A positive body image should never be called into question

By: Lacy Hilliard
Tomahawk Writer/Photographer

France’s recent ban on models with body mass indexes (BMI) less than 18 has propelled the issue of weight and body image into the spotlight once again. Touted as an attempt to fight anorexia, many residents of France and interested parties worldwide aren’t buying what French Parliament is selling. Failure to comply with the new French law could result in hefty fines as well as jail time to any agency employing models that fail to comply with the new standards.
While the body mass index chart supports the notion that a BMI under 18 is an unhealthy body weight – not every body fits in a neatly organized chart and making laws in regards to what someone’s body should or should not be is a slippery slope. Instead, what the world needs is a shift in what’s considered perfection.
Programs like Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty, various body image bloggers and even the first ever major plus size modeling contract issued to size 22 Tess Muenster are all working toward promoting a positive body image. However, as the aforementioned programs and individuals work to promote positivity, their posts on social media also give cyber bullies the opportunity to bash, berate and belittle – proving there’s still much to be done when it comes to the societal perception of beauty or for that matter the societal perception of class.

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