Body Image Issues For Men

I think that when most people think of body image issues, it is almost instinctive that they would think the victims are young girls and women. This isn't by any fault or prejudice; it's just probably more common that women are focused upon when the topic is discussed. But I don't necessarily think it's an exclusive problem. Could it be more common for the female gender? Possibly - I don't have the statistics, but definitely not exclusive.

People will say you just have to simply glance at magazines and movies to notice the body image forced upon little girls: flat stomachs, thin arms, generous breasts, curvy thighs, long legs, shapely bums, etc. But men are also featured in magazines and movies: tall, defined abs, powerful arms, sculpted chests, broad shoulders, and yes - tight butts. Because who doesn't love some tight man-cheeks? Yum.

Could he be any Thor stacked?

Thankfully, there have been strides in the right direction as of recently on the topic, at least in my mind. At the very least, it's talked about a lot more. There are some really positive messages going out there about other body types that exist across the spectrum of "beauty". Dove notably have been doing some great work (read: advertising) that has been going pretty viral. This particular image (despite being rather old, Internet-age-wise) circulated around quite a lot:

And I'm sure it's been driven to the ground about its merits. To sum it up, it promotes all forms of realistic, healthy, happy bodies. And that's a beautiful and powerful perspective, especially with the context of concerns that many models on the catwalk might be deemed unhealthily thin.

Here's my point of query: as you read that last sentence, did you automatically think of female models? Okay - I might've misled you a bit on purpose since the image only has women in it, but you get my point: it's an almost instinctive presumption that this issue only affects women.

It's easy to point fingers at media for portraying unrealistic body images for girls, and I do agree there are clear issues present. But what about guys? I myself have fallen victim to it. For the longest time, I thought 'big and tall' was the official standard for handsomeness (I blame the Abercrombiecide). I was never going to be tall, I knew that much for sure, but perhaps I could strive to be big. I could try and bulk up in size by dieting right and working out hard enough. I can't count how many times I've heard female friends of mine swoon over these gigantic men with their chiseled abs and mountainous shoulders. And those tight butts. Damn those tight butts. Why can't I be bootylicious?

I'll be honest: I'd Channing all over that Tatum any day.

In my opinion, I don't think there's as much concern with this muscular male body image because it appears healthy. I mean, just look at Channing Tatum - he looks like he could outrun a horse. And I tend to agree with that. It's probably a healthy, great-looking shape to be. But does that make this body type the ideal? As a guy, am I expected of this high standard? Would any other shape be acceptable, let alone deemed "attractive"? For me, it's meant that I've always felt lackluster and below-average. I didn't feel 'normal' because I didn't have a six-pack. And no, of course I'm not only surrounded by brawny men with the bodily proportions of a Grecian god, but I see it in movies, in magazines, and in shops - much like women do. And I don't think it's fair just to say that since this body image is healthy, it's okay to make this the norm for all men. There are other body shapes that are healthy, and other body shapes that are handsome, believe it or not. To achieve a physique like that of Hugh Jackman is no easy feat, and it can be quite unbelievable the amount of pressure men are put upon to be no less.

It's hard for dudes to admit they feel self-conscious about their body and that in fact, we really just want to look like ever-popular celebrities. Can you imagine if one of your male friends turned to you during Neighbors and said, "boy, I wish I could look like Zac Efron"? But would it be any less weird if a female friend something similar about an actress?

Zac Efron? More like Zac Ef-me-on-the-couch.

Don't get me wrong - I am in no way diminishing the struggle that girls have to go through to match these supposed ideal body types. And for the most part, I agree that as a gender, they probably have it tougher in this aspect, and I think it's unfortunate that that might be the case. We're plastered with these improbable female proportions that are labelled "perfect", and it's disheartening to hear when someone thinks that's the only body type that can be "beautiful". But I also think that the male gender shouldn't be excluded from the conversation. It's easier than you might think that guys feel self-conscious too when comparing themselves to these male idols, and I for one am not afraid to say I am one of those guys.

If I'm being honest, I personally have changed my entire lifestyle around trying to be healthier and look better. And yet, I'm still unsure all this physical change can ever make me genuinely confident and satisfied with the way my body looks - not until I can make a mental change, too. And a part of me believes this might be because of these unsettling set of ideals that I feel I can never reach. But regardless of my own struggles, I hope those reading this realise that you should be comfortable with whatever size you are, male or female. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise (even family or friends). Remember this: beauty is subjective, healthiness is objective. Don't feel obligated to change how you look; only make a change if you want a change. Go be Hugh Jackman (read: Huge Jacked Man) if that's your goal, but do it because you want to, and do it safely. If you are healthy enough, and you're happy with the way you are, then that's all that matters - much more than trying to look like some fictitious character on screen with a square chest, washboard abs and a really, really tight bum.