Does culture affect the beauty standards and the perception of one’s body? The answer is a bit complex as it might not totally change the perception, but it definitely influences or impacts the perception of self or others towards one’s body image. I can share an example about myself here. I am from India and though I was average built, I was classified as obese. This classification and body shaming started right from my home. My individual body parts like my breasts, my gluteal, and my thighs were criticized for being ‘big’. I always had a negative body image about myself to an extent that I felt no one would ever marry me because there is nothing good in me. My potential boyfriend or spouse would be ashamed of introducing me to his family and friends. It was a harsh reality to accept but thankfully, it did not affect me to an extent of putting myself on a diet or exercising beyond my capacity. I continued with my regular lifestyle with a hope in mind that someday, someone would love me for who I am, not for what I look.

Now, you must be wondering what happened then? Did I find someone? Oh yes, I did! But not only because of the hope I had in my mind but also because my self-perception changed a lot after I immigrated to Canada. My wonderful colleagues at my workplace made me realize my worth, the good qualities in me, the fact that real beauty lies within, and no one can love you unless you love yourself. These were some life changing learnings as it changed my worldview too. I started focusing on positive qualities in other people too, stopped labelling people looking at their external features which was often a case in my hometown, and being non-judgemental. But these life changing experiences do not happen with everyone and some unfortunately stick with the negative body image they have for their life.

I have a client who is of African descent and was pressurized to undergo surgery to remove a part of her abdomen to lose her weight. She felt giving in for surgery as a better option than handling the mental torture that she was exposed to by her parents. The surgery needed her consent, and she regrets that she gave her consent for the same. This happened even though her mother herself is on the heavier side but wanted her daughter to be ‘good looking’, in ‘good shape’ or fitting in the expectations laid down by the culture. So, her mother’s altered perception about ‘beauty’ cost my client a lifetime of change, resentment, and bitterness towards herself and her family.

Social media is another powerful influential factor that always has an outsized impact on creating trends and other societal expectations. The people who feature in the TV shows, movies, advertisements, news channels, and other media all look alike to some extent thus setting body image standards in the society. Now, the bigger question is, is the influence described by the factors above like the media, community, ethnicity permanent or does it change with time? Influence is inherently fluid and what has a stronger push or pull over our standards can change as we get older or move to different areas, the way it influenced my thoughts, perception, and the resulting worldview.

Studies have shown the impact of culture and the community influence on Black women who viewed curvier bodies as a norm or a societal standard. But when they immigrated to the Western world, their perception changed, resulting in changed standards for body image. These influences are not only limited to Black or Brown people only, but people of all cultures, ethnicities, and regions struggle with low self-esteem, and may be influenced by any number of factors that contribute to negative body image, regardless of where those influences originated.

So, how do you reduce the impact of cultural influence? By focusing on the healthy body and feeling comfortable in your own skin. Paying more attention to the way you feel rather than the way you look. Focusing on your positive aspects rather than just the body image, your skills, your knowledge, your work, and your ability to survive successfully in a society rather would help you to feel comfortable and happy. Keeping in mind that no one is perfect and there is no such things like a perfect body image or a body shape would help to overcome the negative body image. These standards are created by the society and influenced by the culture, media, and community around us. Also, remembering to seek professional help to help change your perception of a negative body image would be beneficial.

References

Crystal. (2019, February 22). How cultural traditions can shape body image

Eating Disorder Hope. https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/how-cultural-traditions-can-shape-body-image

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