Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Topic started by: Nero on July 12, 2009, 08:39:38 AM Return to Full Version
Title: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Nero on July 12, 2009, 08:39:38 AM
Post by: Nero on July 12, 2009, 08:39:38 AM
Hey guys and dolls.
I've been studying up on society, bodies, etc. (hey my body is changing)
And I was wondering if we feel the same pressures to conform bodily to societal ideals. This is particularly interesting to me growing up as a female and being pressured by peers and society to look a certain way.
I know how females are taught that their entire existence rides on how feminine and beautiful they look.
So how do you feel about societal pressures to look a certain way as a woman - big breasted and ribs showing, etc or as a guy - solid, six pack, etc.?
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frds.yahoo.com%2F_ylt%3DA0WTefW271lKnAkBNWujzbkF%2FSIG%3D12v0vkudd%2FEXP%3D1247494454%2F%2A%2Ahttp%253A%2F%2Fwww.knockoutmag.com%2Fhottest_bikini_model%2Fweek2%2FChloe_Kalin%2Fchloe.jpg&hash=eda5523c5685eb8b6ae95868b714b43188e6da89)
Do you feel pressured to look like this?
Or this?
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frds.yahoo.com%2F_ylt%3DA0WTefWk8FlK1gsBgxGjzbkF%2FSIG%3D12ivvbm2n%2FEXP%3D1247494692%2F%2A%2Ahttp%253A%2F%2Fwww.modelcruz.com%2Fimages%2Finformation%2Fmale-models-01.jpg&hash=95529637d4ea4a5c14330dbfd0147e2429175a29)
I've been studying up on society, bodies, etc. (hey my body is changing)
And I was wondering if we feel the same pressures to conform bodily to societal ideals. This is particularly interesting to me growing up as a female and being pressured by peers and society to look a certain way.
I know how females are taught that their entire existence rides on how feminine and beautiful they look.
So how do you feel about societal pressures to look a certain way as a woman - big breasted and ribs showing, etc or as a guy - solid, six pack, etc.?
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frds.yahoo.com%2F_ylt%3DA0WTefW271lKnAkBNWujzbkF%2FSIG%3D12v0vkudd%2FEXP%3D1247494454%2F%2A%2Ahttp%253A%2F%2Fwww.knockoutmag.com%2Fhottest_bikini_model%2Fweek2%2FChloe_Kalin%2Fchloe.jpg&hash=eda5523c5685eb8b6ae95868b714b43188e6da89)
Do you feel pressured to look like this?
Or this?
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frds.yahoo.com%2F_ylt%3DA0WTefWk8FlK1gsBgxGjzbkF%2FSIG%3D12ivvbm2n%2FEXP%3D1247494692%2F%2A%2Ahttp%253A%2F%2Fwww.modelcruz.com%2Fimages%2Finformation%2Fmale-models-01.jpg&hash=95529637d4ea4a5c14330dbfd0147e2429175a29)
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: lacitychick21 on July 12, 2009, 01:37:20 PM
Post by: lacitychick21 on July 12, 2009, 01:37:20 PM
First... Hi Nero!!!
Second... Chloe Kalin is sooo hot. LoL
Do I feel pressures by societal expectations, rules, restrictions and caveats of beauty? No... no way.
$100+ monthly clothes bills
$100+ monthly makeup bills
dozens of shoes
$200+ hair maintenance every 6-8 weeks
<1,000 calories a day
countless hours spent in front of the mirror applying makeup, doing my hair and changing outfits.
All that and I still don't look as good as Chloe on her bad day?
Do I feel pressure? Nope... none.
:(
Second... Chloe Kalin is sooo hot. LoL
Do I feel pressures by societal expectations, rules, restrictions and caveats of beauty? No... no way.
$100+ monthly clothes bills
$100+ monthly makeup bills
dozens of shoes
$200+ hair maintenance every 6-8 weeks
<1,000 calories a day
countless hours spent in front of the mirror applying makeup, doing my hair and changing outfits.
All that and I still don't look as good as Chloe on her bad day?
Do I feel pressure? Nope... none.
:(
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Nero on July 12, 2009, 01:49:02 PM
Post by: Nero on July 12, 2009, 01:49:02 PM
Quote from: lacitychick21 on July 12, 2009, 01:37:20 PM
First... Hi Nero!!!
Second... Chloe Kalin is sooo hot. LoL
Do I feel pressures by societal expectations, rules, restrictions and caveats of beauty? No... no way.
