木漏

The beauty industry’s obsession with extreme trends—whether it's promoting thinness, exaggerated curves, or extreme plastic surgery—has deeply impacted society, leading to widespread issues with body image, mental health, and disordered eating. From glorifying extreme thinness to fetishizing fatness, these ideals perpetuate unrealistic standards, causing many individuals to feel inadequate and dissatisfied with their natural appearance. This focus on appearance fosters a culture of insecurity and superficiality, diverting attention away from more meaningful pursuits like personal growth, the supply chain of basic survival, and emotional well-being.

In a world where appearance is increasingly commodified, the fetishization of certain body types further reinforces harmful stereotypes and social inequality. Those who don't conform to these rigid standards feel left behind, while the objectification of bodies continues to feed societal divisions. The rise of extreme plastic surgery and the commercialization of hypersexualized bodies also distort the true message of body positivity, turning it into another marketable trend rather than a movement for self-acceptance and inclusion.

This photography project seeks to challenge the beauty industry’s toxic standards by capturing people as they are—raw, unfiltered, and free from societal pressures. It aims to highlight the diversity of natural bodies and celebrate the human experience beyond appearance. By focusing on authenticity and real stories, the project encourages viewers to reflect on the importance of self-worth and individuality, reminding us that our value as humans goes far beyond how we look.

This transcends gender and impacts everyone on some level, even if they say it doesn't.

This photography project delves deep into the struggles of body dysmorphia and eating disorders, giving voice to those who battle daily with their reflection, often feeling caged by societal pressures. But beyond the immediate battles against unrealistic beauty standards lies another equally insidious issue that deserves attention: ageism.

The music industry, in particular, glorifies extreme youth, turning teenagers into icons while shunning older artists as if their contributions and talent expire with age. The result is not just a fleeting sense of relevance but a deeper discrimination against aging, one that bleeds into the job market, media representation, and social spheres. This obsession with youth sidelines those who carry the wisdom, experience, and depth that only time can bring.

It’s disheartening how society can rally behind certain causes while blithely ignoring others. The hypocrisy lies in how we vehemently advocate for some forms of equality and empowerment, but brush aside the discrimination against older individuals, as if their value diminishes as the years pass. This human flaw—our tendency toward "shiny object syndrome"—shows that we often chase what's new and glittering, forgetting the deeper truths that ground us.

This isn't to say that youth suggest a lack of intelligence, quite the contrary. However, it wouldn't be a horrible thing to suggest that exploitation is not the answer. Let roots take hold. Let the young be young.

As we confront body dysmorphia and eating disorders, let’s also recognize that beauty and worth don't fade with age. There's an enduring power in embracing every stage of life, in valuing the wisdom that comes with it. We must stop placing people in boxes based on their appearance or age.

Finally, for the brave viewer, I would recommend watching a documentary that, while for some may use inflammatory language because they see the word "feminist" has truth to its premise. It might explain why some members of society struggle with so many addictions and problems in their own relationships because of the influence of digital beauty standards that are promoted.

Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power" by director Nina Menkes is a documentary that explores the deep connections between how women are depicted in cinema and broader issues of gender-based discrimination and power dynamics in society. The film dissects the visual language of filmmaking, focusing on the male gaze and how the use of camera angles, lighting, and framing can objectify and sexualize women, reinforcing gender inequality.

Using film clips, interviews, and analysis, Menkes argues that the cinematic techniques used to portray women have far-reaching effects on real-world issues like workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, and the treatment of women in general. She critiques how these visual tropes contribute to a culture that marginalizes women, both within the film industry and in society at large, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

The documentary serves as a critical examination of how cinema influences societal norms regarding gender, sex, and power, and aims to challenge viewers to rethink the ways women are represented on screen.

While the language used in the film may not resonate with everyone, one thing is clear: there can be a point where overusing "sex" as clickbait can have long term detrimental effects, rooted in more than just character flaws but neurobiology.

While some may see it as empowering, not everyone has the glowing "success" story of rags to riches from using sex as a "weapon". Many people blindly follow the media hype, oh well they did it, so can I. Rampant abuse occurs, leaving a lifetime of scars.

When it becomes a massive trend, to use sex as a mind control tool (even if inadvertently, like for creative purposes in the world of cinema and social media) sometimes the conditions in life someone may seek to escape using these techniques backfires.

The concept that imprisons them into the hellish reality they want to dismantle implodes.


A self-fulfilling prophecy.


At the end of the day, who is to blame if the majority participate, glorify and encourage...