Comments on: Have you ever looked at your body and wanted to cry?

By: Gretchen Edwards-Bodmer

Gretchen Edwards-Bodmer — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:32:23 +0000

I’m not sure when or how the word “fat” became a negative expression. Voluptuous bodies used to be valued and seen as beautiful. The Venus of Willendorf statuette, women in Renaissance paintings and more recently Marilyn Monroe are examples of curvy women who were admired. I think my strategy from here on out will be to try to avoid him seeing the negative messages about women’s bodies and continue to mixed in positive messages from our family and the media (when I find some) about our value outside of our appearance. And yes, that includes turning off the TV.

By: Gretchen Edwards-Bodmer

Gretchen Edwards-Bodmer — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:09:07 +0000

Thank you! Kids are like sponges, they really do absorb everything and will repeat it back to you. I also had to talk to my mom and sister who commented that it looked like I was losing weight in front of him. I don’t focus on a number or actively try to lose weight and I didn’t want him to think that is something he should be noticing or looking for. I know it’s hard for people to make the shift to not thinking about their own weight or that of others and commenting on it, but so far my mom and sister have cut out that talk, at least in front of me and my little fellas.

By: Elaine Johnson

Elaine Johnson — Sat, 18 May 2013 10:04:50 +0000

He may not have any negative connotations with the word fat. My 4 year old says it quite happily about her own tummy after she’s eaten something and sticks her tummy out. So at this point i just smile, say mmmmm are you nice and full? and don’t draw any attention to it. when i perceive it to have changed I’ll address it then. However i don’t have a television and i avoid as much woman-hating advertising as is possible. i am a bit fat,but who gave the word fat such horrendous meaning? it’s a tough one. My advice would be to turn off the telly for a start.

By: Lee-Ann

Lee-Ann — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:26:49 +0000

I TOTALLY AGREE!! People seem to think too that a child so young wouldn’t pick up on such things, but they do. It’s good that you noticed it before it got out of hand. Kudos to you for what you’re doing. I only hope more people realise this like you did.

By: Gretchen Edwards-Bodmer

Gretchen Edwards-Bodmer — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:41:02 +0000

Thank you Kerry! I think empowering children with the ability to analyze media, especially these days, is critical to combating sexism and violence against women in all forms.

By: Kerry

Kerry — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:34:11 +0000

Thanks for writing this, Gretchen. These ads are, quite simply, another form of violence committed against women. I can only hope that more and more parents begin to realize this and to make their disapproval known in as many ways as possible – starting with teaching their kids as you are doing. Kudos.