I’m feeling like I HAVE to talk about the Superbowl halftime in a different way than what is being said!
I keep hearing about JLo’s over-50 amaze-body and Shakira’s over-40 blah, blah, blah. Here’s the deal: They spend hours and hours DAILY working on their bodies. And even if we all were millionaires with top-of-the-line coaches and chefs to aid in the pursuit of achieving similar bodies, MOST of our genetics would simply not allow it. Period.
For example, I want to be taller, but I can only wear heels to do that. If you want JLo’s shape, most likely, that’s not possible to mimic (even with a bunch of Spanx). Genetics give us–sit down for this–limits.
Before I share the next paragraph, I need to clarify the following: I’m no prude! Seriously. Like it’s all sparkly-good and both are badass dancers and fantastic performers. They also have killer marketing and know how to ‘package’ themselves for public attention. That said, here’s what I worry about from their glimmery, shimmery performance that focused on the power of sex (in my opinion).
The objectification of others and of self. There. I said it–even if it’s unpopular, looking beyond the “entertainment” aspects, these empowering women, I think, might have made some booboos in empowering other women as whole in the world.
For so many who won’t be able to reach JLo’s or Shakira’s aesthetics, what other elements will they internalize as their value in the world? Their ability to be sexual or sexualized? Hopefully Shakira will inspire people to try learning to play multiple instruments. Maybe JLo will inspire women to learn how to dance. Even if they cause people to hold less shame about their sexuality, that’s cool. Or how about two women supporting and lifting up each other? I’d like that to catch on in a major way! There are lots of possible empowerments and dis-empowerments that might come from those few moments of airtime.
Women, girls, and transgender people, you are more than your bodies, and sexiness is ONE element of you. You can turn it up and off at will. When it’s off or not on display, who else are you? What do you value in yourself and others?
The body is the suitcase that tidily zips in who we are, what we value, and our bloody, messy organs. And both of those performers are so much MORE than their sexiness. So please think about that before you judge yourself as less than them. In so many ways, they probably don’t have what YOU have…
So there. Now… Back to that book that is requiring more parts of me than I have ever had to rely on for creativity, strength, outlook, and persistence. I have to rely on those other meaningful parts of me to keep going with stamina, resilience, and a zest for life. I am more than my body.
