My daughter, aged seven, walked out of the bathroom last night after her shower. She said in a somber voice “I’m 53 pounds. I’m heavy.” She pointed to a miniscule bit of her belly. I spent a good 20 minutes going over what I’m sure I’ll have to drill into her head for the rest of my time as her father. I explained to her that everyone has body fat, that she is a growing child, that her weight is due to bones, muscles, and big brains as well as necessary body fat. I explained that her body is unique and that comparing it to other bodies is a waste of time and will only lead to disappointment. I explained that she should only be worried if she is eating unhealthy foods and that weight is a health factor, not a thing of beauty.
I can’t begin to explain the fury that went through my head. I wanted to run through the grocery store and destroy all “beauty” oriented magazines funded by fat old white men that have no right guiding the societal standards of beauty. I wanted to find the bastards that are perpetuating the “skinny is the only beauty” standard and end their shallow, soulless lives. After a few angry goddamn its, I succumbed to the feeling of helplessness. My incredibly smart, funny, witty and gentle girl is reducing her self worth to fat cells around her belly button.
I know that this only the beginning. This is not over. I will be fighting a tiring fight against all forms of media, social conditioning and morons that can’t see past their own perception. My daughter is an individual. Her value is held in her personality, intelligence and productivity. Her beauty lies in her eyes, words, thoughts, and spirit. No amount of fat cells can cover any of that up. Fuck you, Western beauty ideals. Fuck you, people that perpetuate skinny only beauty. I will go to my grave pointing out how shallow and moronic your beauty ideals are.
