Control over women begins with control over their bodies. We have seen that with the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade, a way for the government to strip women of their bodily autonomy. But, what if I told you that this control goes deeper than new policy? What if control is embedded into our culture, into our media, into our everyday lives?
When women first gained the right to vote in the early 20th century, subtle changes were made in the ideal women’s body type. The once celebrated curves gave way to a thinner, more boyish looking figure of the 1920s flapper. It seemed to shift simultaneously–more power, more fragility. Almost as a way to weaken the strength they were gaining. And, as history tends to do, we see echoes of this same pattern.
Society often markets being thin as an aesthetic preference. Women see it as a constraint to be deemed beautiful. What many fail to realize, however, is that it is a tool to control. Take up less room, society demands.
Today women are reaching new heights in power. We see women in office at an all time high. Women are at the head of companies at rates never seen before. There was indication of a cultural shift.
Then they made women small.
The shift was nuanced, but unmistakable. Just like the 1920s, curves are no longer celebrated, thinness is. A push to see how skinny a woman can be was made. A push to weaken them. A push to be able to contain them.
When thinness is celebrated, women tend to starve themselves. They become mentally drained and physically weaker. Mental sharpness and endurance suffer. Do you think this is happening by accident?
Women’s bodies are constantly trying to be controlled, and the greatest revolutionary act that they can make is to take up space. Don’t let the world dull women by convincing them that thinness is best. Strength, in all aspects, is much more beautiful.
