In this week’s readings, Schmidt suggests that perceptions of body/beauty ideals in Western cultures (U.S., Canada, Western Europe, etc.) result in the oppression of women and escalation of eating disorders. Put on your critical thinking caps and answer the following:
What are your thoughts about the ideals of body/beauty among Azawagh Arab (women)?
Taking into consideration the above inference by Schmidt (societal body/beauty ideals = oppression of women), do you believe that “fattened” Azawagh Arab women are oppressed or liberated? Justify your answer.
As far as body/beauty ideals alone are concerned, which group of women (Western or Azawagh Arab women) could be considered to be more oppressed or more liberated? Justify your answer.
Find a popular movie, news channel, TV show, or other visual/video source of information/entertainment that you typically watch/enjoy. Watch for at least 15 minutes.
How diverse were the characters/people in the clip in terms of:
Body shapes/forms
“Looks” or “beauty”
Ability/disability
Age groups
Reflect upon your findings for all four charaeteristics. Were you surprised by the diversity (or lack of) in the clip for these four characteristics? Elaborate substantially upon your answer.
Seven important barriers for people with disabilities:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability-barriers.html
