Is This The Example Being Set For Our Daughters?

So I've been sick the past few days and to be perfectly honest, it has sucked! Thankfully I, along with the rest of my family, don't get majorly sick too often. And like the typical mom, when I am feeling ill, I push on to do what needs to be done regarding the house and the kids. But this time that was not the case. You see, I hate the doctor. I avoid them like the plague. But I had to cave and go this time. It felt like I swallowed a porcupine and it was stuck in my throat. My diagnosis was strep, which did not come as a surprise because I know it's been going around. I would like to know who shared that loveliness with me so I can properly thank them, but anyway...

My doctor, who is just awesome, especially compared to my last one, gave me a prescription. Unfortunately I seem to have an allergy to Augmentin, which meant I couldn't take that and she didn't want to give me Amoxocillian either. Those are the typical things given to treat strep. So was given something else and told to call if it didn't seem to be working. Thank the heavens that it is working. I can finally drink a whole cup of coffee and I can talk. The not being able to talk thing was killing me! And I think because I couldn't drink my coffee, I was extremely tired. It felt great to take naps the past 2 days, but I fell behind on things. There's the typical house stuff that I need to catch up on, but that's an everyday thing I've learned. It feels as if those things are never done! But I also haven't been able to read and comment on blogs I love, or reply to comments either. That last part is something that I am really working on. I really want to make a good effort to have conversations and form bonds with other people. So before I get crack-a-lackin on the things I need to do and catch up on, I wanted to get something off my chest.

Yesterday I read a post from the Mommyologist. She wrote about a bitch model that shared her philosophy on having a healthy pregnancy. To sum it up, this lady said that some women use pregnancy as an excuse to eat whatever they want, regardless of if its healthy or not. Thus resulting is blowing up and being a HUGE pregnant lady. I'm not going to deny that I was addicted to Snickers and Pepsi when I was pregnant with GG. When I was pregnant with Little Dude, I could get enough salad and other veggies. So how come I ate healthier the second time around but gained a ton more weight? I gained 50+ pounds with Little Dude, but no where near that with GG. I understand that what this model did during her pregnancy worked for it, but that make other moms who did things differently bad.

And speaking of models, I heard a story on a local radio station this morning. The DJs were talking about Top Model auditions. Now I don't watch this show - never have and have no desire to start, but I found one of the requirements for an audition rather interesting. Obviously they have to think you are pretty, but one requirement is that a woman needs to be 5' 7" or taller. I know that typically models are tall and skinny (too skinny sometimes), but does this mean that if you are not tall and skinny, you aren't beautiful?

Let's look at Barbie and the controversy around her. Society said she was not good for little girls because they would want to grow up and have Barbie's body. I personally never wanted that. I mean, who in their right mind would want to walk around with their feet in that kind of contorted position all the time? Certainly not me! And my Barbies were some busy gals. I certainly didn't want that kind of lifestyle, but maybe that was just my gals. Anyway, dolls now aren't much better. They're loaded up with make-up and too short skirts and halter tops. And let's not even discuss the dolls who come with bathing suits, or lack of!

Why does society dictate what is beautiful? As a mom it is so hard to teach my daughter what is beautiful when what you see out there are dolls and images that can be damn hard to replicate. I want her to feel beautiful and worthy as a person, but then when were out in public all you see are tall, skinny, big breasted women on the covers of magazines. And sorry chicky, that last part does not come naturally in this family.

So who's with me to start a movement that you do not have to be tall, skinny, and flawless to be beautiful?

Until next time...
.

11 comments:

carissa said...

i'm with you girl! hope you feel much better fast!

Kmama said...

Me, me, me! [jumping around and waving my hands wildly]

I try to teach my boys that beauty comes from within and that God made everyone different for a reason.

Too much emphasis is placed on looks. It's sad.

Alissa Grosso said...

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and I hate when mass media tries to define perfection. It also changes with the times. If Marilyn Monroe was around today, Hollywood would consider her too chunky to play the leading lady roles.

BNM said...

sooooo with you!!
(glad you are feeling better)

gina said...

I'm with ya!!


I don't subscribe to mags and i try to lead by example. We talk about healthy food and habits (getting enough water, sleep, exercise, etc) all the time. And I do for others, and my girls do for others. When you do for others, you feel GOOD about yourself.

The Mommyologist said...

This was such an awesome post!! And thanks for the link!

I don't even have a daughter and the pressure that is put on young girls nowadays gives me heartburn. It was bad enough when we were in high school, but now things have really gone to extremes.

I just don't understand why we can't appreciate the fact that women come in all shapes and sizes and just because you are not a size 0 or 2 does not mean you are beautiful!!

Gisele really burned me up yesterday. She is in a position where she could be a role model to women and instead she chose to insult them. What a waste!

Anonymous said...

I agree 100%! My little girl is 9 and already notices that if you don't look a certain way that some people will have nothing to do with you. Although she herself is tall, thin and blonde I am proud to say that we have raised her to look at people for what's on the inside and NOT on the outside! She is the most loving little girl and even at 9 has friends from all walks of life. She knows that no matter the color of your skin, amount of money you may have or even where your clothes are bought it doesn't matter. Being a good person is what counts!

Stacey @ Chasing Cloud 9 said...

I hope you get all better soon...I have been dealing with strep all this week too, and it's awful!

My five year old daughter is already asking me if she's fat, and that kills me! She's very petite, actually, and I don't know where she gets this from. I let her have some Barbies, but I banned all Bratz dolls from our house, I can't stand those things!

Lisa said...

I hate how the media and celebrities teach how we are "suppose" to look like. They are the reason for a lot of eating disorders.

I hope your feeling better!

iheartbowheads.blogspot.com said...

I am so so so with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you feel better soon!

:)

Holly

Amy said...

I am so in.. Thanks for sharing a great post. I hope you feel better soon.. Hugs..