I was having an argument the other day with my girlfriend about the difference between body positivity and physical attraction.
(In picture: Girlfriend, Savannah)
The premise of our conversation turned argument was whether our culture body shaming women for having certain shapes has affected our attraction to certain body shapes and whether that attraction is physically rooted or culturally taught.
As an art nude photographer, I see beauty in all shapes. That DOESN’T mean I’m attracted to all shapes. There are certain shapes that I see as visually stimulating/appealing to me on a sexual level. Generally… skinny blondes with small breasts and big bottoms. That’s my type. As it is, I think, for 90% of western culture.
But has porn/the advertising industry forced that upon me or is there a biological drive behind it.
A while ago, I mentioned that we got into it about defining body positivity. My definition, as a photographer and as a studio is healthy women. That means I want to celebrate women being healthy in their skin, whatever that looks like. BUT. By healthy, I don’t just mean mentally. I ALSO don’t just mean physically. Yes. A leaner woman IS medically healthier. I will argue it until I’m blue in the face. As a heavier man, I know that the weight I carry costs a toll on my joints. My internal organs. My endocrine system. At the same time, I don’t think someone who overtrains and maintains a 7-12% body fat all year round is healthy either.
That having been said.
I posit that we are attracted to what we are attracted to and a part of body positivity HAS to be in supporting those who love whatever shapes they do. Not shaming someone for their attraction to a certain body shape.
Do you agree/disagree… what are your thoughts??
