First, I need to give a shout out to my UWLaX lady friends. I was unable to attend our annual Alumni Weekend this last weekend, ubber sad. Although it is a fun weekend we all look forward to, I am at ease knowing that we are at the time in our lives that we get to see each other numerous times a year, as one by one, we all tie the knot. Therefore I look forward to the next beautiful event that I can catch up with some of my favorite friends.
Hokay, my selected TED talk this morning was a quick 9 minute talk by Cameron Russell, a world renowned model. I really appreciated her honesty, her impressive intellect, and her ability to admit her insecurities. I think that it could be very helpful for young women to understand that these beautiful, picture perfect, runway angels are actually incredibly insecure. Crushing the thought that "If I was taller, skinnier, prettier," or whatever "ER"....I would be HAPPIER. It's just not the case. I\t is known that psychologically, with that mind set, "happiness" is something that is always just out of reach. There is always something more that we want. I know that feeling from my own experience. Even on the day of my bodybuilding competition, a time that I weighed the least I had since probably 6th grade, I still wasn't completely content with my physique. It was a very enlightening lesson and take away from that whole experience.
I also appreciated her ability and willingness to be honest about modeling as a "career", or the fact that it really isn't. With incredibly beautiful images, the modeling field is glamorized, physically and conceptually. I enjoyed seeing the comparison photos, of the finished product of a photo shoot she did, next to a real life photo of her in her 'normal life' that same day. Often times the professional photo seemed to age her by a good 10 years and seemed to actually rob her of her childhood and innocence. Yet we glamorize and place these images on a pedestal.
To be honest, although I wouldn't be UNHAPPY if I had won the genetic jackpot and had the physical stature of Cameron and her cohorts, I often have a negative perception of models. Perhaps its some bitterness or jealousy, but its also a stereotype that they aren't articulate or intelligent. This is something that I also took away from the short video. As she said, perception is very powerful, and has the ability to impact our lives. As Cameron proceeded to make a wardrobe change, for me, the perception of her intelligence also changed; and even more so as the talk proceeded. I completely agree, image is powerful, but image is also superficial. Whether you are judging a models cognitive abilities, or a homeless persons situation or decisions, its inappropriate to do so. Image is superficial. Regardless of context. These aren't new concepts by any means, but it was a refreshing perspective and subject matter after a heavy week.
Take away, keep your heart and mind open. Allow your preconceived notions open to be destroyed. It is actually quite refreshing to do so. Have a great week everyone, and love yourself. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment