In today’s society, subliminal messaging is almost expected from many different sources of media. But sometimes I think we should take a second to look at things at face value. Recently, I came across an image consisting of two “Barbie dolls.” One, the Barbie that would be seen on the shelves of just about any major retail toy store and the other, being referred to as “Average Barbie,” which is shown to have fuller features and a shorter stature. Instantly, I was bothered by this image. I can understand why someone would feel as though this would be a great solution to body image issues within women of all ages; however, I choose to take a different stand on the issue.
As a child I played with plenty of Barbie dolls. The thought never struck me that I had to look just like the mass manufactured doll that I enjoyed playing with. I realize that I am one person out of many on this planet, and also my upbringing was very different from others. But again, I never felt as though a plastic doll was the model for the ideal woman. So this brings about my question: Why change the way Barbie looks?
Many would argue that Barbie’s features are unattainable, that her dimensions could never exist because her body would collapse. But what if that was the point? What if Barbie was created to be unattainable so we would look past her dimensions and proportions to enjoy her for simply what she is: a piece of plastic molded to look like a woman intended for the use of children. Body image issues are prevalent in people of all ages, shapes, sizes and colors. But often I feel as though people interpret images in light of their own issues. What’s wrong with being “skinny” or being “little”? What’s wrong with being “fat” or “big”? If you are living happily and healthily in your own skin, no one else’s body image will cause you any grief.
Two days ago, I saw another controversial photo: an image of a “fit” mother, Maria Kang, with her three children. Above her head the question “What’s your excuse?” was displayed. It has been a year since the original post of this image, however Kang is still receiving negative feedback. Comments have included calling Kang a bad mother and accusations of “fat shaming.” At face value, this is just an image of a smiling woman who appears to be in shape posing with her three sons.
For all we as the audience can tell, Kang may simply want to send the message that “If I can have three children and look like this, then you can,” or maybe, “If I can do it, then there is no excuse for why you cannot.” But as with the image of Barbie, some have decided to take their grief with their own image to portray the image as negative. I think it’s time we realize our own insecurities and stop allowing them to influence the way we view the world. It’s time to stop looking for excuses and people to blame, and own up to our own flaws and learn to love ourselves. This is not the easiest thing to do, but realizing this happens is the first step to fixing the problem.
Erynn Williams is a sophomore majoring in dance and international studies.Her column runs biweekly.
