BlogHer - body image - Comments

Ms. Manners Always Taught..

DeeNigma — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:09:01 -0500

You know that moment when someone says: 'you look great' and your immediate response isn't 'thanks' but some version of an apology for your hips, stomach, hair, lone pimple, etc.?

Well, I once read that the only acceptable response to a compliment is 'thank you' and that stuck with me.

We are so programmed to be more humble that it just becomes easier to find something wrong. You like my hair? Well, first let me tell you how unruly it is! I think it's something we perfect in our junior high school days, then just forget to fix later.

Now, while I love the idea of a whole week devoted to positive affirmations - imagine how awesome it would be to be so comfortable in our own skins that we would need a break from the constant self-love? Now that's something to strive for, huh?

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

Strength in numbers

Suzanne Reisman — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 07:13:29 -0500

It's true that there are strength in numbers, and that's also what makes the campaign more beautiful. Whether you participate or not, I'm sure that you'll look great, too! Thanks for supporting the idea.

Suzanne Reisman, Contributing Editor - Feminism & Gender Campaign for Unshaved Snatch (CUSS) & Other Rants

This idea is awesome, but I

BeingCarly — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:50:04 -0500

This idea is awesome, but I don't know if I'm brave enough...I suppose if others are willing to get the ball rolling, I'll join in. Strength in numbers!

Carly

p.s. You look great!!!!!!

-----------------

http://shrinkingthebooty.blogspot.com

I grew up an only child

roonag — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:42:01 -0500

I grew up an only child raised by two loving and responsible parents who were not ashamed of their occasional nakedness around me. I did not like to shower alone, and until as late as age 8 or 9 I would share showers with either my mother or father. My parents were not "nudists" and their nudity around me was confined to the shower and changing only.

I'm sure most people would not take second thought to a girl who showers with her mom, but there are those who might read this and think that a girl showering with her dad might be a little creepy. Well, from experience I can state that as long as all parties are comfortable, it is a perfectly natural and wholesome experience. In no way did my father ever act in a sexual or abusive way.

Admittedly, when a young girls stands at eye level with a grown man's genitals, some curiosity will ensue. Usually, my father would not take notice of the fact that we were naked together. Sometimes I would ask questions like "Why don't girls have a penis?" or "what are your balls for?" My father was very matter of fact in his responses. I never felt embarrassed or ashamed, but rather very comforted. I enjoyed being nude with either of my parents without feelings of over stimulation. There was never any touching or other contact.

By adolescence, my desire for privacy increased. Nudity amongst the three of us became less frequent. I am glad that my parents were comfortable. I feel that I can have a view of the human body as beautiful without being overtly sexual.

Flickr - Good Idea

alyssaroyse — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:59:30 -0500

Suzanne - either a Facebook or a Flickr group is a great idea! I think facebook - as a Fan Page, not a group - might work best because people can post photos and links to their blog entries if they have them.... But Flickr is an easy upload for people. Let me know if you need help with either, but I think it's a great idea. (Maybe even a wordpress blog that allows people to post photos and teasers to their stories....)

I know I've gotten great feedback on the one I wrote, I'd love to see more.

____________

Alyssa Royse

Just Cause It: A Web Site To Save The World

READ the magazine http://www.zinio.com/justcause

flickr group?

twesely — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:23:43 -0500

or maybe create a flickr group to post the photos?

i love this post and it hits home as i am trying to come to terms with my post-baby body.

Swimsuit on blog

njgeiger — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:01:04 -0500

Um, me in a swimsuit doesn't really go with any of my blog themes. Can I put it on Facebook? :)

Nancy

http://teachingsundayschool.blogspot.com

http://www.abridescookbook.com

http://www.givitup.com

http://onlinestoregivitup.blogspot.com

Thanks for supporting the Brigade!

Suzanne Reisman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:01:09 -0500

We are not the only ones asking for honest photos. A Wall Street Journal has a blog post <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2009/09/22/should-retouched-fashion-photos-carry-warning-labels/">asking whether retouched photos should carry warning labels</a>. Hell's yeah! But it's not enough to just let people know that the image is fake, since the picture is still out there in people's minds. We need counter photos!

Suzanne Reisman, Contributing Editor - Feminism & Gender
Campaign for Unshaved Snatch (CUSS) & Other Rants

Photos and Pontifications, Full Exposure - OH MY!

alyssaroyse — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:37:08 -0500

Okay darling(s), here are my thoughts on the matter. And bathing suit photo. OY! Suzanne, you're a rockstar for getting this going.... I'll try to spread the word. ! :)

____________

Alyssa Royse

Just Cause It: A Web Site To Save The World

READ the magazine http://www.zinio.com/justcause

It's a process. You'll get

womenonthefence — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:29:34 -0500

It's a process. You'll get better and better with practice. Good luck! And be good to you!

xoxEDxox

Thanks for the post. Now I

sdombroski — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:26:01 -0500

Thanks for the post. Now I just have to keep reminding myself of the facts :-)

Treat yourself kindly

sassymonkey — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:04:35 -0500

Excellent advice and one of the best things that anyone can do for themselves.

Sassymonkey and Sassymonkey Reads.

You Are a Brave and Beautiful Woman

Sarah — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:44:36 -0500

Great, great post Suzanne. I wish I had the guts to post a picture of myself like this.

I also wish I could find my bathing suit.

BlogHer Contributing Editor, Sports and Fitness
Sarah and the Goon Squad
Draft Day Suit

After my own heart

MommyWriter — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:58:16 -0500

I would need at least 1000 words to tell you how close to my heart the issues of body image & comfort in one's own skin is! But for now I'll settle for short & sweet.....

You look beautiful. And I find the fact that you are ACTIVELY trying to make sure there are REAL pictures out there.

I don't even own a swim suit due to the fact that I haven't been to the beach or pool for years. But I'll be putting un-altered pictures online & linking here.

-Dominique Ambassador for Christ.Wife.Mother.Black Woman.Freelance Writer.

Beautiful Honesty

pigtailpals — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:29:56 -0500

I love this so much I'm actually a little teary. I teach swim lessons two days a week, so I'm always in my suit. As I am teaching kids a life saving skill, I don't really ever think about what I look like. I'm also the only swim teacher who does cannonballs, so they all love me no matter what. But I will admit, after having my son, I was self-conscious because my normally strong, athletic body was quite out of shape (rather brutal birth left me unable to work out for 6 months). I always joke that after my son, my bikini-modeling days are over....except maybe for one last photo shoot....

I LOVE this idea and am going to share it on my company's Facebook page (also where I will post my pic). My company is about Redefining Girly, and your Swimsuit Brigade does just that! Your bikini picture is very cute, but it is your honesty I find breathakingly beautiful!

Melissa Wardy

Pigtail Pals, LLC

www.pigtailpals.com