NationStates Jolt Archive

Everyday, both women and men are faced with images of what they should be - beautiful, strong, delicate, thin - the list is endless. In Australia, where I live, the main construction of woman is athletic, thin and tanned. While I fit the first description, I definitely don't fit the other two. I then considered the views of other countries. My fiance (Rotovia-) is originally from South Africa, and his ideal woman is an Australian size 12, curvy, busty and with an ample booty. On the Brazillian runway the women are golden brown, with hips and perky butts, but still around an Australian size 8 or 10. In Europe the models are stick-thin, without breasts, hips or asses. They're practically pre-pubesent. In American hip-hop videos we see curvy dark-skinned girls, shaking their asses, without a care about their cellulite. So here's my question: why do you think the ideal body is different in different societies?

media.

for Australia... I dont see them as thin (and by thin I mean rail spikes) but I do see them as Athletic (mostly due to watching Steve Erwin's wife running around with him... then there's also Kylie Minogue and Oliva Newton John... not exactly fat, but also not thin.

Hollywood and other media outlets help form the ideal form. some fat is too much, Heroin Chix is 'in', you must show at least 4 ribs... that's all the media's doing. they can't sell beauty tips or cosmetics if eveyone was happy with their bodies.

after all, think about Hawaii? Drop Dead beauties that can fill out a string bikini... :rolleyes:

Everyday, both women and men are faced with images of what they should be - beautiful, strong, delicate, thin - the list is endless. In Australia, where I live, the main construction of woman is athletic, thin and tanned. While I fit the first description, I definitely don't fit the other two. I then considered the views of other countries. My fiance (Rotovia-) is originally from South Africa, and his ideal woman is an Australian size 12, curvy, busty and with an ample booty. On the Brazillian runway the women are golden brown, with hips and perky butts, but still around an Australian size 8 or 10. In Europe the models are stick-thin, without breasts, hips or asses. They're practically pre-pubesent. In American hip-hop videos we see curvy dark-skinned girls, shaking their asses, without a care about their cellulite. So here's my question: why do you think the ideal body is different in different societies?
Who couldn't find this attractive?

WARMIMG: The following picture will scare children.
http://www.addict3d.org/img/0491ce378a50889b.jpg

Who couldn't find this attractive?

WARMIMG: The following picture will scare children.
http://www.addict3d.org/img/0491ce378a50889b.jpg

So many girls and women I know think that is perfection. Personally, I don't find her attractive, but it's hard not to envy her.

So many girls and women I know think that is perfection. Personally, I don't find her attractive, but it's hard not to envy her.

Envy?0_o

She should be pittied.

I dunno.

I have a screwy self image of myself, so I don't think I could really comment on where society gets their preferences..

Did that make sense?

Envy?0_o

She should be pittied.

She looks much better now, and I'm a lil sad to say it, but I never considered her to be too skinny till I heard someone on tv saying it..

*shrugs*

So many girls and women I know think that is perfection. Personally, I don't find her attractive, but it's hard not to envy her.

Envy what? Her hair? o_O

Sorry, but I find her skeletal frame gross. I just wish she'd do something about it. She looked so much prettier when she was 'normal'.

Envy?0_o

She should be pittied.

She could be a distance runner.. I could count every rib in the mirror back when I used to run, and I ate like a horse.. massive quantities. Not that I think that should be the standard.

Edit: Apparently, the woman in the picture is a celebrity of some kind.. so I'm probably wrong. I thought it was just a random image off Google or something..

Envy?0_o

She should be pittied.

She should, but she isn't. Anorexia has become an ideal, not a disease.

She could be a distance runner.. I could count every rib in the mirror back when I used to run, and I ate like a horse.. massive quantities. Not that I think that should be the standard.

It's Nicole Richie. She has anorexia and a drug addiction, according to the media.

She could be a distance runner.. I could count every rib in the mirror back when I used to run, and I ate like a horse.. massive quantities. Not that I think that should be the standard.

Edit: Apparently, the woman in the picture is a celebrity of some kind.. so I'm probably wrong. I thought it was just a random image off Google or something..

