Tag: Equity

Grace Cheng (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Have you ever experienced a moment in your life when you realized that your perspective was limited and that there was much more to consider? This is exactly what happened to me when I learned to check my privilege. It was a transformative experience that made me aware of the unequal social structures that exist in our society. Checking my privilege has helped me to become a more empathetic and socially aware individual.

We must first define privilege to understand it. The term privilege is used to describe the unearned advantages and benefits that individuals enjoy purely because of their identity or social standing. Several factors can contribute to this, including race, gender, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. Privilege is something that we do not acquire consciously, rather it is bestowed upon us by society.

As a child, I remained unaware of the privileges that were ingrained in my life due to my race, gender, socioeconomic status, and academic status. Only through engagement in conversations and education did I begin to grasp the concept of privilege and its pervasive nature.

By examining my own experiences critically, I have been able to identify moments during which privilege was at work. My realizations, including the security of having access to quality health care and a stable support system, caused me to question the fairness of a system whose benefits are confined to only a small percentage of the population.

It was often through education and awareness that I began the journey of learning to check my privilege. My process involved engaging with literature, attending workshops and seminars, and conversing with individuals with different lived experiences. Through these experiences, I gained a greater understanding of the impact of privilege on individuals and communities. This is a continuous process that requires a commitment to self-reflection and continuous learning.

The process of unlearning and relearning was not linear. To accomplish this goal, I had to admit my own mistakes, take responsibility for my actions, and commit to growth and change. While this process was often humbling and disorienting, it was an essential component of personal and collective transformation.

As part of the process of learning to check my privilege, it was essential to challenge assumptions and biases that may have been ingrained through socialization and cultural norms. A commitment to critical examination of my own beliefs, behaviors and societal structures that perpetuate privilege and oppression was necessary for this process. Even though it can be uncomfortable and even painful to confront these deeply held beliefs, it is an essential part of the healing process.

The concept of intersectionality was one of the most valuable lessons I learned on my journey of examining my privilege. It has been eye-opening to learn that individuals can experience multiple forms of privilege and oppression at the same time. There was a strong emphasis placed upon acknowledging not only our privilege, but the intersecting systems of privilege and oppression that shape our society.

In my journey to check my privilege, I have come to understand the importance of empathy and action. It is essential to demonstrate empathy by actively listening to the experiences of others, validating their perspectives and seeking to understand how privilege and oppression work in their lives. To achieve empathy, action must be taken, whether it involves advocating for systemic change, amplifying marginalized voices or actively challenging discrimination and inequality.

My recognition and understanding of my privilege prompted me to become more determined to contribute to fostering a more equitable society. The challenge involved actively supporting a range of causes focused on dismantling systemic barriers, amplifying marginalized voices and creating inclusive spaces that recognize and value diverse perspectives.

The process of checking my privilege was not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing one. It requires constant self-reflection, an understanding of current social issues and an active engagement in seeking out diverse viewpoints. I hope that by continuing to learn and unlearn, I will be able to be more accountable and responsive to the needs of others.

Checking my privilege has been a transformative and enlightening experience for me. I have gained a deeper understanding of the world through a more empathetic and nuanced perspective, acknowledging the power dynamics that shape our society. By recognizing my advantages, I strive to use them as a catalyst for social change and work toward building a society that is fair and equitable for all. It is time for us all to embark on this journey of self-reflection and actively challenge the systems that perpetuate inequalities.

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Grace has an accounting and finance background. She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, watching movies and playing sports.

Mherah Fatima, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

How often do you see a short person as the main character of a popular TV show, film or book?

The scarcity of such instances underlines a big societal trend where people of taller statures are seen and represented, but people of shorter statures are left behind in their shadows. 

This discriminatory treatment against individuals who do not possess an acceptable range of height is known as heightism, and for a long time, it has been a persistent aspect of our society that has consistently undermined people’s achievements and success. One of the earliest examples of heightism is Napoleon, whose height has been a constant subject of scrutiny and mockery.

As Napoleon was gaining power and influence throughout European territories the British grew anxious, thus they used mockery to undermine their fear, and it worked. The aim would have been to reduce the reputation of the mighty general to that of a silly, diminutive man. This mockery inspired the derogatory term Napoleon complex, which refers to short people exhibiting aggressive behavior to compensate for their stature. The existence of such a term is proof of the demeaning attitude of society towards short people, and the media often portrays short people to be foolish and angry. 