$100+ monthly clothes bills
$100+ monthly makeup bills
dozens of shoes
$200+ hair maintenance every 6-8 weeks
<1,000 calories a day
countless hours spent in front of the mirror applying makeup, doing my hair and changing outfits.
All that and I still don't look as good as Chloe on her bad day?
Do I feel pressure? Nope... none.
:(
what? you look better than her! haven't seen you in a bikini yet, but from what I've seen... yum, yum, yum. :-*
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: lacitychick21 on July 12, 2009, 02:25:11 PM
Post by: lacitychick21 on July 12, 2009, 02:25:11 PM
My momma warned me about sweet talkers like you... :P
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: sneakersjay on July 12, 2009, 03:50:05 PM
Post by: sneakersjay on July 12, 2009, 03:50:05 PM
No.
Used to in female mode; now I'm thrilled beyond belief to be perceived as my true self after all these years.
Do I wish I were taller? fitter? etc? yes, but not to the point that I obsess or whine, etc. I just started working out, taking advantages of what T has to offer but dont' feel the need to have a 6-pack. Can't do anything about my height, so I embrace my shortness!
Jay
Used to in female mode; now I'm thrilled beyond belief to be perceived as my true self after all these years.
Do I wish I were taller? fitter? etc? yes, but not to the point that I obsess or whine, etc. I just started working out, taking advantages of what T has to offer but dont' feel the need to have a 6-pack. Can't do anything about my height, so I embrace my shortness!
Jay
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Ellieka on July 12, 2009, 04:04:58 PM
Post by: Ellieka on July 12, 2009, 04:04:58 PM
I absolutely feel pressured to conform to a certain female body type. While I do feel that I fit in with what is considered average for a womans height and weight I still feel very self conscious about the width of my shoulders, the flabby tummy and lack of adequate breast size. I also obsess over my still some what masculine arms and legs too.
I know its silly and perhaps even unhealthy but I would love to be 130 lbs and have a size 6 waist.
I know its silly and perhaps even unhealthy but I would love to be 130 lbs and have a size 6 waist.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Luc on July 12, 2009, 04:15:03 PM
Post by: Luc on July 12, 2009, 04:15:03 PM
Okay... I can't really reply to the poll part, because my answer doesn't really fit there. When I was pretending to be a girl, as I call the first 24 years or so of my life, the only times I remember conforming to others' ideals of what I should be were in 8th and 9th grade, when I wore makeup and form-fitting clothes to avoid persecution from classmates, and when I got older and went to bars... always would wear padded bras and makeup so guys would buy me drinks. Sad, yes, and I'm sure anyone who's seen my pics now can't imagine me wearing a low-cut top and looking all girly, but it actually worked quite well at the time.
However, I may be at least somewhat influenced by the media in my tendency toward attraction to skinny chicks. The girls I go for are typically taller, lanky, and smaller chested, like Keira Knightley or Kristen Stewart. So there's the thin thing, though I suppose most guys would go for large chests. Sorry, haven't yet fallen prey to that one. My taste in women developed a long time ago, back before every woman in Hollywood was considering breast implants.
SD
However, I may be at least somewhat influenced by the media in my tendency toward attraction to skinny chicks. The girls I go for are typically taller, lanky, and smaller chested, like Keira Knightley or Kristen Stewart. So there's the thin thing, though I suppose most guys would go for large chests. Sorry, haven't yet fallen prey to that one. My taste in women developed a long time ago, back before every woman in Hollywood was considering breast implants.
SD
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Tammy Hope on July 12, 2009, 05:31:35 PM
Post by: Tammy Hope on July 12, 2009, 05:31:35 PM
Quote from: Cami on July 12, 2009, 04:04:58 PMI do too...but I find it's difficult to distinguish external pressure from internal pressure.
I absolutely feel pressured to conform to a certain female body type.
I have a vision of what I think I need to look like that is influenced by how other women look but I'm not sure how much of that the world around me demands from me.
Quote
While I do feel that I fit in with what is considered average for a womans height and weight I still feel very self conscious about the width of my shoulders, the flabby tummy and lack of adequate breast size. I also obsess over my still some what masculine arms and legs too.
I know its silly and perhaps even unhealthy but I would love to be 130 lbs and have a size 6 waist.
