Beauty Discussions

1) Can it be true that women have to be so skinny that it can be dangerous to them, to be seen as "sexy" or "pretty" etc?

No. Check the studies and check with men. Men like curves. The anorexic model look is not what most guys are looking for even if a lot of women try to go for that look.

2) How can it be that the ideal for a woman's body has changed so fast, since Twiggy in the 1960'es started the "skinny-fashion"?

We are a culture of extremes. If a little bit is good, a lot is a whole lot better. This is in reverse in terms of weight.

3) Does beauty still come from the inside in a society like today?

Yes. It does. But, the pressure to be what one is not is huge. Getting hung up on what is the perfect body or face or whatever shadows the real person and makes her (of him) less attractive.

4) How to define a "beautiful body"?

There are lots of beautiful bodies and they are worn by beautiful people of all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities. An honest smile, a friendly nature and an enthusiasm for life can turn someone who might be defined by society as not so great looking into a real hottie.

5) Do the media have some of the responsibility for these ideals?

Yes. The media uses lighting and photo brushing and so on to create ideals that are not realistic. Sadly, some people think that the illusions are reality. So, some women (and men) shoot for stars that will always be out of reach or even worse - expect that from partners. There are no perfect people - physical or otherwise.

6) Is it possible to avoid being affected by these ideals - why/why not?

It is difficult to live in a society that is saturated with media images that are unrealistic and unattainable. But, many people do find their own groove and feel comfortable in their own bodies. They are blessed, and they are a blessing to us all.

7) Would it be an idea to ban the using of skinny girls in the fashion world, e.g. on the runway?

When we get caught up in "rules" or laws, then that's not a good thing. It's better to let public opinion (hopefully with information) dictate what is in and what is not. If we draw lines in the sand, where do those end? What is too thin? What is too thick? I'd say, individuals need to speak up. That can be with the wallet. Personally shut out designers that do not consider real bodies and the needs of real buyers.

8) There are already some fashion houses that have decided to ban the skinniest girls. Is this enough to develop a healthier ideal?

Some people are naturally skinny. I don't see banning them or other body sizes and shapes. Just offer a range with most in the realistic categories - average women with typical bodies. Skinny, average, and curvy should all be represented.

9) Ana Carolina Reston died from nerveous anorexia, a disease caused by her career. Do we have to find a solution to this problem?

How do you know that her disease was "caused by" her career. There are women who starve themselves to death who are not models. AN is a disease. It should be seen and treated as such.

10) If yes - What could be the solution to this problem?

My answer is technically no, but anyone with an eating disorder needs medical help. The woman can be rich and famous or living in a shack on food stamps. If she is sick, she needs help and that includes help for eating disorders.