Skinnier, faster, prettier, tighter, smarter, wealthier, sexier, funnier; all things women strive to be. As we all know, the beauty/fashion industry is at an all time high for body image distortion. Why do females strive to look like these unrealistic bodies, when in reality, we consciously know that’s not what they look like? Today, models are speaking out about how even they don’t like their altered look.

Meaghan Kausman, a model from Australia, is in the spotlight after releasing a photo of her before and after Photoshopped picture for an underwater photoshoot. Kausman stated, “They drastically altered my body, thinning out my stomach and thighs in an attempt to box me in to the cultural ideal of beauty. My body is a size 8, not a size 4. That’s my body! I refuse to stand by and allow ANY company or person to perpetuate the belief that ‘thinner is better.’”

However, it’s not just Kausman who feels this way. Countless celebs like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian and even Brad Pitt are taking a stand against looking unauthentic. Gaga quotes, “I felt my skin looked too perfect. I felt my hair looked too soft. I do not look like this when I wake up in the morning.”  

 With this, I believe it’s totally insulting to tell someone they aren’t suitable enough, or that their body isn’t good enough, so we’ll make it smaller. Maybe their hair is too dull, but we will make it lighter. Their skin isn’t flawless enough, but we can fix that. No.

I feel that photographers and photo editors forget one small piece of information: We are all human! At the end of the day, yes, some of us have big pores, a little weight to shed, cellulite, gray roots and heaven forbid, wrinkles. But whose definition of perfect are we trying to please? Who do we try to keep up with? Society is so morphed into thinking we have to look like models, but really, not even the models look like the models. By having this mentality of never being happy with who you are, we are instilling the youth to take on this view as well. It’s important to teach children, especially young girls, that the models in the magazines aren’t authentic. They are altered and retouched so many times that even they don’t know who they are.  

Being a female myself, I take very strongly to this issue. Being a dancer all my life, I see the struggle that takes place every day between girls, their bodies and what society thinks of them. Take an opportunity to look at yourself in the mirror to fully love what you see. You are you for a reason. You were made a certain way, you have a certain set of genes, and you are one of a kind.

We need to kick the habit of trying to be something we are not. If you are a size 8 or a size 00, rock it regardless! Beauty is only skin deep. Worry about being healthy, happy and authentic the next time you worry about your pant size. Even take a minute to check out Kent BAM (Body Acceptance Movement) if you want to get involved with the body confidence club.

Skyler Chill is a sophomore Organizational Communication major and a columnist for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].