Recovery Matters by Leslie E Murray

Blacks and Body Image-- I love my hair!

With today's images, I was floored when I came across this book...

 

Before even beginning to comment about the title of the book, I must comment about the lovely drawing.  This child clearly has African American features and appears happy!  Fabulous!

Having black hair separates girls from many activities that others take for granted.  Unless the hair is "permed," (as in chemically straightened, not chemically curled) getting it wet is a severe no-no.  So activities like sports and swimming pose a hazard because it makes it more difficult to comb the hair, and young girls are discouraged from and less likely to engage in activities for fear of "sweating out their hair." 

Hair is often worn in braids as not to cause tangles, and this is a style that will last a number of days.  In recent commentary about the daughters of our new inaugurated President, some lamented that his daughters looked better without braids.  Perhaps they are speaking from an eurocentric point of view and describing what they are accustomed to seeing, however, from an afrocentric point of view, braids are the norm.  They do not represent a militant stance, and adding beads to the braids was quite popular for decoration as depicted above.  

 

(http://festival.sundance.org/2009/film_events/films/good_hair )

Recently at the Sundance Film Festival, Chris Rock unveiled his documentary, "Good Hair."  He states his new documentary, was spurred by his daughter Lola's question why she doesn't have "good hair." This took him on a journey through salons and businesses to attempt to find an answer.  In the process, he spoke to people in salons/barbershops, celebrities, and learned how black hair affects self esteem, the pocketbook, relationships and about the bustling hair industry, leaving him with the belief that what is most important is inside than on top of his daughter's head. 

Perhaps it is not a coincidence that the first woman millionaire was Madame C.J. Walker who developed a line of beauty and hair products for black women.

Promises, Promises

A major milestone in the life of those with food and body image struggles has recently passed. 

The first Monday of the first week of the new year was January 5, 2009.  As Mondays for many weeks serve as the start day for many diets, this was the Superbowl day of the dieting world.

A landmark day for many millions, it fills the deep pockets of the diet industry. They know and are counting on the New Year's resolutions which undoubtedly include diet and exercise goals.  So entrenched are these goals, that they are made automatically, often without formal recognition.

I can't help but asking...after all the pomp of the ball dropping on times square, when the diet commercials start playing so often on television, if given a multiple choice test you could correctly match the diet program with the celebrity, new gyms are joined, and fridges are stocked with food that promises to thin while you sleep...

Was there time in all of this to serious consider what you really need (versus want) right now? 

People's Sexiest Man of the Year

I suppose Congratulations are due to Hugh Jackman for being chosen as the "Sexiest Man of the Year."  In addition to raising his salary per appearance and film, he has participated in Hollywood's beauty pageant of the stars. 

A quick visit to the site reveals what is wanted of today's man...business savvy, a love of family, and a body that is desired by the masses.  Sexy is heterosexuality...which of course likely draws more women to buy more magazines.  Beauty is also a full head of hair (the thicker the better), with lots of photos of men on outings with their children regardless of their marital status, or the status of their relationship.

Disturbingly, there is a section, where the reader can guess the person after being shown only their chest.  More surprising, is that it is possible to do so!  Perhaps it is due to the overexposure by the media.

This unfortunately is not a trend limited to People Magazine.  Recently the President-Elect was vacationing in Hawaii and photos of him were taken without wearing a shirt and distributed widely across the internet.  His medical records were also quoted for his fitness and compared to his opponent and used as a strategy in the election process.  Whispers of Camelot precede him in the halls. 

I support the recognition of someone for physical feats, not the worship. There will never be a part of yourself that you can change to cause you (or others) to like you more.  If others cannot accept you as is, they may never accept you in your new skin. 

Begin to confront the demons inside that plague you, and tell you that if you don't measure up to "societal standards".  If you can begin to question why you've been feeling that you must look a certain way, you are ready for therapy, and ready to begin to heal.