Blog 7

During Adolescence is when we start to alter our body image. It’s where girls start wearing make-up and spend extra time on their appearance. Guys dedicated more time to the weight room to achieve the tough guy look. Teenagers are adjusting to their developing bodies and finding things they aren’t satisfied with. Body image affects their social life, which is a HIGH priority to students after their education of course. J

 

In the movie, “ Real Women have Curves”, Ana is the exception to the norm. She is strong, intelligent and confident though out the movie. She has a positive body image even though society would consider her weight above average. She stood up for herself, even to her mom, when told she need to loose weight to be beautiful. She even goes to say that she doesn’t want to loose weight due to the fact her mother constantly nags her about it. A boy from school that fell for Ana reinforced that thick girls are desirable and that there is more to a women than her looks. She wants this boy and the women in the sweatshop that she is comfortable in her skin. Carmen, Ana’s mother, stresses that thinness is the only way she will be beautiful and find a husband. The Hispanic cultural plays a major part in Carmen’s mind set although Ana’s modern beliefs contradict with her mothers.

 

Americans are definitely are infatuated with thinness. The rise of obesity has open eyes to many people and the diet industry has profited because of it. I watch my weight so I don’t’ go up a size. After gaining 40 pounds while pregnant, I am not in favor of carrying some extra weight.  Obesity is still a problem but the negative effects of being large are causing more eating disorders. Ana was definitely not fat; She had curves that were not unflattering and as long as she is healthy she has nothing to worry about. Ana’s personality and intelligence made her beautiful. Jimmy, Ana’s teacher and most of her family members saw her glow.

 

I liked Ana’s character as a role model to girls that struggle with their weight. She did not lack confidence or intelligence due to her weight. I think the movie should have ended with mother showing up at the airport to give Ana her blessing. It’ s sad that her mother could not understand the potential of her daughter and what she could contribute to the world.