http://www.xojane.com/issues/im-a-feminist-with-fake-tits
So, something I have always wondered about was how feminists viewed fake boobs. We have talked about how you can't say someone isn't a feminist because of some things they say or do. For example, in one of our readings, a woman said she felt guilty for wearing thongs, but Ina has said that there are some things that you just can't say or do and still consider yourself a feminist.
So, where do breast implants fall? Personally, I don't know how I feel about them. It's that fight between is it a powerful thing for women or is it just re-instilling that women are sex objects?
Are breast implants a deal breaker for being a feminist? Or, are they just not that big of a deal?
So after reading this post I have some things to say. The woman who wrote the article is in recovery from an eating disorder. In the ED community anyone that leaves treatment, and then augments their body still probably has body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). BDD is an obsessive-compulsive habit that is usually co-occurring with eating disorders. I have BDD myself, and everyday can be a painful experience if I allow the thoughts to cloud m mind. BDD has been linked to the way that bodies are represented in the media, and also how a person is treated because of their body in early stages of life. Thus, even though this woman many not consciously know it I feel that she is falling into a patriarcal trap. I don't think I am being too harsh here because I have an eating disorder too. They never truly go into remission people with them just deal with the disorder. Thus, when the woman said that her fake tits make her feel sexy I wanted to scream NO! It is the augmentation that has calmed her BDD not the fake tits. (Also I hate the word tits! Who came up with that???)
ReplyDeleteI disagree with plastic surgery (unless for true medical reasons) whole heartily because it gives society a way to change people. Humans may not understand that by plasticizing bodies inequality increases.
This is the way I was feeling Jess. Why should women only be considered sexy if they have large breasts, a small waist and a big ass. I think we as women only think one type of woman is sexy because that's what men think, and we really want to please men. I struggle with the sexy stereotypes myself, and I think most women do. If I gain a few pounds I immediately feel the need to lose it in order to feel attractive. Why can't I be attractive without being thin?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I hate the word "tits" as well, but I think I hate the word "pussy" more. When someone refers to a vagina as a pussy I cringe.