"So say we all"
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: umop ap!sdn on July 12, 2009, 06:26:26 PM
Post by: umop ap!sdn on July 12, 2009, 06:26:26 PM
I wouldn't say I feel pressured, per se, just I would love it if I looked "normal", i.e. like a GG.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: myles on July 12, 2009, 07:46:59 PM
Post by: myles on July 12, 2009, 07:46:59 PM
Interesting question from my perspective. I was looking forward to not feeling this way when I transitioned (pressure to conform) and it has not gone away and actually gotten worse. I am not sure whether it is me or just the men I am surrounded by but they all happen to be pretty fit and none seem to be over weight. Right now I have been putting on weight like crazy at one point was up to 155 (I am 5 foot 6), I have gotten myself back down to 150 bu its hard as I am putting on muscle but can also see my gut getting bigger. (ok it's still pretty small I must admit, but it now exists which it didn't before). I was always a pretty fit in shape female and now find myself at the other end of the spectrum (in my mind) as a male. I should say people have commented that they did not realize the amount of muscle I had before as i used to hide it, men's clothes don't hide it as much.
Myles
Myles
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Eva Marie on July 12, 2009, 11:17:18 PM
Post by: Eva Marie on July 12, 2009, 11:17:18 PM
At the moment, i'm not for sure what my body ideal "should be" (boy/girl?). So I guess not. As a boy I sure don't look like that posted picture, and as a girl i'm *way* away from the posted picture. Either would be nice to have though :D
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Genevieve Swann on July 12, 2009, 11:25:53 PM
Post by: Genevieve Swann on July 12, 2009, 11:25:53 PM
Certainly I don't expect to be on the cover of Playboy but do desire to look feminine.I beleive a woman can look good without being Bay Watch material. What is the ideal female body?
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: V M on July 12, 2009, 11:36:58 PM
Post by: V M on July 12, 2009, 11:36:58 PM
I don't really feel pressured, but I would like to afford SRS and grow some larger boobs :laugh: Although being on the board of directors of the Itty Bitty Titty Committee isn't all that bad :laugh:
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Janet_Girl on July 12, 2009, 11:56:14 PM
Post by: Janet_Girl on July 12, 2009, 11:56:14 PM
From society, absolutely not. But from me, definitely. I look at other women, and begin to compare myself.
I put the pressure on myself.
Janet
I put the pressure on myself.
Janet
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: stacyB on July 13, 2009, 12:05:16 AM
Post by: stacyB on July 13, 2009, 12:05:16 AM
No question that we are our own worst critics. I feel pressure and Im certain thats mostly internal. Part of transitioning is becoming comfortable with what we got, but that doesnt mean we still dont chase something that we may never attain...
But then are we any more obsessed than those that are GG/GM? Im guessing not...
But then are we any more obsessed than those that are GG/GM? Im guessing not...
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: DarkLady on July 13, 2009, 12:23:19 AM
Post by: DarkLady on July 13, 2009, 12:23:19 AM
Absolutely. But so is my sister who is GG. I just want to pass as myself but my sister seems to have obsession that her body must be perfect. ;D
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: FairyGirl on July 13, 2009, 12:27:26 AM
Post by: FairyGirl on July 13, 2009, 12:27:26 AM
not so much by society, just mostly from myself. I try to compensate by spending too much money on clothes and starving myself to fit into them, but I know I'll never have a supermodel body. It's okay though, a supermodel will never have mine either lol
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Janet_Girl on July 13, 2009, 12:43:21 AM
Post by: Janet_Girl on July 13, 2009, 12:43:21 AM
When I began my new life I was obsessed with passing. Then one day I looked at myself in the mirror. As I studied my body, face and the dread hair problem. A thought occurred to me, "What if I was born a genetic female and still had the problems I am facing now? What would you be doing?" And I realized that is all a matter of ATTITUDE.
Yes I still observe but it now to compare myself to the rest of the female population. And I am just another girl with problems about my looks.
Yes I still observe but it now to compare myself to the rest of the female population. And I am just another girl with problems about my looks.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: V M on July 13, 2009, 12:46:37 AM
Post by: V M on July 13, 2009, 12:46:37 AM
Virginia thinks she is a super model. Just no-one else has noticed yet :laugh: Laughs historically then runs to hide :laugh:
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Mister on July 13, 2009, 12:48:46 AM
Post by: Mister on July 13, 2009, 12:48:46 AM
Nope. I don't/can't work out due to some physical issues, but even if I could I probably wouldn't. I'm of the mindset that as long as I'm healthy and seen as attractive by my lady, I could give a crap less what anybody else thinks.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: FairyGirl on July 13, 2009, 01:01:45 AM
Post by: FairyGirl on July 13, 2009, 01:01:45 AM
Quote from: Virginia Marie on July 13, 2009, 12:46:37 AM
Virginia thinks she is a super model. Just no-one else has noticed yet :laugh: Laughs historically then runs to hide :laugh:
you laughed historically? You mean like, in the past? :laugh:
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: tekla on July 13, 2009, 01:03:03 AM
Post by: tekla on July 13, 2009, 01:03:03 AM
A very high Renaissance laugh no doubt.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: V M on July 13, 2009, 01:42:55 AM
Post by: V M on July 13, 2009, 01:42:55 AM
Oops :laugh: historically hysterically LOL The SP :police: caught me :laugh:
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: katherine on July 13, 2009, 01:53:36 AM
Post by: katherine on July 13, 2009, 01:53:36 AM
I don't really feel pressured, but gawd, I'd kill to have her body!
