body
Feminism demands a future free of fat shaming, body obsession and the male gaze.
Pink Scars
As a recent breast cancer survivor, I have had my days where I felt unsure of what my purpose in all of this would be. I couldn't believe that this illness came into my life and made me feel so insecure—sometimes feeling helpless and hopeless due to the possible outcome. But, I had to remind myself that I'm not alone and that there are millions of women who are in my same shoes that are also trying to cope as well.
Candy WilliamsPublished 5 years ago in VivaOk, But Women Enjoy Sex Too
Title got you, right? Caught you! Naughty little thing. Anyway, shall we begin? Are you sure you’re ready? The vagina (also known as the pussy, the coochie, the cookie, the box, usisi/the lady). This is the female reproductive organ. It’s not the most attractive thing, but most people have come into the world via the vagina. It stretches to first accommodate a penis, then later stretches to deliver a whole human being into the world. Powerful, right? Perhaps the most underrated ability of a vagina is PLEASURE!
Yolanda MqoqiPublished 5 years ago in VivaSocial Media and Body Image
NOWADAYS it seems body measurements are integral to the Instagram algorithm. The amount of bikini-clad women that our thumbs grudgingly scroll past every day seems to only increase—and by the looks of it, it’s not likely to go down either. Body ideals have, historically, been defined by the cultural icons of the time, and how they are received within that zeitgeist. For example, at the height of her success, Marilyn Monroe (a woman who, by Instagram’s standards would be considered ‘fat’) painted the ideal feminine silhouette as one with natural curves, dimples and cellulite—a world away from the airbrushed "perfection" we are inundated with today. The rising prominence of social media "influencers" and TV shows entirely based round appearance (think Love Island, Naked Attraction, etc..) only communicates to young girls and women alike, that they are not doing enough to squeeze themselves into the constricting and hyper-feminised mould of 2019 beauty ideals. But what women need to realise is that however they present themselves, as long as they feel confident and beautiful both outside and in, they are enough. The plus size model movement is definitely a step in the right direction, a la Ashley Graham and Iskra Lawrence (the digital Monroes of this age,) but the real heroes we need right now are the ones who don’t have makeup artists on speed dial.
Tabby WeirPublished 5 years ago in VivaWhy You "Can't" Wear Horizontal Stripes
This is a common thing I hear all people of all genders, of all ages, talk about. Well, not this specifically, but talking about the dressing choices of other woman with particular body types.
Mary PisasalePublished 5 years ago in VivaSomething's Got to Give
British freelance journalist Stephanie Yeboah recently made social media news this month when she published a story on Refinery29, titled “I Found Out The Guy I Was Dating Did It For A Dare. Here's What Happened Next,” writing about being embarrassed by potential partner all because she is a plus-size woman.
Mpho RantaoPublished 5 years ago in VivaThe Fears of an Indie Artist
Someone in the industry told me that a plus-size female singer will never make it. But I still keep pushing and putting out new music. THOUGHTS in my HEAD. If I post an indecent photo revealing my derriere to get attention, would more people listen to my music? THOUGHTS in my HEAD. As an artist, I want to be more open and honest and not overthink my posts but society has taught me that being TOO open could backfire on you. THOUGHTS in my HEAD.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are ugly, hideous, I wouldn't want them—so I've been told. Why is everyone afraid of their own body? You should love yourself for who you are even if it's hard sometimes. I had stretch marks from a young age onwards. I was only 10 years old when I spotted mine and I didn't care what anyone thought of me or my body, I was pure and innocent. I did not hate my stretch marks or myself for having them, in fact, I thought everyone had them.
Emily EmilyPublished 5 years ago in VivaStruggling with Sexual Expression
As women, we are raised with the understanding that our bodies are viewed differently to men's bodies. The media, society, the boys at our schools, the adults who push problematic school uniform rules onto us. Girls must wear skirts, but not too short because then it's inappropriate. Remember to keep those shoulders covered, otherwise your skin will distract the boys and the teachers! We're taught that our bodies are something men will feel the entitlement to shove their dick against in a club before we're even aware of their existence. We know if we confront them with our frustration and disgust, we're the ones causing shit. We know it's easier to simply move out of the dick's way, and give our friends that watch out for the creep look.
Katie GasterPublished 5 years ago in VivaDoes Evil Have a Name?
I hope you remember me because I will never forget you. The events that play over and over in my head, as if I'm forced to watch a never-ending horror movie. You took so many things from me. My security, my best friend, and how easily you took my strength. Being alone with men began to scare me in ways I never thought it would. From a man coming over to set up my internet to being alone in the bakery aisle at the supermarket, I fear that they might do what you did to me.
Sleepless inStLouisPublished 5 years ago in VivaBreathing
I’ve always been big on control. Whether I have it or the illusion of it, I like to think that I have some sort of power over things happening around me. I've realized you really only have control over a couple things. You have control over the way you conduct yourself, and the way you choose to react to any given situation. That is what is so terrifying about being sexually assaulted. I remember waking up and feeling like a stranger in my own skin, a place I had never loved, and now wanted out of. I remember waking up and playing back the night before. I remember the weight, feeling like I couldn't breathe. Breathing is something so innate, we take it for granted, but in this past year I've become familiar with the twinge of fear as it escapes me and the relief as I take in a deep breath.
Emily SchroederPublished 5 years ago in VivaHow It Feels to Remember
I swore to myself that I would never tell anyone, but it just slipped out the other day. I had been drinking and I was in a great mood and your name came up and it just slipped out. I was in the hallway with Jackie and I remember how horrified her face looked and I realized what I had said. But I was saved, some drunk boys came out and we chatted with them, I went home, and I never had to confront the horrified look on Jackie's face.
purple and bluePublished 5 years ago in Viva- Created with: INTIMINA
10 Foods That Make Your Period Worse
Your menstrual cycle will always come once a month, but no two periods are quite the same. Some are heavier than others. Others are a little more moody, while still more might have those diet-smashing cravings kick in at odd hours.
Mackenzie Z. KennedyPublished 5 years ago in Viva