Body Image
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Melissa created this feature
on body image. A student at James
Madison University, she interned at Advocates
for Youth in the summer of 2001. She previously
interned at Citizens Against Sexual Assault.
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Body image includes many things, such as
the way we see ourselves, the way we think others see us, how we feel
being in our own body, and how we feel
about our body. Body image is something that we learn and it constantly
changes. Even those of us with the best body image have days where we don't
feel quite so confident within our body.
Most
of us have felt discomfort and insecurities about our body
at some point in time. These feelings are often compounded
by real and perceived pressures from friends, family, ourselves
and the media to look a certain way. Body image affects
everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity,
or gender identity, though these factors can have an impact
on the way we view the body.
While it is normal to feel uncomfortable with our body sometimes, it is important
to deal with these feelings. An unattended negative body image can relate to
a lower self-esteem, eating disorders, oppressive behaviors towards ourselves
and others and a lack of concern for our own health and well-being. When someone is HIV-positive, it
can be especially hard to have a good body image, due to the effects of
medications and all the changes we're going through.
This feature is designed to help all of us recognize the impact of body image
in our lives and to allow us to realize what we can do about it. Learn
how to improve all around body image with 15 Ways
to Create a Body-Positive World. See what other people have to say about
the impact of body image on their lives by reading an interview with Hanne
Blank about body image, fat activism, sizism, and sexual health.
We might challenge some of our beliefs by learning the facts behind the prevailing myths on
bodies and size. By understanding eating disorders we
can be prepared to help someone who struggles with eating issues and work to
dismantle the possible contributors to disordered eating. Look for additional resources on
body image, size acceptance and eating disorders on our resources page.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this feature.
—Melissa
MORE
INFORMATION >>
Body Image :: Hanne
Blank :: Myths & Facts :: Body
Positive :: Eating
Disorders :: HIV-Positive Youth :: Resources
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