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: flygirl82 on July 13, 2009, 02:08:10 AM
Post by: flygirl82 on July 13, 2009, 02:08:10 AM
yeah most definately. and I would have to say it has gotten alot worse since moving to L.A. lol And its silly. I wake up weigh myself and stress over silly useless bs. im not even over weight im like 5'4 110, but it seems like in LA u have to be rail thin :P lol oh well. i like my food what can u do lol.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: heatherrose on July 13, 2009, 06:47:45 AM
Post by: heatherrose on July 13, 2009, 06:47:45 AM
Quote from: Janet Lynn on July 13, 2009, 12:43:21 AMI am just another girl with problems about my looks.
Quote from: heatherrose on December 06, 1973, 12:21:38 AMDang Babe, you are lookin' kinda....
And I am feelin' sorta...
Whatta ya say we, uh..........
>:-)
Dec 06, 1973?
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: finewine on July 13, 2009, 06:59:52 AM
Post by: finewine on July 13, 2009, 06:59:52 AM
I can imagine how the sensation of pressure might be more acute if someone feels that they're in the wrong body, as presumably one would visualize oneself in the "ideal" body.
For me, I am what I am. Like Mister said: as long as my lady is happy with me, then that's enough for me.
For me, I am what I am. Like Mister said: as long as my lady is happy with me, then that's enough for me.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: barbie on July 13, 2009, 07:06:59 AM
Post by: barbie on July 13, 2009, 07:06:59 AM
I envy large breasts, but I know very well that I can not have them in my life by any means.
Regarding legs, I have heard people saying my legs are like those of hoisery models ever since my puberty. No goal regarding my legs. https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1759 (https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1759)
And face. Sigh... I can not do so much, as I do not plan any hormone treatment in my life. Nevertheless, I can like some features of my face. It was androgynous, but becoming more masculine. My face is far different from most women in my country, even from typical men here. I can love my unique face.
The only thinig I am literally pressued by to conform is female 'waist' ideals. This has been my realistic goal that I may be able to achieve: https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1758 (https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1758)
I will exercise soon tonight, which is usual.
https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1760 (https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1760)
For slim waist like models.
Barbie~~
Regarding legs, I have heard people saying my legs are like those of hoisery models ever since my puberty. No goal regarding my legs. https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1759 (https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1759)
And face. Sigh... I can not do so much, as I do not plan any hormone treatment in my life. Nevertheless, I can like some features of my face. It was androgynous, but becoming more masculine. My face is far different from most women in my country, even from typical men here. I can love my unique face.
The only thinig I am literally pressued by to conform is female 'waist' ideals. This has been my realistic goal that I may be able to achieve: https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1758 (https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1758)
I will exercise soon tonight, which is usual.
https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1760 (https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1760)
For slim waist like models.
Barbie~~
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Renate on July 13, 2009, 07:11:33 AM
Post by: Renate on July 13, 2009, 07:11:33 AM
No, I don't feel pressured.
It is interesting those two stereotypical photos.
She is almost a Barbie. I wouldn't want breasts like that.
He has a webbed neck! His chest is as big as hers!
If you look at his photo, he has no waist at all.
Her waist is of the 36-24-36 type.
I'm very happy to have acquired a real waistline right at my navel.
It is interesting those two stereotypical photos.
She is almost a Barbie. I wouldn't want breasts like that.
He has a webbed neck! His chest is as big as hers!
If you look at his photo, he has no waist at all.
Her waist is of the 36-24-36 type.
I'm very happy to have acquired a real waistline right at my navel.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Teknoir on July 13, 2009, 10:25:40 AM
Post by: Teknoir on July 13, 2009, 10:25:40 AM
When I was living on the other side of the fence I did feel some pressure to conform to some of the ideals, but for different reasons.