Its cause she doesn't eat.

Envy what? Her hair? o_O

Sorry, but I find her skeletal frame gross. I just wish she'd do something about it. She looked so much prettier when she was 'normal'.

Unfortunately, when she was "normal" she was critisized for her weight, which would've sparked her weight loss. I guess not everyone can be satisfied: people said she should lose weight, and now they're telling her to gain.

Unfortunately, when she was "normal" she was critisized for her weight, which would've sparked her weight loss. I guess not everyone can be satisfied: people said she should lose weight, and now they're telling her to gain.

It's ridiculous, isn't it?

I'm glad I'm not famous. Normal women have enough pressure to look a certain way without being constantly in the public eye.

It's Nicole Richie. She has anorexia and a drug addiction, according to the media.

The name sounds kinda familiar.. anyway, my point was only that some people can be that thin for normal, non-obsessive reasons. I don't find it particularly attractive either, but not everyone is driven to that by the media.

It's ridiculous, isn't it?

I'm glad I'm not famous. Normal women have enough pressure to look a certain way without being constantly in the public eye.

I'm not even famous, and I'm constantly under pressure. I've been involved in both entertainment and dance-related sport for nearly my whole life. I'm a singer, and when I perform the first thing people mention is the way I look on stage. Hopefully I will be famous one day, but I fear the added pressure.

athletic, thin and tanned...
yummy (http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7100/jessica23sv4.jpg) :P

yummy (http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7100/jessica23sv4.jpg) :P

At least she's "healthy" thin, but she's still not truly a realistic woman, is she? Plus, I'm not a fan of the white-trashm American high-school/porn-star look.

Everyday, both women and men are faced with images of what they should be - beautiful, strong, delicate, thin - the list is endless. In Australia, where I live, the main construction of woman is athletic, thin and tanned. While I fit the first description, I definitely don't fit the other two. I then considered the views of other countries. My fiance (Rotovia-) is originally from South Africa, and his ideal woman is an Australian size 12, curvy, busty and with an ample booty. On the Brazillian runway the women are golden brown, with hips and perky butts, but still around an Australian size 8 or 10. In Europe the models are stick-thin, without breasts, hips or asses. They're practically pre-pubesent. In American hip-hop videos we see curvy dark-skinned girls, shaking their asses, without a care about their cellulite. So here's my question: why do you think the ideal body is different in different societies?

Thats because thats what the niggs like, and its their music videos. Asses busting with cellulite isnt exactly the American flavor, just the black one, it seems.:p

yummy (http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7100/jessica23sv4.jpg) :P

I second that!

At least she's "healthy" thin, but she's still not truly a realistic woman, is she? Plus, I'm not a fan of the white-trashm American high-school/porn-star look.

How about..

http://historiologicalnotes.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/audrey_hepburn.jpg

or..

http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1154/Mptv/1154/0771_0323.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Loy,%20Myrna

http://imagesource.allposters.com/images/pic/MMPH/174681~Myrna-Loy-Posters.jpg

or even..

http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1421/Mptv/1421/0733_2214.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Garland,%20Judy%20(I)

..and all before plastic surgery, for the most part.. :p

How about..

http://historiologicalnotes.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/audrey_hepburn.jpg

Audrey Hepburn was really underweight.

Audrey Hepburn was really underweight.

Moreso than other leading actresses of the time, sure, but she looked healthy to me. It wasn't strictly looks with her anyway..

Moreso than other leading actresses of the time, sure, but she looked healthy to me. It wasn't strictly looks with her anyway..

She's been said numerous times to be anorexic, but I guess I can't prove that. She is definitely a true beauty, however. Some women can pull off the "skinny" look.

She's been said numerous times to be anorexic, but I guess I can't prove that. She is definitely a true beauty, however. Some women can pull off the "skinny" look.

