You appear to possess breast development beyond what's typically expected for your age.

You're a Stranger in Your Own Skin: The Self-Determined Image of Women?

"Individual's remark suggests immaturity, questioning their judgement based on their years."

"You look good for your age" is supposed to be a compliment, right? But it's insidious, masking structural age discrimination and perpetuating a narrow view of women. Why are we still valorizing supposedly perfect breasts (boobs)? Let's explore this topic further below.

In a "Stern" interview, Iris Berben, the 74-year-old veteran actress, laments the roaring herd mentality of today's society. Women strive for perfection, even at such a steep cost – health, authenticity, or identity. She asks, "What were we demanding when we went out onto the streets?" But have we regressed rather than progressed?

Age-old beauty traditions have us focused on idealized parts of the female body, like buttocks, breasts, and lips. While some body parts were once considered Too Big, they're now deemed acceptable - even desirable. Meanwhile, others, like bellies, thighs, are still shamed and stigmatized.

When the focus is on a surface-level perfection, those who don't conform risk being ostracized or harassed as "unattractive" or "ugly." Berben expresses concern regarding the barrage of insults directed at women, such as "old, fat, poor." This verbal battering is a sobering reminder of the environments in which many women navigate daily.

The Performing Artists Vs. the Candid Snapshots

Berben observes a shift in the entertainment industry, where actors now focus on both performance and presentation. This reveals the complicated social pressures women face, as they're expected to excel professionally while maintaining a polished image. However, this important point is soon overshadowed by the controversial figure of Kylie Jenner.

Kylie Jenner's (Literal) Breast Movement

Jenner, known for her cosmetics empire, made public her breast augmentation procedure in a nod to transparency, although the average woman is left questioning the motives behind such a decision. Why would a successful, celebrated young woman, praised for her apparent perfection, seek plastic surgery?

Jenner's disclosure sparks inquisitive thoughts about the obsession with perfect breasts. Plastic surgeons claim that the Jenner boob is becoming the "it" look, and critics tell us we've finally reached the apex of absurdity. Yet, the demand for breast augmentations continues to surge. Are women, conditioned to believe that perfect breasts are essential, the root problem?

The Ghost we Summoned

Berben asks, "What did our generation actually go out onto the streets for? What did we want to demand? A self-determined image of women, in our own responsibility." Have our hopes and dreams of total body autonomy been replaced by a single-minded fixation on superficial perfection?

As women continue to gamble their health and identity in pursuit of an abstract ideal, we'd do well to question why our society has shifted so drastically. Berben suggests that our current generation is drowning in a culture that quick to judge and passes swift, brutal condemnation – all without respect for the development process and the basic human need for failure.

A Silent Plea for Body Neutrality

While trends in social media may prevail, beautiful, strong, influential women continue to push for a more open and authentic discussion about self-image. Berben has hope for the new generation, but trends in the entertainment industry paint a different picture, with personal branding and image carefully crafted to fit narrow-minded ideals.

As Berben plaintively asks, "Why do perfect breasts matter? Perfect butts? Perfect jawlines?" Maybe it's time to start a new movement, one focused on body neutrality and self-acceptance. A movement that isn't afraid to challenge societal norms and accept our bodies for what they are, rather than what they should be.

References:

[1]. (2018, October 29). Women and critical self-image. The Mayo Clinic. Accessed April 17, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/body-image/art-20046105
[2]. (2019, May 2). The social media age: A new landscape for body image issues. Detroit Free Press. Accessed April 17, 2023. https://www.freep.com/story/life/advice/2019/05/02/social-media-influence-self-image-body-image-mental-health/3593665002/
[3]. (2019, January 8). The influence of social media apps on young women's body image: A systematic review of the literature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Accessed April 17, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6314100/
[4]. (2015, September 21). Women's Body Image and Women's Slut Walk: Exploring the Connection Between Sexual Objectification, Violence, and the Consumption of Pornography. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Accessed April 17, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4641835/
[5]. (2017, September 11). The Impact of Body Dissatisfaction on Mental Health in Adolescence. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma. Accessed April 17, 2023. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15270392.2017.1360571

Iris Berben questions whether we have regressed in our pursuit of authenticity and identity, as women continue to strive for perfection in their bodies, even in areas such as health-and-wellness, including women's health, where this obsession can impact their well-being.
In the midst of the discussion on women's self-image, the emphasis on idealized body parts like breasts in fashion-and-beauty and the entertainment industry raises concerns, particularly with the surge in demand for breast augmentations, as highlighted by the case of Kylie Jenner.
As society continues to grapple with body image issues, there is a growing need for a movement promoting body neutrality and self-acceptance, challenging societal norms and encouraging a more open and authentic discussion about self-image in the realm of health, lifestyle, and women's issues.