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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 8, 2006, at 3:50:03
I was thinking the other day now nice it must be to wear the Hajib (that complete cloak with only the eyes showing) or even baggy clothes and a headscarf. You could be having the worst bad hair day and no one would see! Except your family at home of course.
I wonder if Muslim women (who stick to the traditional dress, like the headscarves etc) are more satisfied with their bodies because they are never comparing themselves etc to other women - or do you think this happens anyway??
But on the other hand, because you're having to cover it up all the time, they feel their bodies somehow shameful?
So I wonder if in Muslim communities ED rates are higher or lower?
Hmmmm. Just a thought.
For me personally, I hate the fact that the only images we see of almost naked bodies are complete perfect airbrushed bodies. And then because everyone is so prudish we don't ever see real bodies at any time. For me, it was such a relief to join a gym with a communal changing room where the women walked around pretty naked. It was sooo nice to see real naked women's bodies and all their imprefections, and it made me much more accepting of my own.
Kind regards
Meri
Posted by zazenduck on June 9, 2006, at 18:09:08
In reply to Muslim women have less issues with their bodies??, posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 8, 2006, at 3:50:03
That's an interesting question. I wonder too.
I wonder if there is still anorexia but it comes with a different rationale in traditional Muslim cultures without exposure to Western media....like the Victorian girls who were pursuing an invalid model rather than "sex appeal" or the medieval saints who were anorexic for ostensibly religous reasons struggling against the desires of the flesh rather than trying to reshape it.
I know in one eating disorder program the patients and staff were not allowed to wear revealing clothes (or makeup!) to take the focus off appearance. I don't know how that worked though it sounded like a good idea to me.
Posted by Poet on June 9, 2006, at 21:43:02
In reply to Muslim women have less issues with their bodies??, posted by Meri-Tuuli on June 8, 2006, at 3:50:03
Hi Meri,
You've posed a really good question. Muslim women only reveal the majority of their bodies to their husbands. No one else is going to even get a glimpse of her calves.
Since muslim women have very little control over their appearance, I wouldn't think that a "perfect" body size is emphasized as it is in other cultures. There are no celebrities and models wearing size 00 held up as (bad) role models. What would her husband think is the perfect body? He's the only one allowed to see it and his opinion would hold much power. Interesting.
Poet
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