Body Positivity Vs Body Neutrality

The unnecessary ideological division of self acceptance

As a stylist who navigates delicate conversations and contexts with those who are seeking a change, I sat down early on in Pirkritude's conception to really think about what I believe about the relationship of body image and acceptance. I wanted to speak about this topic because it impacts most people, and always comes up in my consultations with clients.

Body Positivity is the plight of self acceptance, which leads to a conclusion of beauty with a rejection of societal definitions and expectations. Body Neutrality is the plight of self acceptance that leads to the conclusion of acceptance with a rejection of aesthetic consideration.

After the Body Positivity Movement became mainstream, some began to feel a sense of "toxic positivity" and fakeness from it. When working through their body image issues, the goal of finding themselves to be beautiful wasn't right for them; their goal needed to be about self acceptance outside of an aesthetic conclusion. (Which is valid)

At some point, though, the internet crafted an argument that the Body Positivity movement was toxic and shallow, and that Neutrality was its superior.

I see why this took place, and it's multifaceted, but ultimately I believe it's our misguided tendency to "other" people and beliefs that don't perfectly match our own. These are both expressions of self acceptance, with minor differences that don't warrant such an ideological split.

My philosophy on body image is both. When working with clients, the answer is whatever works best for them. For me personally and what I lean toward in my styling, is this:

“I'm an artist. I see beauty everywhere I look. I believe every human, creature, cloud, and raindrop sparkles and glimmers.

I also know my body and its worth is not defined by its aesthetic consumption. I'm proud of it for its infinite complexities, its constant fight for life, and for allowing me to live and breathe as me.

I am magic, undefined by perception.”

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