Realistic Body Image - I am not conforming to society's standards

Sadly there are very few images of black beauty in the media. When you see ethnic beauty it is usually Latina or Asian. Yes we have Gabrielle Union, Sanaa Lathan, and Taraji Henson but they are "slender". On the "plus" side we have Jennifer Hudson and Monique. There aren't many images that spotlight the category in between "slender" and "plus size".

Personally I think Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Beckinsale, Charlize Theron, and many others are beautiful. However, they are all that you see. I cannot aspire to be a slender/skinny woman. It is not gonna happen. Even if I could, I don't want to look like that. 

I posted new pics on my profile of ladies with bodies that I admire. While searching for pics, I saw some posts online regarding Serena Williams in a bikini that made me want to vomit. People calling her a tranny, a monkey, etc. I think her body is fierce and the fact that she still has boobs and a butt is amazing considering how athletic she is. I have seen the same things written about First Lady Michelle Obama. Because she has hips and a butt, many feel that she's fat. Both of these woman workout on a regular basis. I don't believe they could do anything else to have better physiques other than have plastic surgery.

I love Angela Bassett's body. That woman is 50 years old and looks better than most 20 somethings.

All I know is that when I told my fiancee that I wanted to lose some weight the first thing he said was "I don't want a skinny woman so don't overdo it". I am working to be the best "healthy" me that I can be. I am 5' 1" but have never been "petite". I have always had hips and a butt. I am a size 14 now at 184 lbs. At my goal weight of 144 lbs. I am a perfect size 10. I am muscular and curvy. At my best I would look more like Serena Williams or Ki Toy Johnson in a bikini...and I am more than happy to aspire to that.

Original Post by loriklorik:

Original Post by octo-luv:

Original Post by loriklorik:

 I truly think if proper diet and nutrition was taught in schools (starting during the primary years) the rates of obesity would plummet (across all lines).

 Thats a pretty easy one...to understand that, you just need to compare US with other countries that have similar education levels (but differ in culture and attitudes towards weight)...

Oh, but you said you dont know about non-american things...so...i can see why you think that.

 which countries specifically?

 Canada? Japan? UK? American schools have general health requirements (and I am pretty sure the others do also)...so I don't think you could say education is the problem. Unless I am totally off on the level of education these other countries receive?

 Yeah maybe, not sure if more education would help everyone but it might help some make better choices. I think its really the fast food that the young ones start on that seem to be the problem everywhere. In Ireland & the UK things are getting pretty ridiculous with pre-teens & teenagers and their fast foods. And the lack of exercise.

Original Post by octo-luv:

Original Post by loriklorik:

Original Post by octo-luv:

Original Post by loriklorik:

 I truly think if proper diet and nutrition was taught in schools (starting during the primary years) the rates of obesity would plummet (across all lines).

 Thats a pretty easy one...to understand that, you just need to compare US with other countries that have similar education levels (but differ in culture and attitudes towards weight)...

Oh, but you said you dont know about non-american things...so...i can see why you think that.

 which countries specifically?

 Canada? Japan? UK? American schools have general health requirements (and I am pretty sure the others do also)...so I don't think you could say education is the problem. Unless I am totally off on the level of education these other countries receive?

 Yeah maybe, not sure if more education would help everyone but it might help some make better choices. I think its really the fast food that the young ones start on that seem to be the problem everywhere. In Ireland & the UK things are getting pretty ridiculous with pre-teens & teenagers and their fast foods. And the lack of exercise.

Fast food is cheap and easy. An inherently lazy society is going to gravitate toward something that causes them the least amount of trouble, especially during a global recession where everyone's pinching pennies. Rather than paying several dollars more and spending time home cooking a meal, parents and people in general rationalize poor food decisions due to convenience. Obesity is so prevalent and one of the major reasons is that it takes a lot more time, money, and effort to eat properly. Eating like **** is simple.

yeah i know, its hard, believe. i guess eating fast foods is conforming as well in certain societies.