I've had something weighing on my mind for the past few days and I felt like today - International Day of The Girl Child - was the right time to share my thoughts.
I'm very passionate about helping females develop a positive body image - especially female athletes. I've got a long way to go but I refuse to give up. There is no escaping the fact that female athletes are objectified. Female athletes do not deserve to be judged, shamed and sexualized. A female athlete's looks should not override the celebration of her athletic ability.
Far too many girls (and women) feel they can't be happy and accepted because they don't have an "ideal" body. Females have learned to see themselves as a collection of body parts - stomach, butt, breasts, legs, thigh, arms - none of which relates to who they are as a human being or what they have to offer as people.
The media has brainwashed our perception of beauty. It's becoming increasingly difficult to raise healthy, happy and confident girls as our society is fixated on beauty. And more than ever, beauty is defined as small, toned or lean. Even though it's impossible to achieve the so-called "perfect" body depicted in the media, females continue to diet, exercise and shame themselves to meet the impossible standards created by the media.
How often do you see a magazine or media site objectifying the female body? Compare photos and articles of male and female athletes and you will almost always see the athlete first, body second when it comes to men and the opposite when it comes to women. In other words, the media loves to prioritize sex appeal over strength and performance - especially of female athletes for its male viewers. And if the magazine has a predominantly male audience, there's more of a chance that the highlighted female athlete is in a suggestive pose or clothing. Male athletes are rarely sexualized with anything more than their shirt off. Showing a female athlete who is almost nude not only degrades the athletes' accomplishments and self-esteem but can pressure athletes into an unhealthy obsession with body image, which can have negative effects on psychological well-being.
Glorifying unattainable standards of the body of a female athlete can negatively impact the self-esteem of women - especially young female athletes.
I'm all for female athletes feeling comfortable in their own skin, especially when it is done in a way that the athlete feels empowered and confident. I love wearing a sports bra when I run because it makes me feel comfortable. But I know I don't need a six-pack to feel comfortable while running. And my butt and legs will never be free of jiggle.
How often do you see a magazine or media site objectifying the female body? Compare photos and articles of male and female athletes and you will almost always see the athlete first, body second when it comes to men and the opposite when it comes to women. In other words, the media loves to prioritize sex appeal over strength and performance - especially of female athletes for its male viewers. And if the magazine has a predominantly male audience, there's more of a chance that the highlighted female athlete is in a suggestive pose or clothing. Male athletes are rarely sexualized with anything more than their shirt off. Showing a female athlete who is almost nude not only degrades the athletes' accomplishments and self-esteem but can pressure athletes into an unhealthy obsession with body image, which can have negative effects on psychological well-being.
Glorifying unattainable standards of the body of a female athlete can negatively impact the self-esteem of women - especially young female athletes.
I'm all for female athletes feeling comfortable in their own skin, especially when it is done in a way that the athlete feels empowered and confident. I love wearing a sports bra when I run because it makes me feel comfortable. But I know I don't need a six-pack to feel comfortable while running. And my butt and legs will never be free of jiggle.
Sexual objectification is nothing new - you see it every day. An ad/photo featuring an athlete without showing her head or face reduces that athlete to nothing more than body parts. Overconsumption of these images can create the subconscious thought that you are being judged on your looks alone.
Objectification is what makes young girls (and women) feel the need to look perfect. Social media fuels insecurities.
How can you help young girls (and yourself) learn that a body image should not dominate sense of self-worth?
- If you are unhappy with your own body, it is likely to rub off on to others. Girls get much of how they feel about their own body from their mothers. Show body acceptance, appreciation and comfort from what your body allows you to do.
- Meals should be a happy time - eating should be about fuel, nourishment and pleasure. Be mindful of what you say (and think) when you are eating.
- It's ok if you don't love everything about your body but you should be kind to yourself. You are also allowed to be confident, even if you don't like something about your appearance.
- Exercise because of how it feels, not because of how you think it will make your body look.
- Enjoy your sexuality but remember that you are more than an image.
Curves, stretch marks, cellulite, body fat, freckles and wrinkles are nothing to be ashamed of.
You are not an object.