Opinionated

  This will seem more like a moan than anything but to be honest it does need to be addressed.

  Young girls. Now, I have blogged on this subject before but I’d like to look at it from a slightly different angle this time.

  Young women and girls are under a huge amount of pressure to conform to what is considered to be the ideal look. Despite great developments over recent years it still seems as though we are stuck in an image obsessed society. There is nothing wrong in taking an active interest to make yourself look and feel better about yourself; but surely when we are setting an example to pre teen children we are way off the mark? There are certain shops that are selling items of clothes, which in my opinion are far too provocative for the age range they are being aimed at. Push up bras and mini skirts are not appropriate for a seven year old at all; yet there are some parents who are quite happy to dress their children like this. What upsets me is little girls in heels. Sorry, but no. I understand if it is for dress up or maybe an occasion and they aren’t being paraded around, yet for day to day wear this is a disgrace. We are ageing these children before their time. Why aren’t they able to run around like children are meant to as opposed to becoming adolescent at eight years old?

  A few years ago I did a lot of research on the motives of anorexia and the expectations of youth beauty. Through my studies I found that even from babies and toddlers we are being labelled as certain things before we have even established our own identity. We are referred to as ‘cute’, ‘adorable’, ‘beautiful’ or ‘handsome’ and these words stay with us as we grow up. Perhaps, even from such a young age we are already being influenced, unintentionally, by those around us; perhaps parents are under a certain pressure to present their children in a way to compete with others of the same age. These are just suggestions and not definitive facts yet they are options to be considered. From being referred to at a young age with words that are defining us before we have blossomed, we can see how this trend continues through time. As a young woman we are sometimes referred to as ‘sexy’,  ‘stunning’ or ‘hot’. These words, although a little more sexual, are now are defining characteristics. There is the pressure to conform to this to be accepted with our peers. If a girl is referred to as ‘hot’ women instantly look at her to decide what they think. The majority of time the other girl is put down and women will find flaws in her looks to make themselves feel better. I think everyone is guilty of this and I will happily say I am one of them. Yet, I am beginning to make a conscious effort not to look at the exterior and judge, but to look beyond that and see what else they offer as people, not as objects.

  By labelling ourselves based on the way we look we are giving others the right to do the same to us. Everyone finds different looks attractive so how can anyone justify what is meant to be the ideal? Some people like those that are slightly chubby, others prefer very skinny. Some like tall, some like short. However, either way, it is personal choice and we shouldn’t have to change to fit any other preference. Being unique is the beauty of being human! We are so different and original to ourselves that this should be celebrated! Will there ever be a day when people are referred to for their achievements rather than their attributes? How refreshing that would be to be described as ‘the girl that writes a lot, has an opinion and has a sense of humour’ rather than ‘that girl that did performing arts at college with the big hair. Quite tall and used to have lots of piercings.’

  I’d love to see beautiful women with an opinion and self-respect representing the women of Britain rather than the provocative, boozy and cheap girls that are expected from other nations. There are a few breakthrough women that are finally making a name for themselves with their talent and originality. Hallelujah! These are the ones I will support.

  Women are scrutinized for obsessing over our looks yet there are plenty of men who do the same. Wishing they had a six-pack, muscled arms or were maybe more endowed elsewhere! It is an unfair part of life that unfortunately won’t ever go away, but it’d be nice to find just a select minority of people who agree with me, that this is not the way to go on. As long as you are true to yourself and stick to what you believe in then you are setting a standard to the pre-teen/teenagers of today who need that strong guidance.

  Our personalities are our main attribute. We are who we are. We are influenced by everything around us and by not looking at everything so narrow-minded we are able to have our own opinion on a whole host of subjects. What most don’t remember is that looks don’t last forever, no matter how much surgery you have!

  Please bear in mind that this is MY opinion and shouldn’t be taken offensively. I think that everyone has a right to be how they want to be, but I just believe it’s a shame to have to lose your dignity for it. Freedom of speech, look and creativity!

  Love and hugs,

Case