People told me that I would be taken more seriously in my chosen fields if I looked like a normal "attractive" female. When I eventually caved to their pressure and tried it out, I found this wasn't the case. Instead of being taken seriously as another human being, I was being patronised even more, hit on, and generally treated as a novelty act. Sure, things weren't all to crash hot before - but closer to "attractive" I got, the worse the problem.
I have no regard for their "ideal" for men. I don't want to look like the guy in the pic, even if it didn't take huge amounts of working out and genetic luck to pull off. He doesn't have any of the attributes I want. I don't care for the scene look for myself, either. I'm just happy being low maintenance guy! :laugh:
People told me that I would be taken more seriously in my chosen fields if I looked like a normal "attractive" female. When I eventually caved to their pressure and tried it out, I found this wasn't the case. Instead of being taken seriously as another human being, I was being patronised even more, hit on, and generally treated as a novelty act. Sure, things weren't all to crash hot before - but closer to "attractive" I got, the worse the problem.
I have no regard for their "ideal" for men. I don't want to look like the guy in the pic, even if it didn't take huge amounts of working out and genetic luck to pull off. He doesn't have any of the attributes I want. I don't care for the scene look for myself, either. I'm just happy being low maintenance guy! :laugh:
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: barbie on July 13, 2009, 10:42:10 AM
Post by: barbie on July 13, 2009, 10:42:10 AM
Quote from: Renate on July 13, 2009, 07:11:33 AM
His chest is as big as hers!
I noticed it, too.
Some people recommend me to do a kind of muscle training to increase size of my breast. But, I tend to be very slow at accumulating muscles.
Kate Moss has very small chest, but she looks still attractive, and has been one of most popular super model.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fitchylot.com%2Fck%2Fck.kate28b.jpg&hash=d926b303400c324552179689a55f6b38f4fa38b5)
http://itchylot.com/ck/ck.kate11.jpg (http://itchylot.com/ck/ck.kate11.jpg)
Barbie~~
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: K8 on July 13, 2009, 01:07:33 PM
Post by: K8 on July 13, 2009, 01:07:33 PM
No pressure. I am what I am. As long as no one gags when they see me, I figure I'm fine. ::)
If you just watch TV and movies and read the personality mags, you may think you are the ugliest creature on earth. But if you go anywhere where there may be a bunch of ordinary women - the mall, for instance - and actually look at who is around you, you will see that there is a huge range of looks and styles. If you hate the way you look, you just need to get out in the real world more often. ;)
- Kate
If you just watch TV and movies and read the personality mags, you may think you are the ugliest creature on earth. But if you go anywhere where there may be a bunch of ordinary women - the mall, for instance - and actually look at who is around you, you will see that there is a huge range of looks and styles. If you hate the way you look, you just need to get out in the real world more often. ;)
- Kate
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Jeatyn on July 13, 2009, 09:43:55 PM
Post by: Jeatyn on July 13, 2009, 09:43:55 PM
When I was still trying to be female I felt extremely under pressure. I'd have huge breakdowns about my hair not being right and wouldn't leave the house if I had ran out of foundation and other such rediculousness.
I had a moment the other day when I went to the shop fresh outta bed in just shorts and shirt i picked up off the floor. It was like "woah, a few months ago that would have taken 3 hours of doing my hair and makeup"
Just shows how much more comfortable I am with myself nowadays. Obviously there's stuff that I'd love to change but it's just a matter of hormones and top surgery and I'll be satisfied with my looks. Bottom surgery isn't an appearance thing so I don't count that :P
I had a moment the other day when I went to the shop fresh outta bed in just shorts and shirt i picked up off the floor. It was like "woah, a few months ago that would have taken 3 hours of doing my hair and makeup"
Just shows how much more comfortable I am with myself nowadays. Obviously there's stuff that I'd love to change but it's just a matter of hormones and top surgery and I'll be satisfied with my looks. Bottom surgery isn't an appearance thing so I don't count that :P
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Alyssa M. on July 13, 2009, 10:27:17 PM
Post by: Alyssa M. on July 13, 2009, 10:27:17 PM
By the media? No, not really.
By the hordes of beautiful 20-something women biking, sunbathing, climbing, hiking, and generally existing around my town? You bet. The ones that really get me don't follow media stereotypes. They are the super-thin girls with B-cup breasts in sports bras, showing off their well-tanned six-packs and well-defined arms and legs, hair pulled effortlessly back in a pony tail and looking stunning despite the helmet they are wearing, chalk-covered hands, a half-dozen quick-draws dangling from their climbing harnesses, half a pitch up an overhanging bolted climbing route.