Hm.. after a quick search, maybe I can find someone we can agree on... :p

http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1207/Mptv/1207/3940_0023.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Tierney,%20Gene

http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1083/Mptv/1083/3339-0348.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Bergman,%20Ingrid%20(I)

or maybe..

http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1153/Mptv/1153/0728_2164.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Crawford,%20Joan%20(I)

..just for fun, if we're considering popular media presentations of body image.. :)

I'm supposed to be able to see all of my ribs, right? Because I've always been able to see them, but I tend to have a negative self image. I probably don't eat enough, anyway. I eat about 1650-1800 calories a day, which may or may not be enough for me. I just see my self as sort of unattractive.

I remember that there was a chart in my psychology textbook that relates to this. Maybe I'll be able to find it later.

She should, but she isn't. Anorexia has become an ideal, not a disease.

I can only barely comprehend being able to justify committing slow and painful suicide to look good. People helping each other to kill themselves to look good is just wrong.

Thats because thats what the niggs like, and its their music videos. Asses busting with cellulite isnt exactly the American flavor, just the black one, it seems.:p

speak for yourself :p

I myself will go for anything that isn't either a skeleton in my closet or a whale of course how fat you look really depends on how tall you are so if anyone wants my tall genes…:cool:

oh and I'm a skinny tall guy who basically looks like and acts like a college student

speak for yourself :p

I myself will go for anything that isn't either a skeleton in my closet or a whale of course how fat you look really depends on how tall you are so if anyone wants my tall genes…:cool:

oh and I'm a skinny tall guy who basically looks like and acts like a college student

I'm not saying I dont like any junk in the trunk, but I dont like the cellulite nasties that niggs seem to love and display in their music videos.

Though the songs assosciated with those nasty asses I like, so I dont really mind. :p

I would guess it's largely random, with a tendency to correspond with those features that have traditionally been possessed by those of high status.

I'm not saying I dont like any junk in the trunk, but I dont like the cellulite nasties that niggs seem to love and display in their music videos.

Though the songs assosciated with those nasty asses I like, so I dont really mind. :p

Niggs? Good lord man, try something a little more PC, for all our sakes.

As for cellulite, you don't need to have a huge ass to have cellulite. It's pretty freaking normal. I've seen very skinny girls in black music videos (more so now than ever, it seems) and I've heard LOTS of white guys say they like a bigger butt on a girl.

Anyway, to answer your original question. People seem to become attracted to certain types of people, including certain body types, for a zillion reasons, but the biggest one that I'm aware of is that you're attracted to the type of woman you grew up around. ...there is also the fetish theory: that during your transition to puberty, there was a particularly erotic time for you at some point--which was most likely hormonal and pretty random--and whatever it involved becomes your blueprint for attraction/sexual arousal. For some people it's a very normal (read: whatever you're around a lot at that time) sort of woman or man, for some it's a very unique sort of woman or man (again, for that culture), and for some people it's shoes, voyeurism, S&M, what have you.

Oddly enough, I was turned down a job last year with a major entertainment-for-hire company because I didn't fit the 'clown body type'. Stereotypically, clowns are either tall, thin and gangly or short and obese. Being short, muscular and stocky, I didn't fit their image of the clown.

So I smacked them with pies. :p

Oddly enough, I was turned down a job last year with a major entertainment-for-hire company because I didn't fit the 'clown body type'. Stereotypically, clowns are either tall, thin and gangly or short and obese. Being short, muscular and stocky, I didn't fit their image of the clown.

So I smacked them with pies. :p

Wwwow.

Oddly enough, I was turned down a job last year with a major entertainment-for-hire company because I didn't fit the 'clown body type'. Stereotypically, clowns are either tall, thin and gangly or short and obese. Being short, muscular and stocky, I didn't fit their image of the clown.

So I smacked them with pies. :p

Serves 'em right.

I am happy with my body: Too small to be considered very strong, but too large to be considered very quick. I often surprise people with both strength and quickness.

Oddly enough, I was turned down a job last year with a major entertainment-for-hire company because I didn't fit the 'clown body type'. Stereotypically, clowns are either tall, thin and gangly or short and obese. Being short, muscular and stocky, I didn't fit their image of the clown.

