More Than a Body

I'm tempted to say “everyone should read this book,” with the caveat that someone I followed said “everyone should read this book” and I thought, I'm everyone! .. but I'm also a woman in a society that objectifies women, so...while I think it's super important this macro message reaches a large audience, most of the details certainly won't resonate with those who haven't dealt with objectification or deep-rooted physical insecurities, specifically around bodies. The book is clearly written for women (understandably, as women are more often objectified, held to unreasonable beauty standards, and generally have aesthetic rolled up into our societal worth), though there are mentions towards other genders/identities and I do think the authors did a good job of trying to be inclusive.

Here's the macro message: We are SO much more than bodies. Seems rote to type it out, yet the beauty/weight loss industry is worth BILLIONS of dollars, aimed specifically at women, and you're telling me that's just because beauty is just a fun hobby? Pfft.

This message is CRUCIAL and needs to be proliferated for there to be actual societal change around bodies/appearance as markers of worth. I loved a lot about this book, but mostly that there are actual actionable things we can do in our daily lives, and that we can educate others on in our daily lives, to move the dial forward. Example: complimenting others on weight loss, when you have NO idea what caused it (disease? death of a family member? and ur gunna be like, “congrats your dad died, you look great?” Do we not see how fucked up that is?!?) or the life-diminishing efforts it took to get there. In my personal life, I endeavor to not compliment other women on their haircut/jewelry/outfit as a means of making a personal connection. Those are cheap compliments that perpetuate appearances as indicators of personal value.

I will say, definitively, this should be read by anyone who has any kind of influencing power over young children (teachers, parents, coaches, etc), because the messages that we are bodies first and foremost comes at all angles early on, and the earlier we can all intervene, the better!

REPEAT: THE BODY IS AN INSTRUMENT, NOT AN ORNAMENT. Tattoo that on your fucking soul!!!