What do Wellesley student's have to say about body image?
"I think it comes down to the really fundamental questions about our self-worth. Discussing and promoting healthy views of our bodies is important because it reassures--or in some cases establishes--that we are useful, valuable human beings." -Julie H.
"I think that body image is important at Wellesley College because whenever you get a group of women together, the conversation at some point will turn to body image. This society is so hung up on body image, it's crippling our women. The ideal body type in any society is usually the one that's (nearly) impossible to attain. In societies where food is scarce, obesity is prized; in those where food is plentiful, slim bodies are worshipped. Women can never win, and so we whine (or obsess, or starve ourselves, or just feel guilty and worthless)." -Virginia S.
"One of the best aspects of Wellesley College is the diversity of students. I feel that people at Wellesley are valued for their unique thoughts and gifts, not based on their appearance. If I were to avoid people or judge those who did not fit the cultural ideal of beauty, I would be selling myself short; I would not be taking advantage of the knowledge and insight that I can gain from knowing others who look and think differently from me." -Student
"One of my friends runs around the lake every morning and eats healthy food, but still feels that her large-boned frame is 'too big'. Another friend of mine eats chips and soda all the time, never exercises, yet is a slender size six. Who is healthier? Who do we perceive is healthier just by appearance alone? Television, magazines and the implications from sizes on clothing racks pressure us to be thin, no matter what it takes, even if it means we are not healthy." -Molly M.
"I often consider what it would be like to live in a world without mirrors or reflections of any kind... no one could worry about what they looked like, because they would never see themselves. It would mean that our energies would be spent on strengthening our minds instead of our biceps, creating healthy attitudes and focusing on our inner strengths, and 'seeing' each person's soul and mind without even considering to judge a person by the 'package' that covers her or him." -Student
"How many cares one loses when they decide not to be something, but to be someone." -Coco Chanel
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