With the talk of body positivity at an all-time high, it’s time to address the political battleground that is the human form.
In an era where the phrase “body positivity” is thrown around more than confetti, it’s high time we unpack the baggage that comes with the so-called celebration of our ‘human vessels’. The concept that came up as an apparent beacon of self-love and acceptance, has now morphed into a political battleground where societal norms, gender expectations, and well-intentioned fitness influencers collide, often leaving one struggling to overlap ideas of their perceived and ideal selves.
As the discussion about embracing imperfections reaches an all-time high, it’s essential to put on our metaphorical hard hats and navigate through the construction site of modern body discourse.
The Holy Gendering
In the sacred scriptures of societal norms, our bodies have been consistently gendered. It’s like we’re all walking, talking about LEGO sets, just waiting for someone to pick the right pieces. Because, of course, if you don’t fit into the prescribed gender roles, you risk the wrath of the Gender Police, armed with glitter-infused tickets for non-compliance.
And who can forget the age-old debate: Should temples be designated male or female? Is it a yoga studio or a man cave? A spa or a she-shed? The struggle, my friends, is real.
Our bodies, within the context of societal norms, have long been subject to gendering, likened to customizable figures awaiting societal approval. This touches upon the broader topics of gender roles and identity.
Body Positivity or Body Politricks?
Let’s break down the ever-trendy concept of body positivity. It’s like the Instagram of self-love – filtered, curated, and not always as genuine as it seems. Embrace your stretch marks, they say. Love your cellulite, they say. But when every billboard for fitness, when every underwear model, when every ‘self care’ brand photoshops their models how does one embrace something that is clearly seen as a flaw. What about the stretch marks on my patience and the cellulite on my tolerance for unsolicited body advice?
For more on this, explore Beauty Myths Debunked.
My Body is a Temple… Of Political Discourse
In the grand arena of politics, our bodies come across as pawns in the game of power. It’s not about personal choice; it’s about who can legislate the best dress code for your temple. Because, you know, nothing says freedom like having someone else decide what you can and cannot do with your own sacred space. And they do so in a way blatantly disguised as choice. Where is the choice when we are all drowning in the capitalism of what will better promote our ability to love our bodies.
So, as we navigate this complex landscape of gendering, body positivity, and political body discourse, let us remember, our bodies may be ‘temples’ but the onus of loving yourself is not entirely yours. We cannot bring about change while screaming at people to love themselves in a system that actively works against the very idea of being at peace with who you are.