Photo: Sarah Andrews
Stretching and Spanglish can do wonders for your self-esteem.
The Drake student organization Students for Women’s Issues (SWI) is tackling poor self-image in a creative and engaging way. The organization’s second annual Body Image Week, happening through Friday encourages students to think positively about themselves and to become aware of what triggers poor body image.
“Many people have problems with their bodies,” said junior co-president Jen Henry. Henry was concerned that few seek help because of the normalcy of low self-esteem.
This year’s theme is “The Personal Is Political: Institutional Influence on the Body.” The activities are free for all to attend and focus on different social factors that affect self-esteem.
Monday night, students viewed a short film called “Killing Us Softly: Advertising’s Image of Women.” Afterwards, students discussed the film.
“This negative mentality drags others down,” said senior Amanda Krafft, former president of the group who now serves on SWI’s executive council.
Krafft said that women can often perpetuate the acceptability of self-hatred.
Tuesday evening brought a group of people to Firehouse Yoga for a free stretching session designed to relax women and remind them of their beauty. Krafft hoped that Yoga participants felt more positive following the class.
Women had the chance Wednesday to pamper themselves with free goodie bags from SWI.
SWI acknowledges the collective self-esteem of women is low. They also know the cause of low self-esteem is complicated, as is the cure.
Thursday, SWI will host a student discussion about the impact relationships can have on body image Thursday at 8 p.m. at the CAYA House, across from Campus Cleaners. The topic doesn’t just focus on the impact of relationships with a significant others, but also includes relationships with parents and friends.
Finally, on Friday night, SWI will show the movie “Spanglish” in Bulldog Theater, with free popcorn available.
Henry indicated that women are not the only sex susceptible to self-criticism.
“Men increasingly have problems with their bodies,” Henry said. “There is a lot of pressure on men looking a certain way.”
Henry said that men were encouraged to attend Body Image Week events.
“It is good for men to understand the body image issues women have,” Henry said.
Eventually, SWI wants to stop men and women from relying on their bodies as a barometer for self-esteem. The group hopes that students can come away from get Body Image Week with this message:
“We are not our bodies,” Krafft said.
“Body Image” week events:
Thursday: Student discussion focusing on the impact of relationships on body image.
Friday: The movie “Spanglish” in Bulldog Theater.
