When I look at photos of myself from just a few years ago I think I looked so much better then than I do now! I was slimmer and wearing pretty much whatever I liked, as it fitted in all the right places. However back then I didn’t realise it or appreciate it. I still felt heavy and was self-critical about how I looked. When in reality I was fine as I was. Isn’t hindsight a wonderful thing?
As a mother of girls I worry that this is how they also feel. I worry that the pressure they feel from the media affects their body confidence and their self-esteem. Looking in the mirror should not be avoided for the way it makes someone feel.
Yet it is not just my girls that I worry about, I worry about yours too. For 12 years I stood in front of sixth formers and we spoke many times about the role of the media in shaping society’s expectations. Teaching Sociology gives the perfect foot in to discuss these issues and we discussed everything from feminism and beauty to racism and patriarchy.
One thing that stood out from discussions was how the media body shame in today’s society. This sets unrealistic pressures on young girls as they are bombarded with thinspiration images in advertising, on Instagram and in the beauty industry generally.
I have long been a supporter of Dove and the campaigns it supports including No Likes Needed . I have raised a sporty, strong independent 16 year old. Due to her commitment to hockey she trains hard and she is pretty fearless. Her role models are the women in The England Hockey Team, they are women that have reached the top of their game through hard work and determination.
Statistics suggest 9 in 10 UK women and girls with low body-esteem report opting out of important activities, such as engaging with friends and family, participating in activities outside the house, and trying out for a team or club when they don’t feel good about the way they look. Yet by taking part in these activities women and girls will see that women are different but amazing. Taking part will actually empower women and release those feel good endorphins. It is due to sport that Chloe is surrounded by women of all ages. Women who take pride in being strong, fit and healthy, and this has definitely influenced her. As a mum I say to other mums get your girls into sport and keep them there. It gives them the best possible messages and teaches children about healthy eating, respecting and taking care of your body
My girls recognise that society and women are made up of different shapes and sizes. I hope they do not get sucked into believing the images presented in the media are natural. I have shown them the videos that have gone viral depicting how images are photo shopped, airbrushed and cropped. We have an open dialogue but still I worry that when they shut their bedroom doors and stand in front of the mirror that they judge themselves against a false ideal.
Therefore I welcome Dove’s support to the #pledgetobereal campaign. This campaign urges real mums, like you and I, to speak up. It encourages us to support the launch of the Be Real Body Image Pledge on November 17th. I will be using the hashtag to support Dove who have a proven track record for continually aiming to help the next generation to see that beauty is a source of confidence. To support the campaign you should look at Dove // @DoveUK // @BeReal_Campaign // use #PledgeToBeReal
Let’s raise our girls up to be powerful, to believe in themselves and know that beauty comes from within.
One Response
Love this post Em and you have clearly done a fab job with your girls