Does body image work need to be political? We think so. Let’s break this down…

First, let’s define what it means to have a positive body image:

Having a positive body image is about believing you are good enough regardless of how you look.

What gets in the way of this?

The beliefs we internalize about ourselves and our bodies.

Beliefs such as…

“Fat is bad.”
“My value is in my achievements.”
“I’m unloveable because I’m unattractive.”
“There is something wrong with me.”
“I’m not good enough.” 

Where do these beliefs come from?

Systems of oppression, such as:

White supremacy: Eurocentric beauty ideals, perfectionism.

Capitalism: Your value is in your productivity. Beauty as currency.

Sexism: Your value is in how desirable you are.

Anti-fatness: Thin is good, fat is bad.

Heteronormativity: Value placed on femininity/masculinity.

Ageism: Youth has more value.

Ableism: Typical abilities and “health” are superior.

Classism: Beauty signals wealth.

These beliefs cannot change in a vacuum. Discrimination and marginalization directly influence our beliefs and relationship with our body.

If we’re not talking about body image in a political way, we’re missing the foundation of where these struggles originate from.

People need to feel safe and have autonomy in their bodies in order to have a better relationship with themselves.

When you vote against abortion, LGBTQIA++ rights, trans rights, maternal health care that disproportionately impacts Black women, etc. and elect people to office who are the face of these systems of oppression, you take away the ability for people to feel safe in their bodies.

Our work at the Institute for Body Image will always be political and oriented towards body liberation for all.