Who Broke the Chair?

There needs to be an end to body shaming and put-downs. Negative comments referring to body size and image can have a devastating impact on self-esteem. As I’ve been doing research, I’ve come across studies and academic reports linking the media to poor portrayals of body image, but there are also so many cases of negative imagery in daily life among peers and friends. When the media is full of negative issues, why does everyone decide to continue to tear each other apart?

Below is an example of a campaign against media distortion, showing the amount of airbrushing that a model receives after a photoshoot. 

Chairs don’t break because people are “fat” – and no matter an individual’s size, it’s not ok to call anyone else fat (“we got ice cream, ‘cause we’re fat”). There is no way to know how remarks about body image will affect others, especially when so many of these issues are hidden and misrepresented. Sometimes, those who decide that they are the larger members in a social circle tell others that they have “thin privilege” and are treated better because of their body size. This is not the place to argue that obesity is a problem in America and people should exercise more, but almost the opposite – in many cases the shape of the body is somewhat determined by nature. With that in mind, there is nothing thin people can do to control their shape, and such comments only risk setting off people who may have other underlying problems.


And finally, to end on a positive note, I found this link posted by a friend on Facebook: the positive influences that shine through lots of negativity:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/09/body-image-heroes-2013_n_4379790.html?1386600574&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008

Overview of Major Media Moments

Building Solidarity

There’s a point where having peers and friends with common interests make work more comfortable. One can rely on that support network about various struggles. With careers like the arts where jobs are scarce, it’s difficult to make it to the top – this can result in competition, but it also means that dancers and performers often spend a lot of time around the same people and can share knowledge and advice. Each individual works to their own personal best, but has the opportunity to support friends and others they know.

http://performertherapy.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/15-truths-about-being-a-professional-dancer-2/

Professionals in other fields also deal with issues of discrimination that could be mitigated with solidarity. One Youtube personality talks about comments and questions she receives about the issue of being a woman in science. By making herself known, the public feels it has a right to comment on her choice of clothing. This is the epitome of the double-edged sword of the media – with the advent and spread of new technology, more people gain a platform to share their ideas. Some blogs and video webcasts on a variety of topics grow very popular, but there is little moderation over who can respond in a comment.

Alvin Ailey - changing modern dance

Alvin Ailey is a professional dance company committed to furthering African American heritage and culture through dance. The New-York based company has a school and multiple levels of training programs to introduce students to the style, which tries to be a bold response to traditional styles and even other pioneers in the field of modern dance. 

There are so many definitions and branches in dance that every discipline has unique aspects, and Alvin Ailey’s main bold take merges creative choreography with strong dancers. Some pieces tell stories, but there are always clear elements of solid foundation in technique, which is evident even to an audience member with little dance background – many combinations involve intricate balances and all extensions (the legs that are stretched out) have strength and energy.

Through this platform, dance is able to bring audience members, performers, and other creative workers together. The work of Alvin Ailey is accessible on multiple levels, through artistic merit as well as cultural interest. Making this available, where there is a receptive public, is a sign of progress in the U.S.

This is a selection from "Revelations," one of Alvin Aliey's signature pieces