Day 10: I Think I Rub My Belly To Much!!

Today was very much like the last few days. I received no weird looks and comments because most of the people have seen me like this for the last 10 days. People have coined new nick names for me, there is fatty, chunky, Father Christmas  and a couple more I can't remember. The padded belly has taken a good few punches, many hugs and and many rubs especially from me. People even wanted to sleep on it. I showed many people the Speedo and added a spank to my rear every time I dropped the towel. I got a couple "hey sexy" comments but 90% of the reactions consisted of "put that towel back on please..."

There is only 1 word to describe the last 10 days and that word is interesting. During this process of research and monitoring outside reactions I have learnt a lot. The reactions I got at varsity as mentioned above were that of a humorous nature for the simple fact we were all in the same boat. The reactions I got in public were very different. At times I wanted to remove the towel and walk around in my Speedo but already I already had one in counter with a disgruntle security guard and  that  was enough for me. Some people took notice others not. Some people looked disgusted and I could assume they thought I was foolish and some what offensive. Some people found it hilarious and amusing. The reactions and analysis's I made related to what I was researching.

The readings with regards to the human body helped especially, it helped me to understand why people reacted this way to my physical appearance. According to addressing the body there is a certain level of nudity a person can express and most times even in appropriate situations it is not to be applied (Entwiste.2000:6). It also expresses that dress codes follow certain events and situations (Entwistle.2000:7). Dress on a whole is suppose to make the body recognizable (Entwistle.2000:9). So I can honestly say I was dressed inappropriately for the last 10 days, even though I was still wearing a towel.

According to 'Body's Real and Not so Real' by Susie Orbach there is a strong emphasis placed on peoples physical mass. I often had remakes like; 'having a belly could suit you but don't get one its disgusting' or 'your so fat'. There is a lot of emphasis placed on some ones physical appearance this can also be seen in 'The Body in Consumer Culture' by Alexandra Howson. People want to achieve the perfect image and so consumerism is there to help them succeed (Howson.2004: 94). In 'Bodys Real and Not so Real' it expresses the need to stay thin and the emotional benefits and self loathing that might come with it (Orbach. 2008:100). Hitler tried to find the perfect physical race and ended up killing millions of people, so how do you still focus so much on physical appearance? According to Alexandra Howson analysis people can by their looks today. People have the help of cosmetic surgeons and personal trainers to help and maintain their bodies (Howson. 2004:97).

According to a writer by the name of Richard Glover there is a myth behind the 'Beer Belly'. The Belly is suppose to represent 'The Mans Man'. The one with the John Wayne swagger and a history of good sporting awards. The problem is this myth is not allowing individuals to grow and become who they want to be (Richard Glover. 2010). The last 10 days has made me realise that every one is there own person. People have to develop themselves into what they deem fit. The Speedo had no effect on me after while it actually made me feel more physically comfortable but the padded belly allowed to see that people do become emotionally distressed with their appearance because I did at one point. This exercise was one of most annoying and self educating experiences and I'm going to miss the easy dressing in the morning.  

Day 9: Why Are You Dressed Like That?

In the last couple of weeks I have noticed the stares, laughs and uncontrollable comments, even though the beer belly is a pillow and my Speedo has been covered 60% of the time. Walking through the Crescent at Gateway peopled seemed to enquire I was dressed this way rather than to just stare and laugh. The cashier at Waltons wanted to know why I was dressed like this and so did the hair dresser that was doing my Gran's hair. She actually came up with other ridiculous outfits to wear.

I society there is a large emphasis placed on body maintenance. People want to look good, feel good and want on lookers to notice them ( Howson. 2004:97). People want to achieve the perfect physical appearance (Howson. 2004:97). My physical appearance has been more than just inappropriate, some may find it offensive and ghastly because there is almost a line to you can't cross with regards to dress codes (Entwistle.2000: 7). Over weight individuals may find it offensive. They might ask; 'What is wrong with being over weight?'I do not have the perfect body or image but what I do know is people would react to me a whole lot different if that was real fat. I posted a question the other day about how would people actually react to me if I actually was that big? The answer is; some may be emphatic and take it as I'm struggling emotionally and some may be disgusted. The point the people with the social perfect image happy?

Day 8: Still Around The House

Today I stayed at home to catch up on assignments. Lazying around the house in my Speedo, padded belly and towel. It was comfortable because for the simple reason it was a little hot. The weather today was perfect to relax on the beach, although according to Addressing the body by J. Entwistle the level of nudity I would have physically expressed is still regarded as inappropriate (Entwistle, 2000: 6). The padded belly would have also seemed offensive to those who are over weight (Rochard Glover. 2010)

Day 7: Lazing Around at Home

Today I stayed at home to do some catch up work. I felt comfortable lazing around in my padded belly, Speedo and towel. Eventually though I felt comfortable enough to remove the towel and walk around in just the Speedo. My family dont pay attention or actually pay less attention to me now, so I can safely say the hipe is over. According to Entwistle there are certain situations in which dress is appropriate today walking around in a Speedo can be argued eventhough I was in my own home (Entwistle.2000:6). That presents a whole on feeling comfortable with your family. This morning though I could not go to church dressed like that cause that would have been a sign of disrespect. Firstly to God and the Priest and secondly the congregation. This is an example of what is appropriate and what is not (Entwistle.2000:6). 

