Commodifying the Body

 I often wonder why or how certain things are considered beautiful. Society plays a large part, but where do these ideas start? Who decided that being thin and tan is the most attractive, and how did it catch on? Didn't someone along the way go "Hey, I'm not really digging this idea!" I mean honestly, how can women be expected to always look as good as they did in adolescence? That's unrealistic and very unhealthy.

Something in the reading that really struck me was (in part A) when they mentioned how shaving body hair off is reminiscent of a pre-pubescent body, which symbolizes powerlessness. I've never thought of this before and it's a very strange idea. All girls that I know started shaving in middle school because, well, that's just what girls do! We were taught that this is normal and not shaving was gross and manly. Looking at it from a feminist perspective I see how it can be a way not only hold on to youthfulness but also keep women from gaining control.

I also wonder why women's bodies are more distorted in advertisements than men's are. Is it because male is the preferred gender and good enough as is? Or is it more related to female subordination? It's a real shame that women have been diminished to decorative objects and not seen as fully functioning members of society. Especially since women give birth and do most of the household work (in a traditional setting). How are they not seen as more valuable? I think a lot has to do with advertising, and it did not start with the type we see today. It started decades ago and these ideals have been easy to build on and keep using. It really makes me think if women have ever (and will ever) see a time when they are not being depicted as inferior, sexual objects.