Body image speak-out helps students conquer self-perception issues

Stories were told, laughs heard and tears shed at Written on the Body, the first body image speak-out held in Bishop Cafe, Tuesday, March 2. Sponsored by the Women's Resource Center (WRC) and the Women's House (WoHo), this event marked the beginning celebration of National Women's Month on campus.

Hosts and collaborators senior Nora Curtis and sophomore Gretchen Curry said they aimed to structure Written on the Body similarly to Take Back the Night, OWUs annual sexual assault speak-out also held in Bishop Cafe. A microphone and chair were set on stage for any student, male or female, to openly share experiences regarding their personal body image and how it has affected their lives.

Curry, a student worker for the WRC, said Written on the Body was inspired by the regularity of body image as a topic among students.

"At the WRC, we've noticed the need for an event like this," she said. "We've had a lot of conversations on body image and self perception and this discussion was wanted."

To set the tone for the evening, Curry read Maya Angelou's poem, "Phenomenal Woman." Afterwards, she and Curtis explained the purpose of Written on the Body was to create a safe environment for anyone to talk about their bodies.

"We [want], this to help you in some way," they said. "This is the beginning, hopefully, of a lot of discussions."

Out of respect for those willing to speak, a strict confidentiality guideline was implemented; therefore, no stories could leave the room. However, input ranged from students explaining their personal self image to opinions of the unimportance of body perception in general.

Sophomore DeLaine Mayer said the night proved both effective and reassuring.

"I thought this event was right on," she said. "Not all people feel comfortable talking about the insecurities they have with their bodies, so this was a really great forum to get people out of their seats and talking about body image."

Sophomore Lauren Ailes said she empathized with the students.

"It made me realize my insecurities and that they aren't different from those of others," she said. "Also, to embrace those differences because there is a bigger picture, which is the important part, and that picture is beautiful."

Curry said she was pleased with the variety of topics students raised.

"It wasn't all body bashing," she said. "I was impressed with how people were willing to share. What people thought they needed to say was said."

Ailes said she was in awe of the students that spoke.

"I was amazed to see that there is more to these women [and men] on campus," she said. "It was an absolutely beautiful experience that makes me happy to have been a part of something so unique and eye-opening."

Curry said she was hesitant to hear the campus' response to Written on the Body when it was first posed as an event.

"[My] initial thought was that no one would respond to an event like this, and it was way too personal," she said. "But if people can talk at Take Back the Night then they could do this."

Mayer said she noticed a general conception of body image from the students.

"Ultimately, the majority of people who spoke reflected on the fact that it is other people who give us a negative view of our own bodies," she said. "Beauty and self worth have to come from within."

Curry and Curtis said they hoped the speak-out would help students struggling with body issues to know that they were not alone

For audience members such as Ailes, Written on the Body did just that.

"We all have our own issues, views and perceptions," she said. "But we were able to gather and say, 'We are all beautiful, we are all individuals, we are all strong'.