The-F-Word.org

Fitness Magazine has put together a slideshow of six women who have learned to embrace what are otherwise considered imperfections.

Women featured range from model, cookbook author and Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi who shows off a six-inch scar on her arm the result of a car accident to Dawn Denise, who says “I realize that my butt has a gravitational force all its own: It stops guys in their tracks, who have nothing but admiring things to say about it.”

Lyndsey Kane said she realized that, regardless of her diet or exercise habits, “this size-14 body wasn’t going anywhere, so I stopped hating it. I learned that my body doesn’t stop me from doing what I want or wearing what I want. I’m beautiful…” Yet other women featured revel in wrinkles, small breasts, and a gap-toothed smile.

It’s a feel-good approach, and frankly, one that the magazine ought focus more on. Inspired by the successful marketing model Dove has so flawlessly perfected, more and more media companies seem to be taking note that of “if you make women feel confident, they will buy it” ethos.

But keep in mind, this is the same Fitness Magazine which equates “fitness” with being tall, long-haired, slender-limbed and wearing a bikini. Eating well and exercising aren’t extolled for the virtues of making one feel better; they’re almost always presented as means to weight-loss. Irresponsible dieting advice is given liberally, and always, always the magazine places an assiduous focus on one’s weight and appearance. Despite its inclusion of a size-14 woman (who is at the very bottom run of the plus-sized ladder), the not-so-subtle message from the magazine still seems to be “embrace your flaws – but not fat.”

So, don’t be surprised if I don’t sound particularly grateful at the bone Fitness Magazine has thrown women. The atonement is not sufficient.