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BODY MATTERS
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A large percentage of our Western manufacturing and media industries devote themselves to maintaining the “right” body image. Unnaturally white teeth, different artificial lenses to change the colour of our eyes, lotions and potions to keep the body ultra slim as well as presenting male and female figures across the media that are designed to look the right look, all drive the western fixation with body image. Viewing this western, materially wealthy approach to the way we lead our lives from outside the wealth zone or its geographical borders can be both enticing and frustrating, particularly if the horizons are fairly bleak and indicate little or no opportunity to reach such wealth or glamour. Remaining different within such a materialistic society requires strength, determination and support that also can be frustrating and hard. Choosing to be different in a society that holds onto “norms” quite forcefully can expose individuals to torment and anguish. Has gun and knife crime become accentuated by the need to “be rid of” those who do not conform to postcode-gang criteria? Have people from the developing Eastern regions of Europe looked across to the developed nations in Europe with envy and viewed their way of life covetously? How do young people in Britain today aspire to anything that is not glamorous? How can we help young people aspire to an adult life that is not about having and getting? Reflection A few years ago I watched a documentary that followed the lives of young people whose faces carried a birthmark. What was most liberating was to hear the testament of those who did not allow themselves to worry about what they looked like and led their lives fully and openly without trying to hide their natural markings. Their aspiration was to be themselves. Their belief and value for who they were was strong and powerful. Who we each are matters to ourselves, those around us who know and love us and to God, the one who has given us life. Our own identity is what makes us unique and special. Being strong in our own self-knowledge can generate dignity and respect from those around us with whom we share our life’s journey. Knowing ourselves to be an international creation honours the one who creates.
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