In the Disney movie Frozen, the Duke of Weselton is a person of short stature, and he is portrayed to be a pompous and cowardly antagonist. The antagonist of 2001’s Shrek was also a short man, who was authoritarian and evil. These stereotypes have a detrimental effect on children’s perception of short people, as they consistently see people of shorter stature as villains or foolish characters, and may tend to perceive short people as aggressive and foolish in real life as well, maintaining prejudices against them.

Once, in a conversation with friends, I talked about what standards I wanted my partner to maintain. Later on, a friend made a spiteful remark by saying, “Girl, you don’t even have the height, why do you even have standards?” I was shocked and offended. It made me extremely conscious of my height, and the remark still bothers me today. I reached out to my friends of the same height and asked them if they had ever experienced something like that, and to my dismay, they said yes, one of them “a dozen times.” One friend told me that it had influenced her confidence negatively, and she became quieter over time as she felt taller people were given more importance and opportunities in conversations. Once again, I was reminded how deep the psychological impact of heightism can be.

A study in the Journal of Applied Psychology (Vol. 89, No. 3) reported that taller people may earn more than shorter people. The possible explanation for the height bias offered was that tall people may have greater self-esteem and social confidence than shorter people. In turn, others may view tall people as more leader-like and authoritative. In a now-classical study, when recruiters were asked to make a hypothetical hiring decision between two equally qualified job candidates, they chose the taller candidate (Kurtz, 1969, cited in Agerström, 2014). The study serves as proof that height bias persists in the corporate and professional worlds.

Nevertheless,  a glimmer of hope remains. In the 2010s, body positivity gained influence and forced brands to be more inclusive. Body positivity aims to promote a positive view of all types of bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, etc . . . In light of it, a new movement emerged, “Short King Spring,” which aimed to hype up men of short height. The movement was a big achievement in terms of removing height prejudices.

Celebrities like Tom Holland and Joe Jonas were highlighted to promote inclusivity in height. On social media platforms, Short King Spring gave rise to campaigns like #ShortKingChallenge, where individuals proudly showcased their confidence and accomplishments, dismantling preconceived notions about shorter stature. This movement went beyond a simple hashtag; it served as a testament to the power of positive representation and community-building. Several fashion brands embraced inclusivity, and the modeling industry is also slowly opening up to it.

In the coming era, we must foster a culture that celebrates diversity in all its forms by promoting body positivity movements. Only then can we create a world where a person’s worth is not confined by their size.

References

Agerström, J. (2014). Why does height matter in hiring? Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics, 52, 35-38. 

Dittmann, M. (2004). Standing tall pays off, study finds [Abstract]. American Psychological Association, 35(7), 14-14.

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Sue Turi (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Fifteen years ago our riverside neighborhood was a heap of dirt excavated from culled forest. 

Trucks chugged through the dug-up mounds of tree roots and river rock on their development mission. Bulldozers clawed at the earth; houses went up faster than you could say brick and mortar. The rat-a-tat of nail guns punctuated the spring air. It felt optimistic. Virgin land, freshly built homes, sparkly new neighbors, just like my young family and I. 

Groups of neighborhood kids would go on bike excursions over the undeveloped landscape. When it rained, they would return looking like the Huns, their bike chains swaying with exhaustion. Sure, the new houses were layered in perpetual dust, and mud was tracked everywhere. There was not a blade of grass or flower in sight, and house interiors reeked of paint. But there was community among us. 

The surrounding native residents in their modest clapboard bungalows were understandably upset that the rich (or heavily in debt) had come to town and destroyed their backyard forest. Maria brought me red geraniums that first spring from her garden and I planted them everywhere. Maria was a retired immigrant from Romania living in one of those bungalows. She had spied me from her backyard through a gap in between two new houses that dwarfed her home. She found it in her heart to make the most of a bad thing. Her geraniums, like my optimism, could never die, or so it seemed. 

We new kids on the block felt connected by our common newness. We were equals. I got to know my immediate neighbors in the Canadian way—with guarded civility. Our kids played together in the street and we would lend each other ladders and air compressors. Conversations were about city regulations, property taxes, renovations, money and schools. Uncomfortable or confrontational topics of discussion were avoided. 

After the city streets had been laid and sewers and lamplights installed, fencing was erected, sealing off everyone’s little private space. A few years passed with homeowners selling and moving out, and new ones moving in. Those who remained cemented their existing relationships further with the knowledge that they were the original settlers. 

Then it all changed. 

