Body Positivity Advocate reveals what Real Breasts Look Like
Body-positive influencer and model Nelly London has taken to Instagram to share what her boobs look like without a bra.
Nelly has been left with scars on her boobs after her body rejected her breast reduction surgery.
She told BBC Three: “Actually I now take great pride in showing off my scars. I take a lot of pictures of them and put them on Instagram.
“I am openly proud of them because they’ve been such a journey for me.”
In her recent Instagram post, she shared candid side-by-side snaps of her breasts.
In one photo, the influencer is fully wearing a bra making her boobs appear perkier and bigger.
But in the other photo, Nelly unhooked her bra, revealing boons that sit lower and are smaller.
She captioned the photos: “Big ones, small ones, saggy ones, perky ones, scarred ones, tubular ones, asymmetrical ones, enhanced boobs, one boob, two boobs, no boobs.
“They’re all just boobs.
“But I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who is 100% happy with their boobs, and there always seems to be the idea that they could just be a bit better somehow."
Nelly then urged her followers to embrace their boobs no matter what shape or size they are - as everyone is different.
She added: “We can wish they were different in a million different ways, we might even try and make changes to them (hi me), but boobs are just boobs, in all their weird, asymmetrical, bouncy glory.”
Reframing Beauty Standards: Redefining Body Positivity for a New Era
In recent years, society has undergone a transformative shift in its perception of beauty standards. The traditional notions of an ideal body shape, size, and appearance have been challenged, giving rise to a powerful movement known as body positivity. This movement advocates for acceptance, inclusivity, and appreciation of diverse body types and celebrates the inherent beauty in all individuals.
Body Positivity: From Revolution to Evolution
Body positivity emerged as a revolution against the unattainable beauty standards perpetuated by media, advertising, and societal norms. It questioned the unrealistic expectations imposed on individuals, emphasizing the harmful consequences of striving for an idealized appearance. The movement sought to challenge the concept of a single "ideal" body type, promoting the belief that all bodies are worthy of love, respect, and admiration.
Over time, body positivity has evolved into a broader understanding, recognizing that it is not merely about celebrating larger bodies or promoting reverse discrimination against thin individuals. It encompasses a more holistic approach, acknowledging the diversity of body sizes, shapes, abilities, and ethnicities. Body positivity aims to empower individuals to embrace their unique features, irrespective of societal judgments or beauty standards.
Impact and Benefits of Body Positivity
The impact of body positivity has been profound, extending far beyond individual self-acceptance. By challenging narrow beauty standards, the movement has helped to combat body shaming, fostered a sense of community, and encouraged meaningful conversations about inclusivity and representation.
Enhances Mental Health
One of the significant benefits of body positivity is the enhancement of mental health and well-being. Embracing one's body and rejecting harmful societal norms can improve self-esteem, body image, and overall happiness. Additionally, body positivity encourages individuals to prioritize self-care, promoting healthier lifestyles based on self-love rather than external pressures.
Cultural Shift in Fashion and Beauty Industries
Body positivity has sparked a cultural shift in the fashion and beauty industries. Brands are increasingly embracing diverse models, challenging stereotypes, and promoting inclusivity. This inclusive representation allows individuals to see themselves reflected in media and also broadens society's understanding of beauty.
Redefining Beauty Standards for a New Era
As we move forward, it is crucial to redefine beauty standards to better reflect the diverse reality of our society. Here are a few ways to promote this paradigm shift:
- Emphasizing Inner Beauty: Beauty standards should shift their focus from physical appearance alone to encompass qualities such as kindness, intelligence, resilience, and compassion. Recognizing and celebrating these inner qualities encourages a more inclusive and holistic definition of beauty.
- Encouraging Body Neutrality: While body positivity promotes self-love, body neutrality emphasizes self-acceptance without placing excessive emphasis on appearance. This approach allows individuals to focus on their abilities, accomplishments, and personal growth, freeing them from the constant pressure to conform to societal beauty ideals.
- Education and Awareness: Schools, media outlets, and influencers play a vital role in reshaping beauty standards. By educating individuals about body diversity, promoting positive messaging, and challenging harmful narratives, we can cultivate a more accepting society that celebrates all bodies.
Intersectional Body Positivity
It is essential to recognize that beauty standards intersect with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and ability. Intersectional body positivity acknowledges and addresses the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, promoting inclusivity and equality for all.
Media Responsibility
Media has a powerful influence on shaping beauty standards. Encouraging media outlets to showcase diverse bodies, avoiding photo manipulation, and featuring a wide range of body types and sizes can have a profound impact on redefining beauty norms.
In this new era, the redefinition of beauty standards is a pressing need. By embracing body positivity, promoting inclusivity, and challenging societal norms, we can create a world where every individual is celebrated for their unique beauty, fostering a culture of acceptance, respect, and self-love.