46: The Danger of Body Trends

It all started with a Facebook post by my friend (and today's co-host) Jana Vallone when she shared a link to a Sports Illustrated story about hip cleavage being a new trend. You guys know that I'm all about accepting all body types, but when did women's body types get "trendy"? And is that even ok? My fellow boudoir photographer and today's podcast co-host Jana Vallone and I share our thoughts about body trends, body image, and the media in this episode. If you're ready for an unfiltered conversation about who and why women's bodies are deemed trendy, listen in.  What's Going on With Body "Trends" Jana and I agree that we are thankful that all body types are now being featured in the media, but my concern is that our bodies can even be trendy at all. We know that you can't change the shape of your body although you can gain/lose weight or have surgery. But we have fallen victim to the idea that our bodies can become trendy. Body Terms You and I hear the terms "plus size," "curvy," and "fat" every day.  In the 1980s and 1990s, Kate Moss and the waif-ish look was in. Now, J. Lo, Nicki Minaj, and Kim Kardashian are trendy. Their bodies have been under the knife so how can we keep up with that? How you feel about your body impacts every interaction and relationship you have. Dad Bod versus Mom Bod In our society, Dad Bod, a.k.a. letting yourself go, is considered cool while Mom Bod needs to be "fixed." Men find women rising up as intimidating. Men are scared of women's bodies so they make women's bodies trendy. Labeling our bodies and what's "trendy" is a form of control.  Conclusion: Let's ask the question, "Is it ok that you're being labeled as trendy?" Question what you see and what the media feeds you. What's hidden underneath? What are the motives behind the message?   Key Quotes from the Episode: "Women's attractiveness has a shelf life." - Jen Rozenbaum "I can't understand how we've made body image … trendy."  - Jen Rozenbaum "How about the trend should be, 'No two bodies are the same so whatever you have, love that'?"  - Jen Rozenbaum "Let's make sure that we're all inclusive." - Jana Vallone "Body image and body acceptance affect every, single woman."  - Jen Rozenbaum "We have to be smarter than the trends." -  Jana Vallone "Fight where you can and question, question, question." -  Jana Vallone    Connect with  Jana Vallone: Instagram Website   Connect with Jen and Shamelessly Feminine:   Join our Shamelessly Feminine Facebook Group Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Facebook Follow Shamelessly Feminine on Instagram   This episode was originally published on shamelesslyfeminine.com/episode46.