One of Susan Bordo's points is that she says women use anorexia to feel some sort of power. In a way they will try to possess the feminine body and the masculine power through the same thing. That is what makes anorexics so enticed to not seek out help or get better, because the power they gain from being able to control something and achieving the ideal female body type are unexpected. This is a paradox because she gains masculine power by pursuing conventional female behavior. Self-control is also an admirable quality so when someone sees someone skinny their mind probably jumps to them most likely having self-control when it comes to eating. Of course we know this is not always true seeing as how some people’s bodies are just built a certain way. The sexuality of a woman’s body may also make her feel vulnerable, and by making her body skinny and ridding it of feminine curves, that vulnerability will go away if her body is no longer seen as “sexual”.
I chose the Absolut picture to analyze. Of course when we first look at this image we immediately see the objectification of the woman’s body and how the ties on the corset form the shape of a vodka bottle. We can also see the extreme curves that are portrayed on this woman’s body. They almost seem unrealistic. This image is also a double bind in a way, because women are expected to have sexual, curvy bodies while at the same time be skinny. This also demonstrates the vulnerability women can feel about their sexuality as here it is displaying the woman as less than human so she is less powerful.
I like this interpretation. The picture seems to contradict itself between the feminine curves yet need to be skinny with the corset restraint.
ReplyDeleteI also find the material used for the corset interesting. Using the black biker-like leather giving a masculine presence to the pink laced feminine curved torso could symbolize masculinity vs. femininity and gender roles attempting to merge or take power over the other.
I also like this interpretation. I think there is a very interesting contradiction between feminine curves and the need to be skinny. Being thin is shown as something to be desired in our culture but women such as Beyonce is desired for her curves.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said in your last paragraph. To me I definitely see that picture as a double bind. I know men deal with their body image as well as women do, but it is much more difficult for a women in today's society. A women has to have curves, but she also has to be very thin. I honestly don't get how this standard got started, and it angers me that the ideal body image of a women is standardized as something very unhealthy and unnatural.
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