My Body

01The Body as a Battleground: A Model's Perspective

Ever wondered why we're so obsessed with physical appearance? Why we spend countless hours in front of the mirror, scrutinizing every inch of our bodies, trying to fit into a mold that society has crafted for us? It's because our bodies have become a battleground, a place where a psychological and societal war is waged every day. The body as a battleground is a metaphor that encapsulates the constant struggle we face regarding our physical appearance. It's like a tug-of-war, with societal norms and expectations pulling us in one direction, and our own self-perception and mental health pulling us in the other. This war isn't just about how we look, but also about how we feel about ourselves, how we perceive our worth, and how we navigate the world. Societal norms and expectations play a significant role in this war. From a young age, we're bombarded with images of 'perfect' bodies and faces, and we're taught that our worth is tied to our physical appearance. These norms and expectations can have a profound impact on our self-perception and mental health, leading to issues like body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. Now, imagine being a model and actress, professions where your body and face are your primary tools for success. This is the reality for Emily Ratajkowski, the author of "My Body". Emily's experiences in these industries provide a unique perspective on the body as a battleground. She has faced objectification and commodification, where her body was treated as a product to be sold and consumed, rather than as an integral part of her identity. Objectification and commodification are pervasive in our society, particularly in the media. Women's bodies are often reduced to their physical attributes, and their worth is measured by their attractiveness. This treatment can have a profound impact on personal identity and self-perception. For Emily, it led to a struggle to maintain a sense of self-worth and dignity in the face of constant scrutiny and judgment. The impact of societal norms, objectification, and commodification on personal identity is profound. It can lead to a distorted self-perception, where one's worth is tied to physical appearance rather than personal qualities and achievements. This struggle is not just Emily's, but is shared by many women who are constantly judged and scrutinized based on their physical appearance. So, the next time you find yourself in front of the mirror, remember that your body is not a battleground. It's a part of you, and it's beautiful just the way it is. And perhaps, it's time we start questioning the societal norms and expectations that turn our bodies into battlegrounds in the first place.