K: I have definitely had moments where I struggle because my body type doesn't necessarily match what media portrays as the favored body type. I am on the thicker side and definitely more muscular than what people think is "feminine" or "pretty." I usually don't think about it, but it definitely does affect me when I go shopping and the clothing happens to be tailored more toward body types that are more petite than I am. V: I've struggled with self-image for as long as I can remember. Even when I was an athlete at my skinniest, I still thought I was fat. My biggest insecurity throughout my life has been having big boobs, even when society would tell me it was attractive. I never was able to fit into the things my friends would wear. However, the older I get, the more I've come to acceptance with my body. I tried to remember that I'm the only person that is me, and the way I look is okay. o&B: Do you think social media only represents a certain body type? A: If you would have asked me this question five years ago, I may have said yes, but I truly believe things are changing in the right direction and many more body types and ethnicities are being put in the limelight.
K: I think that it has come a long way and there’s definitely been some sort of improvement, but I do think media mostly represents and supports a certain type of body. V: I think the media has done a better job in trying to represent other groups of body types that usually don't get represented. However, I do think that society still has this unrealistic expectation for how a woman's body is supposed to look. If you don't have a big butt and big boobs with the smallest waist, you're probably not good enough. Social media is a great outlet to stay connected to people, but it can also be used as a tool for comparison, which can trigger negativity. For the past few years, popular media outlets and marketing campaigns have taken a step toward the right direction in supporting the body positivity trend. In 2015, Women’s Health banned the use of the phrases “drop two sizes” and “bikini body” from its cover titles. The following year, Sports Illustrated featured plus-sized model Ashley Graham in their annual Swimsuit Issue. Plus, both Dove and Aerie have created marketing campaigns solely based on body positivity. At the end of the day, you’re always going to want what you can’t have — so it is important to focus on what you do have. Doing more of what makes you happy and surrounding yourself with people who love you are just two steps in the right direction towards a healthier and happier you.
19