Frequently Asked Questions by Black Women about Body Image and Beauty
What is meant by the term "body image'
Answer: Body image is the term used to describe how we see ourselves when we look in the mirror – and how we believe others see us. Different than a reflection, which is what the mirror "sees,' body image encompasses the state of mind in which is we view that reflection. For example, a stranger may look at you and see an attractive well groomed person. But you [ click onto photo to enlarge ] may see yourself as overweight, unattractive, or even ugly and believe that others see you that way as well. Part of what we see in the mirror relates to where we have trained our eyes to look first –usually our perceived flaws. The rest of what we see is filtered through our mind's eye – the image we see reflects back the image we have of ourselves in our head – a picture which may or may not accurately represent the true reflection in the mirror.
What do the terms "negative' and "positive' mean in relation to body image?
A "negative' body image is characterized by a distorted perception of how we really look. For example, you may see your breasts as too small or your legs as too short when in reality; they are both of average size. People with a negative body image usually view themselves as unattractive.People with a negative body image usually view themselves as unattractive, think that others me how a reflection of who they are inside. A "positive' body image exists when the reflection we see is an accurate one.It doesn't mean we don't see our flaws.It just means we are realistic about them, and we can also see our attributes.Having a positive body image means celebrating and appreciating your physical appearance, and loving what you see.
How can I have a good body image when society's view of my size is so negative?
It's true that we are continuously bombarded with images of the "perfect' body and that can make us feel insecure. For those with an already negative self-image, these "ideals' can further reinforce bad feelings. The way to counter that pressure, say experts, is to first realize that only a chosen few actually "measure up' to society's unrealistic standards – and theyfrequently do so at a cost to their health. More, realized that your personal body image is reflected best by who you are, not how you look compared to someone else.
I have always dreamed of being that perfect size 6, but my body wants to stay forever size 14. Is there a trick to learning to love the skin I'm in even if I'll never be that size 6?
The answer is yes – and experts say it begins with accepting the idea that "big' is not "bad.'What counts most is the state of your health – factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and your level of fitness.If your doctor says you check out IK< then you can work on accepting your current weight as a healthy weight for you.If in fact, your "full figure' is the shape your body gravitates to naturally, then it's possible that this is the shape at which you will and feel the healthiest.
Is it wrong to be concerned about how you look?And what are the signs that someone is obsessed with their appearance?
Concern about appearance, and a desire to look as good as you can is quite normal. However, there can be a fine line between looking your best and being obsessed with your looks – a problem known as body dysmorphic disorder.In this instance, a person becomes preoccupied or "obsessed' with either a nonexistent problem – such as believing their average –size nose is really hug – or dwells on what would otherwise be considered a minor cosmetic flaw, such as one crooked tooth or a slight case of acne.Moreover, the person consistently seeks to remedy or change what they don't like, often seeking surgery or other medical attention, and seldom being satisfied with the result. Another tipping point, say experts, is when the preoccupation with appearance begins to interfere with normal living or prevents a person from reaching their goals.
Is it normal to feel down about your looks after reading a beauty magazine?Does this indicate a problem with self-esteem?
When we have a strong sense of self-esteem – one in which our looks make up only a small part of how we feel about ourselves – then we tend not to lose confidence in the presence of those we perceive to be more beautiful.
Studies show that the more we relate to the subject in the photos, the more we tend to judge our own appearance by the same standards.Case in point, a study published in The Journal of Black Studies in 2004 reported that when black women looked at pictures of attractive white women, it didn't put so much as a dent in their self-esteem.But when they looked at pictures of attractive black women, they became far more critical about themselves and their appearance.
http://www.essanceimages.com/faq.html
Answer: Body image is the term used to describe how we see ourselves when we look in the mirror – and how we believe others see us. Different than a reflection, which is what the mirror "sees,' body image encompasses the state of mind in which is we view that reflection. For example, a stranger may look at you and see an attractive well groomed person. But you [ click onto photo to enlarge ] may see yourself as overweight, unattractive, or even ugly and believe that others see you that way as well. Part of what we see in the mirror relates to where we have trained our eyes to look first –usually our perceived flaws. The rest of what we see is filtered through our mind's eye – the image we see reflects back the image we have of ourselves in our head – a picture which may or may not accurately represent the true reflection in the mirror.
What do the terms "negative' and "positive' mean in relation to body image?
A "negative' body image is characterized by a distorted perception of how we really look. For example, you may see your breasts as too small or your legs as too short when in reality; they are both of average size. People with a negative body image usually view themselves as unattractive.People with a negative body image usually view themselves as unattractive, think that others me how a reflection of who they are inside. A "positive' body image exists when the reflection we see is an accurate one.It doesn't mean we don't see our flaws.It just means we are realistic about them, and we can also see our attributes.Having a positive body image means celebrating and appreciating your physical appearance, and loving what you see.
How can I have a good body image when society's view of my size is so negative?
It's true that we are continuously bombarded with images of the "perfect' body and that can make us feel insecure. For those with an already negative self-image, these "ideals' can further reinforce bad feelings. The way to counter that pressure, say experts, is to first realize that only a chosen few actually "measure up' to society's unrealistic standards – and theyfrequently do so at a cost to their health. More, realized that your personal body image is reflected best by who you are, not how you look compared to someone else.
I have always dreamed of being that perfect size 6, but my body wants to stay forever size 14. Is there a trick to learning to love the skin I'm in even if I'll never be that size 6?
The answer is yes – and experts say it begins with accepting the idea that "big' is not "bad.'What counts most is the state of your health – factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and your level of fitness.If your doctor says you check out IK< then you can work on accepting your current weight as a healthy weight for you.If in fact, your "full figure' is the shape your body gravitates to naturally, then it's possible that this is the shape at which you will and feel the healthiest.
Is it wrong to be concerned about how you look?And what are the signs that someone is obsessed with their appearance?
Concern about appearance, and a desire to look as good as you can is quite normal. However, there can be a fine line between looking your best and being obsessed with your looks – a problem known as body dysmorphic disorder.In this instance, a person becomes preoccupied or "obsessed' with either a nonexistent problem – such as believing their average –size nose is really hug – or dwells on what would otherwise be considered a minor cosmetic flaw, such as one crooked tooth or a slight case of acne.Moreover, the person consistently seeks to remedy or change what they don't like, often seeking surgery or other medical attention, and seldom being satisfied with the result. Another tipping point, say experts, is when the preoccupation with appearance begins to interfere with normal living or prevents a person from reaching their goals.
Is it normal to feel down about your looks after reading a beauty magazine?Does this indicate a problem with self-esteem?
When we have a strong sense of self-esteem – one in which our looks make up only a small part of how we feel about ourselves – then we tend not to lose confidence in the presence of those we perceive to be more beautiful.
Studies show that the more we relate to the subject in the photos, the more we tend to judge our own appearance by the same standards.Case in point, a study published in The Journal of Black Studies in 2004 reported that when black women looked at pictures of attractive white women, it didn't put so much as a dent in their self-esteem.But when they looked at pictures of attractive black women, they became far more critical about themselves and their appearance.
http://www.essanceimages.com/faq.html
