A woman is, ‘god’s most beautiful creation’, ‘image of compassion’, ‘life bearing cup’, however, all these profound names are limited to describe her characteristics. We have a different set of vocabulary to define a woman under the ideal beauty standards &
Words like fat, short, plump, healthy, skinny, boney, dark or freckled, limit our description of this piece of art, god painted with a free brush in a hearty mood.
Even though the present circumstances objectify & sexualize woman to a great extent, which raises eyebrows on both her curves and boney parts, it would be wrong to say that men have not faced any pressure. But with a strong historical background, the women take the trophy of receiving heightened pressure to look good, lean, thin, sexy or tall.
Pressure has different effects on different stones based on their intrinsic nature, some turn out to be coal or iron while other become diamond, which shine and dazzle irrespective of its circumstances. Similarly, while some of us succumb under pressure and give into the unrealistic, unachievable standards of beauty, others like Kate Winselt, Adele, Vidya Balan stand out and refuse to settle. It is these women who help other women realize the true definition of real beauty and inspire us to fight back.
Kate Winslet
An advocate of healthy body image, the English woman has stood up for the real beauty standards and has refused to fit in every time she was asked to give up and squeeze in. She knows her problem areas and she is happy to be imperfect. Although a young Winslet was told by her drama teacher that she could only do good, if she was willing to settle for the ‘fat girl’ parts, reminiscing she happily smiles & say ‘Look at me now’ and Kate, we are looking at you and up to you. Aren’t we ladies?
Vidya Balan
One of the most outspoken actresses in the B-Town, Vidya Balan has had no qualms about her weight and has given it back to many KRKs who have questioned her acting skills due to her curvy body, especially in a skinny dominated industry. From Dirty picture to Ghanchakar, this woman has bashed the idealized standards of beauty and we love her for that. The silk saree with distinctive blouses, she loves to wear her heart up her sleeve and has been an inspiration for many.
Adele
Feeling no pressure to be ‘skinny mini’ the 24 years old, Grammy Award winner singer, Adele feels too comfortable in her skin to change for anyone and anything. She keeps talking about being bigger and better and does not find anything odd with being size 14-16 and she does not have to. In words of Karl Largefield, her beautiful face and divine voice are enough.
Huma Quersshi
From Dedh Ishqiya to Gangs of Wassepur, Huma has proved her worth as a Bollywood gem and her curvaceous body does not stop her from being the best version of herself. Her acting skills are way better than other actresses with perfect body. Your body, your rules Huma! Thumbs up!
Amy Schumer
The blonde comedian has been up on her toes to address the ‘ideal body image’ issues head on. Her witty lines and a girl next door outlook have made it possible to help her reach the pinnacles and she deserves it all. She does not limit her body worth based on what others see in her and therefore, has been candid about her weight & problems. A reason why many women are able to see in the mirror with a bit less of self doubt, Amy, shout out to you for the great work.
Women suffer from self negating thoughts, comments and content they witness on social media, everyday. We should aim to stay healthy not just through the body, but the mind as well and that should be the only content of the story.
Image source
Image 1: entretenimento.triunfocorp.com
Kate- retably.com
Vidya-likesuccess.com
Amy- pinterest.com
Huma Quershi- Femina.in
Adele- pinterest.com