The Beer Belly is Finally Full at 12:30 pm on the 20/03/2011

Day 6: Thank God I'm a Guy

Being comfortable in and around your own home is what your home is for. People often walk around their homes in sleep wear, bathing suits and without certain items of clothing. I do so. It makes people feel more comfortable. People know that within their home walls they have no one to impress. If people had that attitude at all times, life would be a lot easier.

I arrived at my girlfriends house in my Speedo, padded belly and towel and not a word was said as to how ridiculous I look, for the simple reason they know I'm doing an assignment and that she doesn't expect me to get dressed up just to sit around her house. On the other hand if she was coming to my house should would make sure that before she leaves her room not even her front door that she is at least reasonably fashionable. Woman and especially are thought to have a natural instinct for self decoration (Entwistle,2000:22). There is a heavy emphasis placed on females and fashion (Entwistle,2000:22). These same codes of fashion seem to be more lenient on men regardless of what they look like. I'm getting a first had view as I'm dresses most inappropriately. 

Day 5: Do I Look Like Pin Up Girl!!

As the days are going on there is very little attention being paid to me being ridiculously dressed. I have found people are uncomfortable with the fact that number one; I'm wearing a Speedo and number two I'm abnormally padded. In most instances now its just a big joke around campus.Atleast I'm not the only one.

In society there is and always has been a strong male dominence regardless of the rights woman have today a "Man's" word is the last word (Richard Glover. 2010). Men have always followed rules about dress, manners, actions, hobbies and so on. Is it possible that the male stigma has caused individuals to feel awkard. Is a tough attitude and a thick mask is supppose to hide feelings and individuality (Richard Glover. 2010).

 Today I put a ring of flowers around my neck and walked around college. People thought it was humorous and amusing but this is where every body is seen as equal so what is one extreme from another. I don't think I would have got the same reaction from other individuals as it is a day ago I was asked if I'm on drugs.

In Australia "Male Etiquette" has caused many men from coming out of the closet and being who they want to be ( Richard Glover. 2010). In order to be a man do I have to guzzle beer, talk nonsense and be a good sportsmen? The answer to that is be who you want to be as long as you are at contempt with yourself and those around you. 

Hula Hula at 3:00pm on the 18/03/2011

Day 4: Put Towel Back On And Go To The Car

Nakedness or nudity in most situations is inappropriate today, even in situations where it is acceptable (e.g. the beach) (Entwistle, 2000:6). The body should be covered in all cases especially in public, its common decency. Attire is made for all situations, for evening events, casual interactions and even intimate interactions. Often individuals who discard these conventions of dress are often excluded and scorned, as I've mentioned in a previous blog (Entwistle, 2000:7). People for the sake of their own self worth and others opinions should dress appropriately for all occassions, interactions and events. You would not want to know that your partner or parent is half naked walking around a mall and vice-versa, because the mall is not the correct place for casually wearing swimwear (Entwistle 2000:7). People will get offended.

Today I took my first chance in breaking codes and convetions that I follow so strongly. I decided to go to a shopping centre for the first time. I arrived at the centre, parked the car and got out only to be greeted with; "Why are dressed like that?". That is what the female car guard said as she gazed in confusion. As I walked throuugh the centre many stares followed me and eventually I walked ahead of my dad while he went to the pharamacy. As I walked by myself down the centre people looked at me like I was "daft". My dad started to take pictures of me walking up and down the centre. He was having all the fun in the world up until I decided to take the towel off to reveal the Speedo. The security guard on duty came up behind my father and I and asked me to put the towel back on and leave the centre. I explained to him the assignment, and he pleaded with me not to remove the towel again. This is a perfect example as to what should be followed with regards to dress codes. Obviously me wearing a Speedo in a shopping centre was not appropriate and so I had to be reminded. Leaving the centre though I had a pleasant reaction from the female employees of KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). The ladies could not stop laughing at the bulge in my stomach, to the point where the manager asked them to calm down. The question I post would they have reacted with laughter if I was really that fat? Probably not!

          

Shocked!! at 9:30 am on the 17/03/2011

Keeping The Worms at bay!! at 9:40 am on the 17/03/2011

Day 3: I Can't Reach

According to Entwistle coventions of dress are suppose to make the flesh something recognizable (Entwistle, 2000:8). The physical body itself does no tranformation. What is worn makes the physical transformation aesthetically pleasing (Entwistle, 2000: 8).

Today I was extremely uncomfortable. The T-Shirt I wore was to big therefore the padding kept slipping down and my towel was happily traveling down my legs every ten minutes. I decided to eat cereal for the first time this week and ended up failing terribly cause my stomach didn't allow me to reach over the bowl.

Comments were made about how easy it must be for me to get dressed in the morning, but no one asked what an inconvience it is carrying around a padded stomach and a towel, which is covering a revealling Speedo. I stopped at the service station this morning only to be welcomed with laughter. Did I expect anything less. 

