Thursday, November 1, 2012

TRUE THIGHS

The article by Amy Wallace discusses the story about a famous Hollywood actress, Jamie Lee Curtis. She decided to participate in a photo shoot in nothing but a sports bra and tight spandex. She declares, that every woman has to accept the way she is, and value the "authentic" self. The author says, that the whole process has started for the actress about ten years ago, when Curtis wrote the first children's book, dealing with abortion and mood swings. The main theme of the book was: It is ok to be you! Wallace (2006) writes, "Curtis is seeking something bigger than her next acting job. She wants to feel at peace with her flaws, her genes" (p. 349).  After the photo shoot with no make up, and in unflattering underwear, the actress let the crew transform her into the "Glam Jamie".  Ironically, the actress admits, that she has "done it all", speaking about plastic surgeries, saying, "I've had a little plastic surgery. I've had a little lipo. I've had a little Botox. And you know what? None of it works. None of it" (p. 350).                                                        Curtis also tells the interviewer about her recovery program after plastic surgery, where she had to deal with addiction problems to painkillers and alcohol. All of the transformations in Jamie's life helped her realize, that family and happiness is the most important thing in the world. She has fun with her kids, and her house is filled with laughter and joy. Even though her acting career slowed down, her intentions are to continue with it and write more books. Her noble goal is "to have a life beyond the movie business", where she can find out who she really is without the stylists, jewelry, and fancy outfits.

Wallace, A. (2006). True Thighs. Dressing throughout adulthood. The Meanings of Dress. 2nd Ed.,    
                   348-352. Fairchild Publication, Inc. New York, NY.



The article “ True Thighs”  is basically about Hollywood actress, Jamie Lee Curtis.
This article discusses how she decided to do a photo shoot to expose herself and show everyone her true self. In the photo shot Jamie goes all natural without any make up or pampering and poses in just plain black sports bra and briefs. Jamie does this to show what she really looks like in her 40’s; so people don’t have a false idea of her image. In the article Jamie says, “There’s a reality to the way I look without my clothes on…I don’t want the unsuspecting forty-year-old women of the world to think I've got it going on.” She wanted these women to know that like any other woman; she too has flaws and insecurities. That she isn't always the Glam Jamie, the Perfect Jamie, and great figure Jamie. In her interview she mentions how she's done alterations to face and body in order to remain perfect and glamorous, which now she regrets and finally has learned accept herself for who she is.  Now a days we see this in many Hollywood celebrities who go to extremes to keep with the perfect ideal. However, we have also seen a few of them that have done the same as Jamie. Many Hollywood celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Heidi Klum, and Jessica Simpson have appeared on magazines to showcase their natural beauty without any make up or retouching. Celebrities are finally showing the world what they truly look like and embracing their flaws and imperfections.
                       




 The article "True Thighs I read about Jamie Curtis written by Amy Wallace is explaining how Jamie is in a photo shoot with nothing but spandex, a sports bra and barely any makeup on. Jamie Curtis is putting the word out there that individuals should not feel uncomfortable about their body and how they should be happy of what they have. During an interview Jamies says, "All of these 'bettering' experiences are not without risk. And there is this illusion that once you do it, then you'll be fine. And that's just horesshit. I looked worse. Worse. Am I right?" Curtis is explaining to the audience that having anything done to your body for example, plastic surgery is no good. While reading the article it seems to me as if Jamie is the type of woman who is comfortable and confident about her image and wants everyone else to feel that way. It is amazing knowing that there are famous actresses who are promoting how we should be happy with what we have, rather than the rest showing the audience that thin is what everyone should look up to.


It is very inspiring and relieving to see celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis not being afraid to show their true colors. These are celebrities who are not afraid to express their true selves, are encouraging women all over the world to simply love the way they are and embrace themselves. Although our society is easily affected by the "glamorous lifestyle" that Hollywood portrays, we are also evolving into conscious individuals. Celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis are opening up our eyes, and we are becoming aware of the fact that nobody is perfect in reality.
Another good representation of a celebrity, who is not afraid to express her true self and embrace her body, is America's Next Top Model host, Tyra Banks. Tyra, as opposed to Jamie, is an idol that younger women look up to. After her weight gain and the first images being released, she decided to take a different approach. As an influential individual, Trya Banks decided to use this issue in her favor, and in favor of every young girl in the world. She showed that not everyone is perfect and that every woman must live for who they truly are and embrace themselves, no matter what. Trya created a movement and inspired so many young girls to love themselves and not try to meet unrealistic standards.

No comments:

Post a Comment