We are wrong to value only sexuality

Eating disorders are rampant and slender women wearing size 7 jeans can’t stop talking about how “fat” they are. Even the size 2 models in magazines are airbrushed and digitally altered, making the “beauty standard” physically impossible to attain in any natural way. Self-esteem is at a shattering low. And it’s no wonder, when our culture — from fashion styles, to dance moves, to media (including movies, television shows, music and various advertisements), and now even our coffee stands — practically scream out the message: “A woman’s only value in society is her sexuality!”

Can we really say it’s healthy to teach young, teenage girls that prancing around with hardly any clothes on is a rewardable act? That she is only valued and accepted as long as she is “beautiful” by society’s standards (translation: skinny, scantily clad, and the face — well, with those clothes, who’s looking at the face?)? That it’s a good thing to “put it all out there” — so long as there is financial remuneration? (Hmm, now what does that sound like?) A woman is more than the sum of her “parts,” thank you very much. Come on, ladies — we deserve better than this!

Cyndi Bishop

Edmonds