Body Wars:
Making Peace
with Women's Bodies (An
Activist's Guide)
by
Margo Maine, Ph.D.
Despite all the
discussions, web sites, email lists, and publications
available now on the subject of size acceptance, women
are struggling just as much as ever with body size issues.
For every voice of reason telling us to make peace with
our unique bodies, there are literally thousands telling
us we are never quite ok.
Body
Wars confronts head-on the challenges we
face in coming to terms with the conflicting messages. Dr.
Maine brings some real solutions to the battle, offering
strategies to reinforce our journey to loving our bodies
at any size.
Dr.
Maine examines every aspect that undermines our progress
- the diet industry, advertising, magazines ("propaganda
machines"), the fashion industry, beauty pageants,
women's health care, sports, and more.
"It
is time to fight back. Until now, Body Wars has been
a one-way battle. Attacked by powerful and
destructive messages and industries, women have, in
turn, assaulted their bodies with every technique
available. Sadly, they have internalized the enemy,
and become one of their own worst critics."
Especially
compelling is the chapter on kids.
"The
next time you are tempted to warn a child to watch
their weight, remember how important it is for them
to trust their bodies and their appetites, to feel
good enough. Give them a loving message of concern
and affection that has nothing to do with weight,
shape, and appearance. Let them know you love them as
they are. If you feed your child's soul, the body
will take care of itself. Don't let your good
intentions backfire and cause a Body War."
Size
bigotry is a cultural problem fought on an individual
basis; books like this are key in winning.
No
matter how many books of this genre you have read,
Body Wars shouldn't be missed. It brings
together the aspects we need to understand with some
fresh insights and solutions. Renew your commitment to
yourself with this valuable addition to your library.
