Social Stigma: Men Vs Women

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-23-2005
Social Stigma: Men Vs Women
2
Mon, 03-13-2006 - 10:03pm
Why do you think it is that women NEED to be fit and thin? In society, there is a particular view that a woman is useless unless she is thin and gorgeous. On the other hand, men that are overweight are funny, or 'cuddly', or something along those lines. How does it impact the way we view ourselves and each other? What can we do as women to make it okay to be imperfect?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 2:43am

Hmm. Great questions. Well, we should be fit and HEALTHY, not necessarily thin but a managable weight. Why? So we can live LONG lives, be there for your children and grandchildren, feel GREAT about yourself and enjoy life to tthe fullest.

Yes, society does suggest that a woman's value is based on her appearance. But let's face it...we live in an appearance based society. What do you expect?

Sure, men that are overweight are perceived as "funny, or 'cuddly', or something along those lines" but they experience the same treatment as overweight women. Come on, how many women really want to date a 5'10" morbidly obese man?

How can we make it okay to be imperfect? Place value on qualities besides appearance. Place a higher value on health, longevity, family, hobbies, travel life...what ever makes you happy!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
Thu, 03-16-2006 - 7:26am

Very interesting question..


I think men in general get away with a lot of stuff, not just weight issues. Even to this day, society accepts a lot from men, but uses a double standard with women. A husband cheating on his wife is not as "bad" as a wife cheating on her husband. A mother who leaves her kids and husband is much "worse" than a father leaving his wife & children.. and the examples go on.


I have to admit that I like a man with more skin on his bones (like what my husband looks like). BUT I don't think obese males look cuddly or funny. Also I know that a lot of men still like females with some curves and some meat under their skin. STILL that doesn't mean they like obese women. I hate to use the word obese, but I just want to differentiate between simply overweight and health risk overweight.


Society is not always fair. There are always standards for perfection.... being a supermom, model type bodies, excelling in careers (both men and women), excellence in sports, etc. Even we sometimes expect a lot from our children and want them to learn every craft/sport/art there is to learn. We live in a competitive society.. and it's our job to find a balance. It's not easy, but life is not easy.


I sound like a student writing an essay in college.. I'll shut up now

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