Victoria’s Secret’s newest ad campaign, like most of their ad campaigns, featured impossibly skinny women in equally small underwear, except this time they claimed that this was the perfect body. And the Internet practically exploded. Because as we all know, being able to count your ribs does not make your body perfect.
Except this time, change actually occurred. An online petition with more than 30 000 signatures compelled Victoria’s Secret to change the slogan of the ad to “A Body for Every Body.” The petition was designed to draw attention to the fact, that not every woman’s body looks like a supermodel’s. In fact, there are variety of body types, and assuming that only one type of body type is in fact the perfect type perpetuates low self-esteem, and a host of other disorders.
These stereotypes happen everyday, especially in advertising. So how can you fight back against it? By acknowledging that you aren’t perfect. Very few people naturally have supermodel body types, and many supermodels may need to be a little healthier in their choices. Instead of trying to achieve what may not be possible, accept yourself for who you are, and work to be the best you can be, as yourself.
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Love yourself. No matter what your goals are, accept yourself as you are, and celebrate the healthy choices you make.
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Set realistic, and healthy goals: A healthy and active lifestyle should be everyone’s goal. Make good eating choices, and choose to do something active every day, and watch the changes start.
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Be mentally healthy. Comparing yourself to others, or going to extremes to achieve an unhealthy standard will never make you happy. Celebrate the beauty of the life you lead, and take the steps you need to be as mentally healthy as you are physically.
No one is perfect, and no should be made to feel like they have to be. Be healthy, be strong, and love yourself for the healthy and active choices you make everyday. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be you.