Body SANDards

Once upon a time, all genders, races, and body types were accurately represented. Oh wait. That has never happened. Never. Even today, the era of plus size and curves, there are too many mis- and unrepresented. The fashion and toy industry has missed everyone between a size 4-12, and a few ethnic groups. The rhetoric surrounding the two more common body types is empowering to them, and I honestly believe that it is well deserved. No body should feel ashamed. But there are no words to describe those in the middle of the spectrum. Those categorized as plus-sized are called curvy and confident, while those with skinnier bodies have the perfect body. So us in the middle only have those two types of bodies to look at. Prager said it best: "There are millions of women who are subliminally sure that a thirty-nine-inch bust...are the epitome of lovability" (335), and it's all thanks to society. The only thing that needs to be updated there is the fact that some women now think that curves are the "epitome of lovability." But it's not just women that are subjected to this; men too are contorted in ads and toys making little boys think that they have to grow up with an 8-pack and chiseled everything.

It's about time

It makes me feel more "sane", like Prager, to know that a "woman didn't design Barbie" (354). But what about the models we see in magazines and stores. The CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch is a man, yet they probably have some of the most unattainable and unrealistic body standards printed on their bags. At one point, they did the equivalent of placing a pink elephant in front of their store and put shirtless men with "perfect" features to lure consumers into their trap. I guess this proves my point wrong. There are men who look like that, but the majority doesn't. These ads and toys make it seem like the majority are white, tall, built, and everything else that comes to your mind when you think of Abercrombie and Fitch advertisements.

Jesus Christ, it shouldn't be that hard to represent a wide demographic. This is America.

It's super cool