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.
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