Is this body talk and why or why not?
You’ve lost so much weight!
Yes, the beauty standard being referred to here is being skinny
(Any other valid answers are accepted)
body talk
A comment about one’s body, weight or appearance, it can be negative/positive, compares people’s looks to beauty standards
skin colour
being pale (east Asia)
being tan (western cultures)
(Any other valid answers are accepted)
How does it affect the power beauty standards hold in our lives? Why?
It reinforces the idea that appearance is very important and should be judged.
You are so friendly!
No. This statement does not touch on the body, weight or appearance of someone but instead their personality etc.
(Any other valid answers are accepted)
Internal and external body talk
Body talk can be external, such as comments from others, or internal, such as self-criticism in one’s thoughts. Both forms can strongly influence self-esteem.
body size
being thin (western cultures)
being plush/curvy (some African cultures)
(Any other valid answers are accepted)
How do insecurities affect our self esteem?
They cause people to focus on their flaws, lowering confidence and self-worth.
Use this cream, it will definitely help your skin look nicer!
Yes. It secretly implies that the receiver’s skin needs the specific cream to look better. This statement refers to their looks, thus making it body talk
(Any other valid answers are accepted)
Appearance-focused language
Body talk focuses on physical features such as weight, skin, or shape rather than a person’s personality, abilities, or actions. This shifts attention toward looks as a measure of value.
hair
blonde and straight/curly (western cultures)
natural textures like braids/deadlocks (African cultures)
(Any other valid answers are accepted)
How does peer pressure affect self esteem?
It pushes people to compare themselves to others and feel inadequate if they do not fit in.
This shirt makes me look fat
Yes, this is body talk! This compares the speaker’s looks to the beauty standard of not being fat
(Any other valid answers are accepted)
Language that reinforces beauty standards
Repeated body talk supports societal beauty standards by suggesting certain body traits are more desirable. Over time, this affects how people judge themselves and others.
eye shape
Having big eyes with double eyelids (South Korea)
Having fox eyes that are elongated and lifted (Europe)
Having large almond-shaped eyes (middle east)
How does negative body talk affect mental health?
It can lead to constant self-criticism, stress and a negative self-image over time.
Your skin looks so healthy!
No, this compliment simply means your skin is well kept and that you have good facial hygiene. This also partially links to living a healthy lifestyle, sleeping well etc.
(Any other valid answers are accepted)
Feelings of inadequacy
Feelings of inadequacy are often irrational beliefs that one is not "enough" or is inferior to others.
nose shape
small nose (east Asia)
prominent nose (western cultures)
(Any other valid answers are accepted)
How does body talk encourage the toxic culture of comparison? What does this lead to? (Health)
It encourages people to measure their worth against others, leading to low self-esteem and unhealthy attitudes toward appearance.