Shaving my head to fundraise for more access to body image programmes in NZ!
Auckland
Being a teenager is tough enough. Photoshopped glossy magazine and filters on Insta change how we see ourselves and can hurt our self-esteem. Our young people are swamped by this. Soaking up the prevailing ideas of what a "good" body looks like.
It takes a village to raise a kiwi kid. Previously, I've donated time and money to different causes. This year I'm trying something new: 1) Shaving my head so the hair might be used for wig-making, and 2) Raising money to address body hate in NZ, primarily by supporting Body Talk - a body image programme aimed at educating teens on media & social influences, body wonderment, body trust, & celebrating body diversity.
-----
TW: Restricted eating & body image.
Last year, frustrated with the use of women's bodies in advertising, I decided to try live up to some of those images. The idea that they were good bodies only because they looked tall, thin, and tan. I wanted to see what it took to have that kind of body.
Well, I didn't have much luck with height, but in 30 days I’d dropped 10% off my already low body weight. I seriously restricted my calorie intake and rather suddenly started running more than I should have. I was tired, super agitated, and burnt out, and I became so very very small. I couldn't donate blood anymore. I was pinching my skin and poking at my bones before it dawned on me that this was not okay. It was strange how the mirror creepily seemed to justify it all. I'm 27, been through university, and consciously try to be body positive. I didn't know how deep the old damage goes. It was a sobering moment.
It took time to get back to a normal, healthy weight again.
-----
Perceptions of body image are affected by tonnes of different things. According to the 2017 Dove Global Beauty and Confidence Report, when girls aren't feeling good about their appearance 80% will "opt out of important life activities such as engaging with friends and loved ones". Up to 70% "stop themselves from eating or otherwise put their health at risk". The stats don't improve as we get older - women are at a massive 90% for both. And for boys and men? We don't really know yet.
Nest Consulting run a body image programme (BODY TALK ©) and recognise the importance of a critical, healthy perspective of our bodies. In a time of fake news, information and learning are powerful tools. This fundraiser will help subsidise the cost for schools and community groups.
My goal is to raise $5,000* for Body Talk visits to 10-15 schools around the country.
If you'd like to join me or have any questions, comments, concerns, or stories, don't hesitate to get in touch at endbodyhate@gmail.com
Thanks heaps for your time and kia kaha! #WhyWait? #EndBodyHate
-----
Resources:
http://nestconsulting.nz/school-programmes/body-talk/
https://www.youthline.co.nz/info-zone/your-body/body-image/
https://thelowdown.co.nz/categories/health/body-image-2
http://theconversation.com/reining-in-advertisers-to-curb-australias-body-image-distortion-10387
https://www.unilever.com/Images/dove-girls-beauty-confidence-report-infographic_tcm244-511240_en.pdf
*Funds raised will subsidise access to body image programmes for schools and community groups. If this doesn't go to plan, the money will be donated in full to Youthline and the amazing work they do with our kids. The specific schools/groups that will be the eventual beneficiaries are not confirmed at time of writing and will depend on the donations we accrue.
We're back! 24 April 2018
Hello again!
Firstly, thank you to everyone who's donated thus far and apologies for going on an unexpected hiatus! We are back in action and I have every intention of seeing this through. We only get one body (sci-fi excluded) and how we perceive ours and others' is important. This is an opportunity to change a dangerous narrative.
Secondly, we finally have a date for the shave: 1st May!
Thirdly, in the ways that life is awful, several weeks ago a colleague's son (pictured) was diagnosed with leukemia. A few more of us will be polishing our domes next week to support and you can donate to Kruden & the Johnson family here: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/shave-for-kruden-johnson
If you have already donated on this page and would like some or all of your donation to go to the Johnsons, get in touch and I'll be happy to facilitate!
Thanks for bearing with - you'll be hearing more from me soon! #EndBodyHate
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.