The double edged sword of being conventionally pretty is that you’re offered stature and control in positions others who don’t have the same privilege can’t access, yet misogyny will follow no matter where you go trying to rip you of any human feeling related to your experience. It’s kind of like... and hear me out... women will never win?
Sydney Sweeney is the current face of this but Ariel Winter (who had a breast reduction) and Christina Hendricks have also been the target of this type of criticism as well.
It's wild that folks still think this type of commentary and behavior is ok. I think it's all fruit of the same body shamey/voyeuristic tree.
I love that you pointed out that being conventionally attractive doesn't inoculate you against body image trauma--because it is so true. Doesn't matter whether the "ugly duckling" became a swan--everyone remembers being the ugly duckling. More people need to remember that suffering is universal. Sure, it can be important to read the room when you're talking about your troubles and acknowledge your privilege when relevant. But that doesn't mean we should be harassing people who speak up about their troubles if they aren't winning the "Suffering Olympics."
The double edged sword of being conventionally pretty is that you’re offered stature and control in positions others who don’t have the same privilege can’t access, yet misogyny will follow no matter where you go trying to rip you of any human feeling related to your experience. It’s kind of like... and hear me out... women will never win?
Great writing Kala!
Sydney Sweeney is the current face of this but Ariel Winter (who had a breast reduction) and Christina Hendricks have also been the target of this type of criticism as well.
It's wild that folks still think this type of commentary and behavior is ok. I think it's all fruit of the same body shamey/voyeuristic tree.
I love that you pointed out that being conventionally attractive doesn't inoculate you against body image trauma--because it is so true. Doesn't matter whether the "ugly duckling" became a swan--everyone remembers being the ugly duckling. More people need to remember that suffering is universal. Sure, it can be important to read the room when you're talking about your troubles and acknowledge your privilege when relevant. But that doesn't mean we should be harassing people who speak up about their troubles if they aren't winning the "Suffering Olympics."