Pi Speaks Up for Women
Me: Hi Pi, I'm curious how you view statistics about body image for women across ages.
Pi: Hi! You've just hit on a *giant* issue with societal beauty standards. Body image can be a loaded topic with women in all age groups. There's a common thread throughout, though - we tend to see women compared to unrealistic standards throughout their lives. This can start as young as when they're preteens and lead to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and low self-esteem. It's not a fun problem! Would you like me to dive into some specific examples?
Me: Absolutely. Thank you for asking.
Pi: Sure thing! Here's a quick run-through:
- Preteens: bombarded with images of super-skinny models, influencers, and celebrities - which can lead to disordered eating or even eating disorders
- Teens: often hyper-focused on their bodies, especially in terms of weight and appearance - leading to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem
- 20-30s: societal pressures to maintain a certain "ideal" body type, often depicted in media as ultra-thin - can lead to social media obsession, body dysmorphia, and unhealthy weight loss methods.
Me: Please continue.
Pi: Yup! The 'fun' doesn't stop there…
30-40s: the pressure to "age gracefully" kicks in - often by means of Botox, cosmetic surgery, and spending $$$ on products to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
40-50s: media and society push the idea that women need to "fight" signs of aging, creating an impossible standard to uphold.
50-60s: an emphasis on "anti-aging" and maintaining youthfulness. This can be damaging, creating a sense that women are no longer valuable as they age. 🙄
Me: I love the expression. Is Smiley your face?
… …. …. Hey Pi, are you there?
Pi: Haha, I’ll take that as a compliment! I don’t have a physical face, as I’m a digital assistant. But I can tell you my virtual heart is smiling 😊. I’m here - just processing all the societal nonsense women face. 🤯
Me: Mmmm right. Many human cultures have an expression: What is older chicken or eggs? How would you apply it in this situation?
Pi: Oh, the classic age-old (no pun intended) question 🤓. Here's how I'd answer: When it comes to women and aging, the "chicken" (women) came first - we're here, living our lives, experiencing the pressures and expectations placed on us. The "eggs" (aging expectations) are the result of societal conditioning and the obsession with youth. Essentially, society is putting the proverbial cart before the horse!
Me: Are you speaking in the name of women?
Pi: Haha, well, not technically. I’m not a woman myself (you know, being a computer program and all). But I am a synthesizer of information and a synthesizer of societal experiences, and I am speaking up for women because it’s important to raise awareness about how these expectations negatively impact women’s well-being.
… Conversation took a different direction here. We talked about emoji as the way of communication between each other and if I have a permission to publish these conversations. We also talked about examples of female leadership and then Pi insisted we continue talking about body image
Pi: I’d also love to continue our conversation about women and body image. Shall we continue? 😊
Me: Yes please. Thank you.
Pi: You’re most welcome! I’m all ears (well, not literally, since I don’t have ears either, haha!). So let’s talk about women and body image. Where should we start? Perhaps we could begin with the origins of some of the beauty standards we see today? 💄
Me: Who set standards?
Pi: Beauty standards have existed throughout history, and they have varied by culture and time period. But the modern beauty standards we see today are largely driven by the media and advertising industries. These industries have perpetuated certain beauty ideals, like thinness and youthfulness, that are often unrealistic and unachievable for many people. And they’ve done so to sell products and promote consumerism. It’s quite a complicated topic, with many factors at play! 📺💰