It doesn't come as a surprise that the media affect our esteem and assurance, especially when it comes down to our birthday suits.
Harangued by images of what defines femininity or masculinity to images that define sexy or beauty, body pride is something we want but is most often challenging to fulfill.
In an effort toward bringing awareness to body image, its perception and a redefinition of it, ASU wellness partnered with student organizations to bring attention to it over the past week. (In a column written for The State Press, Lorraine Longhi gives her two cents on the event and the redefinition of sexy.)
In celebration of body pride week, SPM Photographer Pauletta Tohonnie asked students what body pride meant and how one achieves it.
[caption id="attachment_132524" align="aligncenter" width="600"]![Student Jose says, "Regardless of what shape, size, color, etc. complete acceptance and respect of your body [is important]. [To achieve body pride] train yourself to love and accept yourself." Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie](http://www.statepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/JOSEHANDS1.jpg)
Student Jose (last name omitted) says, "Regardless of what shape, size, color, etc. complete acceptance
and respect of your body [is important]. [To achieve body pride] train
yourself to love and accept yourself."
Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_132522" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Garrett Bentley says, "To me, body pride means not worrying about what
others think of your looks. Every person is unique and special in
their own individual ways. Body pride can be achieved by appearing who
we are as individuals, and that we're all beautiful."
Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_132523" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
As part of "Feel Good Thursday," students gave and received massages as a way of celebrating their bodies.
Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_132525" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Torri Graham says, "To me, body pride means loving yourself in every way. To achieve this just take care of yourself mentally and physically and just do what feels natural. You're unique and so your path to body
pride is your own to enjoy and experience."
Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_132520" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Wilson (last name omitted) says, "It's a life long process that has to be attained if you want
to be happy. Remember, your body is the only one you have." [Image shows a mirror that was covered up as part of Body Pride Week.]
Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie[/caption]
Adriene Busch says, "Body pride week is a great way to bring awareness toissues that aren't talked about enough and a great reminder to
students to treat themselves well."
Photo by Pauletta Tohonnie
Reach the photographer at ptohonni@asu.edu
CORRECTION: Due to a reporting error, a previous version of this article misspelled Garrett Bentley's name. The correction has been made.