Basically, so a Google image search for Beth Rodden (http://www.calgaryoutdoorfestival.com/_assets/images/gallery/festival-contributors/beth-rodden-detail.jpg).
Yeah, that's the kind of woman that makes me feel inadequate. Victorias Secret catalog models have nothing on them.
Post Merge: July 13, 2009, 10:32:21 PM
One other thing -- what's with the legs thing? Seriously. Most women I know wish they had more masculine legs. I think the standard for feminine beauty these days is a slim 13-year-old boy with a narrowish waist and big boobs.
By the hordes of beautiful 20-something women biking, sunbathing, climbing, hiking, and generally existing around my town? You bet. The ones that really get me don't follow media stereotypes. They are the super-thin girls with B-cup breasts in sports bras, showing off their well-tanned six-packs and well-defined arms and legs, hair pulled effortlessly back in a pony tail and looking stunning despite the helmet they are wearing, chalk-covered hands, a half-dozen quick-draws dangling from their climbing harnesses, half a pitch up an overhanging bolted climbing route.
Basically, so a Google image search for Beth Rodden (http://www.calgaryoutdoorfestival.com/_assets/images/gallery/festival-contributors/beth-rodden-detail.jpg).
Yeah, that's the kind of woman that makes me feel inadequate. Victorias Secret catalog models have nothing on them.
Post Merge: July 13, 2009, 10:32:21 PM
One other thing -- what's with the legs thing? Seriously. Most women I know wish they had more masculine legs. I think the standard for feminine beauty these days is a slim 13-year-old boy with a narrowish waist and big boobs.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Tammy Hope on July 13, 2009, 11:01:09 PM
Post by: Tammy Hope on July 13, 2009, 11:01:09 PM
By the way...I don't find Kate Moss appealing at all as an ideal type female. I want some cleavage hun!
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: tekla on July 13, 2009, 11:22:09 PM
Post by: tekla on July 13, 2009, 11:22:09 PM
I like the sporty girls too, on the rocks, or the slopes, out running, biking - all that stuff is pretty sexy. I also like the look of success, of those going beyond all that, like Danica Patrick finishing in the top ten most of the time, road or oval track and still looking fab at the end of the race - all that at 200 MPH. Or my super hot girl on skis, Lindsey Vonn. She's going to rock the world in Vancouver.
I'm not so much pressured by people's looks, but motivated by their success.
http://www.danicaracing.com/ (http://www.danicaracing.com/)
http://www.lindseyvonn.com/ (http://www.lindseyvonn.com/)
I'm not so much pressured by people's looks, but motivated by their success.
http://www.danicaracing.com/ (http://www.danicaracing.com/)
http://www.lindseyvonn.com/ (http://www.lindseyvonn.com/)
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: barbie on July 13, 2009, 11:25:28 PM
Post by: barbie on July 13, 2009, 11:25:28 PM
Quote from: Laura Hope on July 13, 2009, 11:01:09 PM
By the way...I don't find Kate Moss appealing at all as an ideal type female. I want some cleavage hun!
I like some of Calvin Klein models with flat chest:
http://i.models.com/oftheminute/archives/images/natswim.jpg (http://i.models.com/oftheminute/archives/images/natswim.jpg)
http://nymag.com/images/2/daily/fashion/08/02/26_ckad_lg.jpg (http://nymag.com/images/2/daily/fashion/08/02/26_ckad_lg.jpg)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/3011791260_a9c330e285.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/3011791260_a9c330e285.jpg)
because I can not have big breats in my entire life by any means.
Barbie~~
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: bernii on July 13, 2009, 11:29:31 PM
Post by: bernii on July 13, 2009, 11:29:31 PM
Nero,
Indeed, I have felt completely pressured to look like societie's (and I admit mine) pefect female image. When I buy clothes from places like Victoria's Secret and Body Central, I have this hope that I can too look like the models in the catalogs. Only to look in the mirror and realize that I can never look as good as they do :( I tell myself "well you're pushing 50 so what do you actually expect" then melancholy overtakes me, feeling that I missed out on the years of being young and being beautiful. Then later, I realize, yes I am not pretty, but I am a woman! I then see that I would rather be considered as an ugly woman than a pretty guy. I am a female, and there is no way I am going to change that now!
ren
Indeed, I have felt completely pressured to look like societie's (and I admit mine) pefect female image. When I buy clothes from places like Victoria's Secret and Body Central, I have this hope that I can too look like the models in the catalogs. Only to look in the mirror and realize that I can never look as good as they do :( I tell myself "well you're pushing 50 so what do you actually expect" then melancholy overtakes me, feeling that I missed out on the years of being young and being beautiful. Then later, I realize, yes I am not pretty, but I am a woman! I then see that I would rather be considered as an ugly woman than a pretty guy. I am a female, and there is no way I am going to change that now!
ren
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: perfectisolation on July 14, 2009, 07:58:56 AM
Post by: perfectisolation on July 14, 2009, 07:58:56 AM
I used to conform a lot but now I don't care.