So I smacked them with pies. :p

What kind of idiot turn you down as a clown? Did you mention your indestructable testicles?

What kind of idiot turn you down as a clown? Did you mention your indestructable testicles?

I think there's something about them on my resume. *nod*

Niggs? Good lord man, try something a little more PC, for all our sakes.

As for cellulite, you don't need to have a huge ass to have cellulite. It's pretty freaking normal. I've seen very skinny girls in black music videos (more so now than ever, it seems) and I've heard LOTS of white guys say they like a bigger butt on a girl.

You dont need to have a huge ass for cellulite, but its more common in big booties. I never said I like flat butts on girls, but I dont want something big n' nasty...with cellulite so intense, I could use it as stepping stones like in rock-climbing.

And PC is lame.:p

Oddly enough, I was turned down a job last year with a major entertainment-for-hire company because I didn't fit the 'clown body type'. Stereotypically, clowns are either tall, thin and gangly or short and obese. Being short, muscular and stocky, I didn't fit their image of the clown.

So I smacked them with pies. :p

Why didn't you just say you'd bring your own fatty padding
to work then you could have been a short fat clown

Why didn't you just say you'd bring your own fatty padding
to work then you could have been a short fat clown

Bah, they were way off base. They just wanted parade clowns and balloon-animal/magic clowns. At the time, I was a juggling/sight gag/acrobatic clown. I belonged in a circus. I have since expanded my repertoire. I still prefer physical comedy, however. *nod*

Bah, they were way off base. They just wanted parade clowns and balloon-animal/magic clowns. At the time, I was a juggling/sight gag/acrobatic clown. I belonged in a circus. I have since expanded my repertoire. I still prefer physical comedy, however. *nod*

You'd be more of a mud clown. Mud and tackling.

I think the prefered body image should be the one of greatest health. I know I certainly don't have very healthy preferences myself, but I can't really change that.:(

You'd be more of a mud clown. Mud and tackling.

Mud and tackling go together like chocolate and peanut butter. :)

Here is what I think of Society preception of beauty, shallow and materialistic.

Mud and tackling go together like chocolate and peanut butter. :)

http://forums.ratedesi.com/images/smilies/bowdownsmiley.gifhttp://forums.ratedesi.com/images/smilies/bowdownsmiley.gifhttp://forums.ratedesi.com/images/smilies/bowdownsmiley.gif

We feed the media what we think is sexually desirable, and in turn, the media feeds it back to us. So its a perpetual cycle of endless feeding and giving back.

We feed the media what we think is sexually desirable, and in turn, the media feeds it back to us. So its a perpetual cycle of endless feeding and giving back.

So society and the media barf in each's other mouth?

Everyday, both women and men are faced with images of what they should be - beautiful, strong, delicate, thin - the list is endless. In Australia, where I live, the main construction of woman is athletic, thin and tanned. While I fit the first description, I definitely don't fit the other two. I then considered the views of other countries. My fiance (Rotovia-) is originally from South Africa, and his ideal woman is an Australian size 12, curvy, busty and with an ample booty. On the Brazillian runway the women are golden brown, with hips and perky butts, but still around an Australian size 8 or 10. In Europe the models are stick-thin, without breasts, hips or asses. They're practically pre-pubesent. In American hip-hop videos we see curvy dark-skinned girls, shaking their asses, without a care about their cellulite. So here's my question: why do you think the ideal body is different in different societies?

I think people spend entirely too much time worrying about what society thinks of them and not enough time in worry free enjoyment of who they are or what shape they happen to be. Society just plain doesnt think of a person. Most people who older than 21 and are worth more than their weight in horse droppings are tolerant of various body types. They may not be attracted to ultra thin or ultra plump people but they can easily and willingly be friends with them. Hell I'm as fat as Santa Claus and I manage to enjoy myself on a regular basis even though you'll never see anyone resembling me endorsing anything in a TV ad.

fat man enjoying life photo! must be photoshopped! (http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/3603/menliggm8.jpg)

Hm.. after a quick search, maybe I can find someone we can agree on... :p

http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1207/Mptv/1207/3940_0023.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Tierney,%20Gene

http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1083/Mptv/1083/3339-0348.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Bergman,%20Ingrid%20(I)

or maybe..

http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1153/Mptv/1153/0728_2164.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Crawford,%20Joan%20(I)

..just for fun, if we're considering popular media presentations of body image.. :)

Now they are healthy, beautiful and womanly!

