Beautiful Curves

Stigma has long been against anyone whose size and shape is alternative to whatever the current style might be. There have been moments in history where being heavy was a sign of wealth and social class. Then, we have contemporary culture where laws have to be passed to prevent fashion labels from using models who are too thin. Neither extreme is healthy, of course, and while we know that in our heads somehow, somewhere, our actions betray what we actually feel.

I am disturbed by the amount of body shaming that has been increasing across the Internet. Thin shaming, fat shaming, bikini shaming, and every permutation of those has taken hold as though there is some level of morality to the size of one’s body. We get upset if someone dares to challenge our size, but we’re quick to disparage anyone whose body is different from our own.

Where we get off thinking such shameful and judgemental behavior is appropriate is a mystery.  I’ve not yet met the perfect body and please believe me when I say I’ve seen more than my share of them. What matters is not what someone might consider an imperfection but the unique aspects of each body that makes everyone wonderful in their own right. Despite what all the alleged fitness and gurus might try to sell us, most people are perfectly healthy without body shapes that force them to spend unreasonable time in a gym or maintaining incredibly difficult diets.

So, we are happy today to focus on the artistry of a beautiful body. She’s chosen some modifications that make her happy, and it is her happiness that matters more than anything else. She’s happy with who she is. She is beautiful, she is intelligent, and she was incredibly fun to have in the studio.

I know at least one social media site is making a concerted effort to end body shaming of any kind on its pages. I’m hoping that others will follow. In the end, though, shouldn’t we focus on celebrating beauty rather than looking to tear down anyone? Do we really need someone else reminding us of the need to simply be nice? That was a lesson we were supposed to learn in kindergarten.

Enjoy the beauty. The curves are especially wonderful.