"I was always too skinny; and my forehead too big" - SA women discuss the difficulties of loving their bodies | Life

21 Aug 2018

Lebogang Mashego

A group of friends.

Body positivity campaigns are so important. In a world where beauty ideals and unattainable body goals are constantly thrown in our faces; these campaigns help to establish an equilibrium which balances out some of our doubt, and makes us feel more included in a mix that is diverse.

Marie Claire recently launched published its annual Naked Issue and #DearBody campaign in which many local celebrities were featured.

'#DearBody, you are...' We need more of us celebrating each other. We need more of us telling the stories of our bodies without the weight of judgement, violence, shame or hate. We need more of us simply being. We want to hear from you - write a letter to your body, and join the 15 celebrities of the New Naked in celebrating the beauty and complexity of what it really means to practice self-love. The New Naked and #Dearbody is made possible by @americanswissza , fine jewelers since 1896.
A post shared by Marie Claire SA (@marieclairesa) on Aug 20, 2018 at 5:06am PDT

On Twitter, people shared their experiences with their bodies and some of them even apologised to their bodies for not loving them the way they should have loved them. Here are some of the posts:

#DearBody People have told me that you have the least favourable shape. That you're imperfect and no one will ever love you. They lied. No one loves you more than I do. pic.twitter.com/Df3ZTf71sK
— Pearlie Whirlie? (@SheIsPearlie) August 20, 2018

#DearBody We were once called skinny, our self-esteem was tarnished. But lately we are told that we look absolutely immaculate we are even asked for tips... I appreciate you tiny thing!?? pic.twitter.com/syr35NTzCL
— The Black Chinese?? (@tumisangsefike2) August 20, 2018

#DearBody even with the paralysis i still love and take care of you..can you please stop being in pain all the time..m trying my best please cooperate ? pic.twitter.com/KEdvt9SQCh
— Kate Malope (@katemalope) August 20, 2018

@marieclaire_sa #DearBody you are not broken beyond repairs. Yes you're still undergoing excruciating pains, tolerating death spoken over you. Keep in mind that you're not alone in this journey that demands a new you. Take what might seem ugly & make it beautiful & inspiring ?? pic.twitter.com/MXwiyTqIXv
— Influencer Connoisseur (@Madame_Blogger) August 20, 2018

More and more fashion campaigns and online fashion look books (or catalogs) are using unedited pictures of models and it has become an important trend that shows us that a 'perfect body' doesn't really exist - it's photoshopped and edited, it's a manufactured body created by us.

Local brands have also joined in by featuring a diverse range of models. They have also moved away from photoshopping stretch marks and they get a thumbs up for that.

Brands such as Akina Label, Nude Wear SA and Nette Rose have been doing an amazing job at showing that their lingerie and swimwear can be worn by anyone.

A post shared by Nude Wear (@nudewearsa) on Dec 19, 2017 at 6:58am PST

A post shared by Nette Rose intimates (@nette_rose) on Aug 19, 2018 at 9:04am PDT

While we are inspired to embrace our bodies, the journey is long and it takes time for people to get to a place they are completely comfortable with their bodies.

We asked people which part of their body they are still learning to embrace and this is what they said:

I’ve always hated being in my underwear or bikini in front of people. But over the last few years I’ve become really fit and started eating (mostly) healthy foods and smaller portions. I lost 7kgs. But ever since, it’s never really been about the weight for me. I’ve maintained it, but it has become more about feeling strong, and balanced. Before I felt weak and like I had zero say about my own body. Now it moves with me, instead of independently of me. I love it because it’s mine, and not something I feel anyone else can criticise or judge.

Marisa

My weight, my eyes, and my forehead. These are the parts that I grew up being teased about. I was always too skinny; and my forehead too big. I've been appreciating my body more recently, especially after seeing a well-known poet embrace her slenderness. I've always felt like I can't complain about my body because I'm skinny, but that poet affirmed for me that I'm a part of the body postivity narrative also, just like anyone else, and so I'm bravely learning how to accept every part of me.

Thobekile

My legs. I guess just owning them and realising that they not about to change. Just loving myself more and knowing that they're a beautiful part of me.

Kholofelo

Are you learning to embrace your body? Let us know how you are doing that - Tweet us @W24_SA.

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