I suppose that we don't really ignore them, but I often feel as though it is deemed "healthier" to be far too skinny than far too fat. Though, clearly, both extremes are not at all healthy. Our bodies are not made to survive on less than 200 calories a day. I find myself struggling with what is meant to be "beautiful" and often I find it unfortunate that men/women alike view thinness as the ideal -- particularly in the U.S. and Europe. This is not true for other countries abroad, though clearly they have their own unhealthy standards of beauty. I just find it disheartening that to see someone's bones is beautiful... that's all. but my own issues aside, thanks for the journal entry -- i feel kinda special now, as i never saw my thoughts as anything important

cheers!

julia

ps sorry it took me so long to get back to you. i dunno if we are agreeing or disagreeing but whichever, i'm glad at least more people are thinking about this when they see artwork

I agree with you.

I also struggle with what is meant to be "beautiful" but, I'm lucky enough to have found someone who's a major part of my life now, who doesn't care / may prefer fat instead of bones.
and-
Go ahead! feel special! :-D You're very intelligent. Your thoughts on this issue (considering I haven't read any others, perhaps I'll look into it) are indeed important and I felt it necessary to share them. *thumbs up*

Keep writing. I'll keep reading.

A quote with regards to this issue that seems fitting:

--A fat person defies western notions of beauty, and challenges, in Orbach's words, "the ability of culture to turn women into mere products." Kim Chernin says that in a feminist age, men feel drawn to and perhaps less threatened by women with childish bodies because "there is something less disturbing about the vulnerability and helplessness of a small child, and osmething truly disturbing about the body and mind of a mature woman."--

in "Am I thin enough yet?" by sharlene hesse-biber.

I'm glad that you have found someone that don't strive for the companionship of the super-skinny girl. All humans are beautiful, the varities we come in ought to be what is valued.

~Julia

" All humans are beautiful, the varities we come in ought to be what is valued. "

I totally agree with you on that one. That will stay in my mind forever. You're such a knowledgeable person and I love the points you make.
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"there is something less disturbing about the vulnerability and helplessness of a small child, and something truly disturbing about the body and mind of a mature woman."--

That makes me sad on the inside, hah. Disturbed, too.
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"Am I thin enough yet?" by sharlene hesse-biber.

Bleh. O.O
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I'm glad to have found someone also- more than most would think. From growing up in St.Louis and seeing all shallow people around me, I thought I'd never find someone. Everyone's time comes, mine was just a bit early.
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" All humans are beautiful, the varities we come in ought to be what is valued. "

I just wanted to mention that again. Haha. It's so true.