Let's see, I wore makeup, caked it on to cover acne. Had long hair even tho I kept it just kinda weighed down on my head. Tried wearing girls clothes but ended up wearing jeans and t-shirts/jackets every day. Never did anything with my body, I've always covered it up. Could never get myself into a bathing suit. My body was always kinda androgynous. No waist, hardly any tatas, just kinda 'stumps'. Never showed off my body, it could not come close to female ideals of the big breasted hourglass figure.
Looking back all that stuff was ridiculous and extremely uncomfortable, and mindnumbing. Either way trying to conform to female or male molds is just ridiculous. Tho male is more comfy. But my body won't fit in the male mold either cause it's too small and short to ever be a hot male body.
Let's see, I wore makeup, caked it on to cover acne. Had long hair even tho I kept it just kinda weighed down on my head. Tried wearing girls clothes but ended up wearing jeans and t-shirts/jackets every day. Never did anything with my body, I've always covered it up. Could never get myself into a bathing suit. My body was always kinda androgynous. No waist, hardly any tatas, just kinda 'stumps'. Never showed off my body, it could not come close to female ideals of the big breasted hourglass figure.
Looking back all that stuff was ridiculous and extremely uncomfortable, and mindnumbing. Either way trying to conform to female or male molds is just ridiculous. Tho male is more comfy. But my body won't fit in the male mold either cause it's too small and short to ever be a hot male body.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Eva Marie on July 14, 2009, 10:06:24 AM
Post by: Eva Marie on July 14, 2009, 10:06:24 AM
Quote from: northy on July 14, 2009, 07:58:56 AM
I used to conform a lot but now I don't care.
Let's see, I wore makeup, caked it on to cover acne. Had long hair even tho I kept it just kinda weighed down on my head. Tried wearing girls clothes but ended up wearing jeans and t-shirts/jackets every day. Never did anything with my body, I've always covered it up. Could never get myself into a bathing suit. My body was always kinda androgynous. No waist, hardly any tatas, just kinda 'stumps'. Never showed off my body, it could not come close to female ideals of the big breasted hourglass figure.
Looking back all that stuff was ridiculous and extremely uncomfortable, and mindnumbing. Either way trying to conform to female or male molds is just ridiculous. Tho male is more comfy. But my body won't fit in the male mold either cause it's too small and short to ever be a hot male body.
Northy-
Funny thing about being in a guy world - it's not always about looks.
You ever notice how many ugly, short, dumpy guys are sporting hot babes on their arms (ie: danny devito, etc)? A lot of that has to do with CONFIDENCE, along with having a good attitude and perhaps a working sense of humor. Confidence is a huge part of being a successful male, and will carry you a very long way. Just as MTFs are told to be confident and own the ground they walk on, so it is also with men.
So don't let the ideal male body thing weigh you down. Be confident and see what happens.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Ms Bev on July 14, 2009, 10:06:51 AM
Post by: Ms Bev on July 14, 2009, 10:06:51 AM
Yah......I can't help but feel a little pressure. Certainly not enough to make me lose more weight, otherwise I would have by now. It bugs me, being overweight. It's not a whole lot, but....
And yes, I would like just a teeny bit more in the breast department.
Otherwise, I'll never be beautiful, not that I need to. I just need to be and look female. Like my quote: "I'd rather be an ugly woman than a handsome man".
Anyway, I try not to be tooooo influenced.
Bev
And yes, I would like just a teeny bit more in the breast department.
Otherwise, I'll never be beautiful, not that I need to. I just need to be and look female. Like my quote: "I'd rather be an ugly woman than a handsome man".
Anyway, I try not to be tooooo influenced.
Bev
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: barbie on July 14, 2009, 10:30:16 AM
Post by: barbie on July 14, 2009, 10:30:16 AM
Quote from: Alyssa M. on July 13, 2009, 10:27:17 PM
Basically, so a Google image search for Beth Rodden (http://www.calgaryoutdoorfestival.com/_assets/images/gallery/festival-contributors/beth-rodden-detail.jpg).
She looks challenging.
