes and accessories.

I have met some of the most amazing people of all shapes and sizes, who have taught me that it is who I am on the inside that counts. I can run around naked and not worry that I have offended anyone because I am the best me I can be.

I do do the updates, hair makeup etc, because I like the way I can look when I do. I am a hairstlist so outer trappings are part of my profession, but I like very much to let my hair down and not have to worry about how I look as well.

(in reply to Lumus)

Post #: 38

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 2:39:30 PM

subtee

Posts: 5133
Joined: 7/26/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: dollparts85

I think I look pretty good actually hehe but I'd love to lose weight and be able to wear clothes more my style and be in better physical shape and not so much pain all the time. It's totally not fair that thin girls can buy cute panties for like $5 but I gotta pay like $20+

Wait...really? Weren't you the bulemic with 5 pages of posts trying to help you and that you treated rather poorly? That was yesterday, no? Today you like your body?

_____________________________

Don't believe everything you think...

(in reply to dollparts85)

Post #: 39

RE: Body Image - 2/28/2008 2:45:29 PM

dollparts85

Posts: 1233
Joined: 10/22/2006
From: NY
Status: offline

My bulimia is not about my body...it's about my anxiety and coping with it...I take sexy pics all the time...I love modeling lingerie for men...I think I look good, though my stomach really could be smaller (it gets in the way a lot) I see eating as a weakness...strong people don't need food. It's hard to explain...I don't completely understand it myself.

(in reply to subtee)

Post #: 40

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