Looking at How We Look at Bodies
Body Image, just the two words throw me for a bit of a loop. Let me start by saying a few things: First, much of my views of body image come via listening to friends, girls I’ve coached, and former youth. This means that I am speaking third person regarding some specifics, so I’ll try to stick to my experiences and the broader societal things that seem to cross many of the stories I’ve been privileged to be part of. Secondly, I will probably focus the majority of this on Female body image, not because we guys don’t have pieces as well, but ours is less societal and less damaging overall. That being said, I do have body image issues. I no longer have ultra-defined calves or my dancer’s butt and my diabetes has left me a bit out of shape in my own mind. Finally, recognize that even if you agree to everything societal I present here, you really need to listen to the specific stories of those in your life and act to change the world based both on knowledge and empathy. Back when I w