But I may look more challenging than her, because I seldom climb mountains without holding my daughter in my arms :D. She is alone whereas I carry my baby!!
https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1762 (https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1762)
In mountains, I sometimes see a husband carrying his baby in his back pack. But, I seldom have seen any person carrying his or her baby in chest like me. A problem is that some men think I am a mom, and kindly asked me whether I need their help. Oh... My gosh. If she were not so strong, how could she dare to bring her daughter in mountain?
Nobody thinks that I am a kind of ideals.... :-\
Barbie~~
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: finewine on July 14, 2009, 11:13:29 AM
Post by: finewine on July 14, 2009, 11:13:29 AM
I've never carried my kids in a backpack, although on a mountain I'd be wary of holding them to my chest because I'd want my hands free for balance, slips, falls, etc. (Maybe a front facing harness would suffice).
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: heatherrose on July 15, 2009, 03:01:57 AM
Post by: heatherrose on July 15, 2009, 03:01:57 AM
Quote from: Laura91 on July 14, 2009, 12:00:23 PMThe only time I feel any pressure is if I am in a room full of twenty something GGs.
Gak :icon_blah: Gak
Quote from: Laura91 on July 14, 2009, 12:00:23 PMSociety can...stuff it...
You know that's right!
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: tekla on July 15, 2009, 07:43:55 AM
Post by: tekla on July 15, 2009, 07:43:55 AM
If you want to be accepted by society, you have to accept society. There are possible roads outside of that, but they are not easy.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: barbie on July 15, 2009, 12:17:24 PM
Post by: barbie on July 15, 2009, 12:17:24 PM
Quote from: finewine on July 14, 2009, 11:13:29 AM
I've never carried my kids in a backpack, although on a mountain I'd be wary of holding them to my chest because I'd want my hands free for balance, slips, falls, etc. (Maybe a front facing harness would suffice).
Yes. Keeping balance is critical in mountain, especially while coming down. Usually it takes 2 or 4 hours to reach the top, and descending is very risky because my body was fatigued, and coming down is more difficult than climbing up. My legs are strong enough, but my arms have limitation for holding my baby for longer time in mountain. I need some rest for my arms.
In the top, most of people commented on my daughter like "how could you come here?" But, she usally sleeps in my chest for most time in mountain. It could be a subject of anthropology why a baby sleeps so well in the chest of walking dad :D
Barbie~~
Post Merge: July 15, 2009, 01:11:09 PM
Near the top of a mountain we climbed last year:
https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1768 (https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1768)
He is my son.
And, finally in the top:
https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1769 (https://www.susans.org/forums/MGalleryItem.php?id=1769)
The mountain (ulsan bawi) is not so high (about 780 m), but very steep, which is typical in mountains in my country.
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=312800 (http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=312800)
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=72036 (http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=72036)
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: heatherrose on July 15, 2009, 06:46:32 PM
Post by: heatherrose on July 15, 2009, 06:46:32 PM
Quote from: riven_one on July 14, 2009, 10:06:24 AMYou ever notice how many ugly, short, dumpy guys are sporting hot babes on their arms (ie: danny devito, etc)?
I bet Reha Pearlman would like to know about that.
;D
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: tekla on July 15, 2009, 06:47:59 PM
Post by: tekla on July 15, 2009, 06:47:59 PM
ugly, short, dumpy guys
Who also are successful, confident, or both.
Who also are successful, confident, or both.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Mister on July 15, 2009, 08:37:00 PM
Post by: Mister on July 15, 2009, 08:37:00 PM
don't forget rich.
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Eva Marie on July 15, 2009, 08:38:34 PM
Post by: Eva Marie on July 15, 2009, 08:38:34 PM
Quote from: tekla on July 15, 2009, 06:47:59 PM
ugly, short, dumpy guys
Who also are successful, confident, or both.
bingo
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Chloe on July 15, 2009, 09:27:53 PM
Post by: Chloe on July 15, 2009, 09:27:53 PM
"body ideals" yes, sorry i admit i'm vain, but to prejudicial attitudes, common assumptions and strict social roles i say HELL NO!
Title: Re: Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
Post by: Naturally Blonde on July 16, 2009, 12:42:44 AM
Post by: Naturally Blonde on July 16, 2009, 12:42:44 AM
Do you feel pressured by to conform to female body ideals?
It's not ideals we are talking about here but what I actually want is a female body. But I would be happy with any kind of fat re-distribution in the right direction but so far it's not happening here.
It's not ideals we are talking about here but what I actually want is a female body. But I would be happy with any kind of fat re-distribution in the right direction but so far it's not happening here.