We are somehow led to believe that imperfections are inexcusable marks both on the body and mind,
I would argue that this an enormous misnomer. These imperfections are actually beautiful flaws to be loved and admired, rather than shunned. Perfect imperfections. Consider this: if everyone looked and acted identical… no differentiation could be made between individuals. What is thought to be “perfect” has varied enormously throughout history. In 1485, Sandro Bottecelli’s “Birth of Venus” was the pinnacle of female beauty. Soft bodies, larger hips, and small breasts were sought after. The thin and large breasted women of modern-day society , whose sole reason for existence is to be appeal in an unrealistic physical capacity… would be looked down upon. Clearly, physicality has morphed, but I believe our ideals have somehow become unrealistic and skewed. It is becoming more accepted by our culture to “correct” that which we find unappealing through drastic means. Surgeries, extreme weight loss, pharmaceuticals, and medical means with dramatically negative health effects.
I, myself, know how one is willing to literally die to chase unattainable perfection. It matters not as to someone’s shape. Large or small. All bodies are beautiful. Before you judge someone for their physicality: how do you know that emaciated woman or man has an eating disorder. Perhaps they are undergoing chemotherapy or have hypothyroidism. The larger individual may have a metabolic disorder. When I had anorexia, someone asked one of my coworkers if I was in the final throes of having AIDS. People assume they know, but they rarely do.
Society is quick to write off differences, both in others and themselves. We are scared of that which is not mainstream… of ourselves. Imperfections are things of beauty, not loathsome boogeymen. There is perfection in imperfection.
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