Body Image & Folk Music

This blog is going to come to you in two parts! Part one, being body image, and the second being folk music... and it's sweet sweet twangy goodness.

Part One:

Sometimes, I need to sit back and take a deep breathe.  And never, ever read a magazine again.  I know it's common knowledge, but our society is obsessed whole heartily with body image.  Magazines tell women which food will make them shed pounds the quickest, while tabloids call the next slim star anorexic.  In a society of celebrity worship, when the stars are too thin, what is just right?  I know, in a perfect world, we'd all be healthy, happy, and accepting of another and what every single one of us looks like.  But this isn't a perfect world, lets be honest here.  This hatred is personified through thousands upon thousands of facebook groups hating on those who are overweight.  "Hey Fatty, don't you just look lovely in those leggings"  "leggings and skinny jeans should have a weight limit" are just two examples of the hate that goes around the 'net.  It gets even worse, with comments saying "I'd rather throw myself out of a window than have a yucky body like that" or "fat chicks should be put on a separate island."  The hate also reaches the other end of the spectrum, with "skinny people" hate.  Now, I don't want to make excuses for either side, hate is hate.  Basically, I am just frustrated: facebook groups, magazines, TV, everything... how is a person supposed to know what they're supposed to look like...  Well here's the thing... you're not.  You're supposed to look like you.  Now go, get up and go look in the mirror.  Take a good look.  You see the eyes staring back you?  The shape of the nose?  The Curve of the mouth?  Perhaps the indent of your hips, the curves of you stomach (or lack of), how much your ears stick out... this is all you and this is what you're supposed to look like.  No like Lohan, Hilton, Spears or who ever else is in the tabloids.  You are supposed to look like you.  You only have on body, one vessel to live in while you're on Earth.  This body you are given, should be treated with respect and dignity.  Feed it well, exercise it, love and cherish it.  Most of all, love those around you.  Not for their weight, but for them.  They have bodies and minds too, that need to be cherished, just like yours.  Remember, especially women who can be so cruel to themselves and others, an attack on one, is an attack on all.  Just because someone's nasty comment isn't directed directly at you, it doesn't mean it doesn't include you.  Hate is hate.  So basically, be happy, be healthy, be loved and spread love.  Life is too short to be hating on everything!

Part Two:

Folk music, oh how I love thee.
'nuff said.








Peace, love and banjos,
Sam.