We live in a society that profits from our shame. The diet industry, the fashion industry, the plastic surgery industry—they all rely on you feeling like your body is a draft that needs editing.
Most of us suffer from what psychologists call "body surveillance"—constantly viewing ourselves from an outsider’s perspective. How do my hips look in these jeans? Does my stomach look flat from this angle?
As long as we rely on clothing to feel safe, our body positivity is conditional. I love my body as long as it’s hidden. I love my body as long as no one sees my stretch marks. I love my body as long as the lights are off.
We live in a society that profits from our shame. The diet industry, the fashion industry, the plastic surgery industry—they all rely on you feeling like your body is a draft that needs editing.
Most of us suffer from what psychologists call "body surveillance"—constantly viewing ourselves from an outsider’s perspective. How do my hips look in these jeans? Does my stomach look flat from this angle?
As long as we rely on clothing to feel safe, our body positivity is conditional. I love my body as long as it’s hidden. I love my body as long as no one sees my stretch marks. I love my body as long as the lights are off.