Monday, November 17, 2008

Adios, Barbie

I'm sick, so you'll have to excuse the utter lameness of this post. I was going to write a lengthy review of a website I came across recently, Adios Barbie. But my head feels fuzzy, so you should just go check it out for yourself. The website promotes healthy female body images, and is pretty cool.

Although I do disagree in how the site leans more toward the view that curves are always fabulous, no matter what, which I think can sometimes turn into a an excuse to not take care of your body. I feel that a curvy woman who makes nutritious diet and exercise choices is darn sexy. But completely neglecting your health in the name of revolutionizing western physical feminine ideals just seems irresponsible and even a little bit lazy. I'm not saying that every woman has to be a body builder, but maintaining a minimum of physical activity in addition to a steady diet is in our best interests. We'll be strong, feel strong, and be better able to lead energized lives. And it's just an extra special bonus that we'll look lovelier, too. Let's take care of the skins we inhabit, ladies, and then use them to change the world!

1 comment:

  1. I have to disagree here. I seriously doubt that anyone would say "Oh, it's beautiful to be curvy now? That's great, now I can go eat 37 cheeseburgers and the world will still think I'm pretty."Instead, by celebrating all body types, women feel better about themselves, self esteem is improved, and they may feel motivated to take better care of themselves. In other words, If you love your body, regardless of it's size, won't you be more likely to take care of it? If you are told that you are too fat and unhealthy and that because of this, you are in no way pretty, well, to be honest, that sounds less like motivation and more like clearing a path for depression or something worse, which won't help matters. In any case, the reality is that the western standards of beauty aren't likely to change anytime soon, so really, it's kind of a moot point.

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"I am glad you are here with me."
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King