The shrinking game...

Is'nt it amazing? Times have changed, the world has moved foward but the archetypal woman's fixation with self-image has morphed into a constant conflict of ideals. Back in the days when tools of beauty were only available to the upper crust of the society various tactics were incorporated to make a lady appear slender waisted ,like the onslaught of the corset. This particular undergarment tied tight around a woman's body not only covered her from breast to waist but pretty much sucked the very life out of her. As a result many of the women that insisted on this endeavour looked like they had a surgical rod stuck on to their backs, similar to corsets that were made specially for women with back problems. Fast foward to the current times and you have similar under-garb that claims to cling to a woman's curves and help her look an inch or two thinner. The only improvement to this innovation was the type of fabrics used in their manufacture; fabrics made to help the skin breathe.

But quite frankly i think women did get a reprieve around the 70's where the 'burn your bra' concept helped break some of the myths about looks and image. But this was short lived and since then our battle with weight issues, health, looks and body image have been intertwined and has only gotten worse.

These days you can't tun on the TV and not have at least one commercial about a weight-loss plan or a diet pill that can zap the pounds in months. What we viewers never get to see clearly is the fine print at the bottom of the ad that'll always warn you that 'these results are not typical....' That probably because the images on the screen work their way into our minds and if you are someone with problems with your image you get suckered right into it.
I must add that for those who are on the big side due to bad eating habits,heredity or lack of exercise these sort of programs might actually be good for them , but everything is case sensitive.

The most disturbing aspect of this issue i find is that in the pursuit of the ideal size the extent to which some of us are willing to go. I mean ,talking specifically about eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia which is rampant amongst teenagers ad young adults. They are the biggest victims of how images flashed on TV, magazines and movies influence how they feel about themselves. Whether its here in the United States or anywhere i think people in the entertainment industry need to start taking responsibility for the images they portray to young people. I'm very impressed with the efforts of celebrities like Kate Winslet, Beyonce and Jamie-Lyn Sigler who come out into open and talk about self-image issues and pass on the message that its good to be happy in your own skin.

As women we go through alot of changes with the way we look, dress, behave as the years go by. Its' good to re-invent yourself when you feel it time for a difference in your life. Whether it is a new hairdo,hair colour,new wardrobe or dressing up just to feel pretty, its important to understand that embracing your inner beauty is the first step to being a truly liberated women. I only hope that with time, the love of family, the warmth of friendships and feeling of oneness with one's Venus within will the shrinking game and the quest for a size god-knows-what come to a tapering finish.