Living in today’s world can be challenging for women, especially teenagers, as they search for their place in the world. But no matter our age group, all of us women share similar struggles, putting into question our body image and self-worth, while trying to figure out what our true life convictions are.
It is particularly challenging, given that the internet bombards us with images of what our bodies “should” look like and how they “should” be used. The value of our physical appearance makes the top of the list. All these images can be very confusing, overwhelming, and detrimental to our self-esteem.
Although we intuitively know better, we continue with our usual habit of scrolling through our phones daily, checking our various social media accounts, comparing ourselves to other women, searching for the latest fashion and beauty updates. Even when we try our best to disconnect from our cyber reality, we are faced with the pressure to not only dress in a way that pushes the envelope sexually, but also the pressure to get plastic surgery done to alter our bodies in a way that deviates from our natural selves.
The constant messages we receive are:
“Get a bigger butt.”
“Get bigger breasts.”
“Erase your wrinkles with Botox and fillers.”
“Get bigger lips.”
“Liposuction is inexpensive …”
“Can’t afford plastic surgery? Change your features with these dramatic makeup tips. Filters and video-shop now available on your social media apps! No surgery needed.”
The list goes on. In such a fast-paced, image-obsessed, overtly sexual, saturated culture, what can we do to make sure we do not become consumers of today’s oversexualized culture? Although there may be a certain aspect of attractiveness with these types of beauty styles, is this what we women should be seeking primarily? To be just another aesthetically beautiful woman, following the latest beauty fad? Or do we, deep down inside, have an intuitive knowledge that we are meant for more?
When we stop and reflect, we dig deeper; we discover what is truly important to us, despite the intense pressure from mainstream culture to “put everything out there”.
Ask yourself the question, “When I was a little girl, who was the most beautiful woman to me?” The woman who comes to mind likely isn’t someone with little clothing, not covering much of herself, or someone who modified her body with extreme plastic surgery. You most likely thought of a woman close to you, who was confident with who she was.
Even though the female body, partially or fully displayed, has a definite, desirable sexual appeal, this appeal is only a fleeting one. This type of attractiveness does not elevate our femininity, but rather sends the message that the female body is disposable, easily replaceable, valued essentially for bodily comparison. We know that we are worth and deserve so much more!
No matter if our personal style is sophisticated chic or sporty, dressing with elegance and class sets us apart from the norm. Choosing garments that emphasize our best features in a truly beautiful way instills a lasting impression with others. When we ladies are not displaying our most intimate body parts, we are communicating that we respect ourselves and those around us, safeguarding ourselves from distorted values and labels. We are telling the world that we are women of high value and are worth so much more than just our physical bodies.
To be confident with who we sincerely are, to be noticed for the entirety of our true feminine self, not just our bodies, to be acknowledged for our uniqueness that differentiates us from others, is that not what we as women desire, after all? Being a trendsetter is about having the courage to be confident in who we truly are, hoping to inspire other women to feel the same way about themselves. Remember that we are all unique, and therefore irreplaceable.
“Start Trends, don’t follow trends.” — Frank Capra