Personally it feels really strange being padded. I'm a slim build by structure and I actually never thought of the discomfort some over weight individuals go through. My peers have made comments about forgetting what I look like and its true. This afternoon I was eating a sandwich and actually for a second thought twice as to whether or not I actually needed to eating when I looked at myself. According to Sussie Orbach there is a certain amount of unhappiness that comes with slimness, but I'm sure there is an unhappiness that follows obesity as well (Orbach, 2008:100) 

I'm still trying to disconnect from the outside world purley out of embarressment. Sooner or later its time to step out to see reactions.

Attempting to Eat Cereal at 6:05 am on the 16/03/2011

Day 2: Can I Punch Your Stomach Santa?

Obesity is a real issue in society today (Orbach, 2008:101). There is a huge emphasis being placed on body structure, body weight, body mass, lean body mass and muscle (Howson,2004:97). Dietitians today are making a fortune on directing so called "Over Weight" individuals into the righteous path of slimness (Orbach, 2008:94)

Diet pills have become a popular antidote for the over weight (Orbach,2008:94). People constantly are trying to slim down. I personally feel really uncomfortable wearing padding and pretending I'm over weight so I can't imagine what people who are over weight are actually going through.

Diets cause more of a weight flatulence (Orbach,2008:96). Diets if not controlled properly often cause individuals to gain weight faster because their metabolic rate decreases (Orbach, 2008:96). Your body in both cases, whether it is over weight or slim can only deal with so much stress. Often to much dieting can cause irregular eating as well as digestive patterns (Orbach, 2008:100). Obesity can contribute to a number of health problems (Howson, 2004:100).

There are people in this world that are comfortable with way they are as I mentioned yesterday. Some people today embrace being over weight and actually join social online groups to make their status known (Richard Glover. 2010). There has been stigma's that follow over weight individuals (Richard Glover. 2010). Firstly that over weight men are often tough, former sports men and are beer guzzlers where as woman  are seen as emotional eaters (Richard Glover. 2010). These statements can be justified for both ends of the argument. 

Today not much emphasis was placed on the Speedo I was wearing under the towel, more emphasis was placed on the padded beer belly. people who hadn't seen me already asked whether I was pregnant or just fat. Some called me Santa and asked to punch my stomach;this was one of 6 requests. My peers would often walk past and rub my stomach as though I was a Buddhist Statue. I felt very uncomfortable today carrying the beer belly around, and today was the first attempt at the toilet which was extremely strange. Sitting at the desk was also annoying because it felt like my stomach was hitting me in the face every time I lent over the keyboard. Bending over was also a bit of a squat and I found sucking in my stomach when moving in between gaps does not work anymore. This experience is, as suppose to be uncomfortable.

Rubbing Santa's Belly on the 15/03/2011 at 2:00pm  

                       

The Belly Upper Cut on the 15/03/2011 at 11:20am 

Day 1: The Unvealing

There is a strong argument against Speedos in society. Men are encouraged not invest in such revealing swim wear for the simple reason it does not compliment every ones body structure. Woman, men and children are encouraged especially in public to hold a certain appearance that is not in any way offending which the Speedo is apparently. Often athletic swimmers wear Speedos to allow a quicker motion in the pool but today swimmers wear full tight costumes that are more suited. Today men in great physical condition are encouraged to wear Speedos and its not for the physical dynamics. It is done purely for the sex appeal, it is small and show's off a lot (Entwistle, 2000:11).

Any form of nakedness is seen as in appropriate in any society (Entwistle, 2000:6). Often nakedness or any form of outside clothing is treated with exclusion(Entwistle, 2000:7). Dress codes don't have to be followed, rather applied in a decent manner(Entwistle, 2000:7). A rule which is often forgotten.

Greek and Judaic architecture placed a lot of emphasis on nakedness for the simple reason it represented a persons physical capabilities with regards to physical combat and labor work (Entwistle, 2000:8). Speedos today are out of fashion. They do not conform to what is seen as trendy, especially when a person has a big build (Entwistle, 2000:10). The body is not a biological base any more rather a social foundation (Entwistle, 2000:12). Individuals with bodies that are out of shape are often ridiculed and this often starts from when children are in Primary School.

Today I arrived at college conforming against the rules of society. I padded my stomach to form a "beer belly" and sported a Speedo with animal print, but i covered myself with a towel. Of course I was highly embarrassed and my fellow peers found it most amusing and humorous, often trying to pull my towel down. My parents as well as my brother, gran and domestic workers found it humorous as well and made it known that they expected nothing less from me with regards to the assignment topic. "The Body Un-Comfortable." My fellow peers who all keep up with society's trends begged me not remove the Speedo as it is not a pleasing sight, although found the thought of having one on under my towel really funny. There are people in this world that just like I did go against society regardless of their body shape to do what suit's them, which I personally think is amazing.

Today I avoided the outside world as I honestly looked embarrassing. Seen as this is a class assignment I stayed where people were in the same uncomfortable condition. Tomorrow is a new day that brings new reactions.

These images were taken before going to college this morning at 8:30 am on the 14/03/2011