I'm supposed to be able to see all of my ribs, right? Because I've always been able to see them, but I tend to have a negative self image. I probably don't eat enough, anyway. I eat about 1650-1800 calories a day, which may or may not be enough for me. I just see my self as sort of unattractive.

I remember that there was a chart in my psychology textbook that relates to this. Maybe I'll be able to find it later.

Most people eat around 2000 calories. What's your body mass index?

Thats because thats what the niggs like, and its their music videos. Asses busting with cellulite isnt exactly the American flavor, just the black one, it seems.:p

I didn't imply that they didn't look good. I think many of them are beautiful, and most women do have cellulite. "Niggs"? How politically correct... :mp5:

We feed the media what we think is sexually desirable, and in turn, the media feeds it back to us. So its a perpetual cycle of endless feeding and giving back.

So how is it that the media tends to get it wrong all the time? I don't think anyone likes women who could be used as props in a lecture on the human skeletal system. 'These are the ribs. They're usually covered by fat and muscles, but this nice woman is a model, so she has very little of either'

As for cellulite, you don't need to have a huge ass to have cellulite. It's pretty freaking normal. I've seen very skinny girls in black music videos (more so now than ever, it seems) and I've heard LOTS of white guys say they like a bigger butt on a girl.

I totally agree that it's normal. I was just pointing out that people don't really tend to care. Most women have cellulite, and if I was a guy I'd prefer a bigger butt too. Most guys, I assume, don't care about cellulite. Am i right?

I'm not saying I dont like any junk in the trunk, but I dont like the cellulite nasties that niggs seem to love and display in their music videos.

Though the songs assosciated with those nasty asses I like, so I dont really mind. :p

It's okay if you don't like that look, but come on....

I think the prefered body image should be the one of greatest health. I know I certainly don't have very healthy preferences myself, but I can't really change that.:(

You can change it, I guess it's just up to you.

fat man enjoying life photo! must be photoshopped! (http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/3603/menliggm8.jpg)

Haha! Well, it's great that you're enjoying life. I have quite a few friends who are overweight, and it doesn't seem to stop them.

Most people eat around 2000 calories. What's your body mass index?

Somewhere around 17, I think.

You can change it, I guess it's just up to you.

I really don't think so. Preferences in body type aren't really subject to choice, I don't think.

I dunno why different cultures view beauty so differently.

I think different looks can be attractive. I like lean guys who are well sculpted. But I also like big guys who are good for hugging....you know the type, they are like life size teddy bears! I've fallen in love with brown eyes and blue eyes and green eyes. I like dark skinned guys and light skinned guys, tanned guys and pale guys. I definately prefer the guy be taller than I am, but at 5'2.75, thats not a very demanding standard. I definately think guys that the media says are hot - Josh Hartnett, Chad Michael Murray, to name a few- are sexy as hell. But you don't need to look like them to get my attention.

Society is so dumb sometimes.

Somewhere around 17, I think.

Then you're underweight and should be eating more.

I dunno why different cultures view beauty so differently.

I think different looks can be attractive. I like lean guys who are well sculpted. But I also like big guys who are good for hugging....you know the type, they are like life size teddy bears! I've fallen in love with brown eyes and blue eyes and green eyes. I like dark skinned guys and light skinned guys, tanned guys and pale guys. I definately prefer the guy be taller than I am, but at 5'2.75, thats not a very demanding standard. I definately think guys that the media says are hot - Josh Hartnett, Chad Michael Murray, to name a few- are sexy as hell. But you don't need to look like them to get my attention.

I think you're definitely got the right view on it all.