It was the spring of 2018. A bulldozer two houses down from mine arrived one day and began excavation. In a week an almost Olympic-sized (relative to the yard) inground pool had been installed in a neighbour’s backyard. An iron double-decker terrace extended from their house towards the pool and spilled over with sofas and cushions. We sat for a while, considering our neighbor’s decision, which took up his whole backyard. I never considered ourselves pool-deprived or poor, though I couldn’t help but have a sinking feeling about it. I thought we had a pact of equals.

The next month, our neighbor right next door dug up his grass and swings and installed his own pool. Was there a secret pool pact between the two neighbours? A newly arrived family on the other side of us seemed to catch the bug and squeezed their pool paradise with artificial firepits, swing chairs and canopies, into a square the size of a small corner store. The same month a neighbour whose backyard faced ours installed an above-ground circular pool. It was all too much, all of a sudden, all around me. I felt like a plant wedged between the crack in the sidewalk doing its best to defy hot cement. I spent the following months trying to figure out whether it was the noise, the traffic of equipment or the fear that my son would feel like a have-not, that was the cause of my despair. I was already missing the sound of the wind blowing through wind chimes, birds and evening crickets in-between moments of silence. The splashing, diving yelling, and Justin Bieber till midnight brought unpleasant feelings of needing to call the cops or to place conciliatory notes under car wipers. 

The dynamic with our neighbors had changed. We may each have had our own sectioned-off space, but we shared the same neighborhood air in the end. We began to slowly retreat into our respective isolated shells of haves and have-nots. Days of chatting about our patchy grass or the best wood stain to paint the deck vanished. Eventually, the “Hi, how are ya?”s over the fence stopped. 

Perhaps the signs of alienation were already there and I had missed them. It was just a matter of time before we grew apart. 

The neighborhood would never be the same again, but had it ever truly been equal? Was not equality forced upon us by arriving on the same footing at a new housing development? I was feeling like Maria in her bungalow—invaded—though it would take a little more than geraniums to feel at peace. 

But how much of my disappointment was due to sour grapes, I asked myself? Was I secretly harboring pool envy? Denying a desire to have what others had? My son’s hopes of being invited for a swim were eventually squelched as the reality of what it means to be neighbours, rather than friends, began to sink in. It could be worse, I thought. Like having an open dispute over cars blocking driveways or street bullying. 

It’s been six years now since the pools descended upon me, and with time, the novelty of having a backyard holiday resort has worn off a little for our neighbours. Our kids are older, some have left home, and others are holed up playing video games all day in air conditioning. But I still don’t have a resolution to the swimming pool invasion other than to hope that one day the city cleans up enough of the longest commercial waterway in the world for everyone, no matter their economic status or aesthetic tastes, to enjoy a safe summer dip in the river.

~FIN~

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Sue Turi is a writer, illustrator and painter living in Montréal, Canada with a degree in fine arts. She began her career as a production artist for design studios and ad agencies, before deciding to devote herself purely to self-expression through writing and painting.

Alfie Lawson (he/him/his), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Yes. I use substances. Depending on your perspective, you might be able to relate to that. You may also find it upsetting. Anyone reading this who knows me might be concerned or want to offer support. Conversely, any future employers could be put off if they find this. Think of substances and thoughts of addiction, instability and disorganisation come to mind.

The truth of the matter, however, is less flamboyant. I drink alcohol and I smoke weed. Occasionally I may have a cigarette, and I usually mix tobacco with weed when I smoke, but that’s it. I’ve tried a few other things a handful of times, but all of these substances are legal where I live.

Still, if you search the phrase “I use substances” on the internet, you’ll get a rather stigmatic response. There will be few results analysing how drugs and lifestyle can combine. Instead, addiction help sites and page after page focused on substance use disorders will fill your screen.

I can’t pretend there aren’t reasons for this. Addiction is a brain disorder that has claimed many innocent lives. My current home is Vancouver, which has a longstanding reputation for substance abuse in its Downtown Eastside. Moreover, British Columbia has experienced a fivefold increase in drug overdose deaths since 1996. The current death rate in BC is approximately 38% higher than the US national average.

These statistics aren’t exactly centred on what I take. Much of the above is a result of individuals using harder substances, such as opioids, heroin, meth, cocaine and other street drugs.

Regardless, everything mentioned here is in some way harmful. Alcohol and tobacco addiction are serious issues. Weed dependency is also likely to be a real phenomenon. But to me, the drugs that I use are just vices—recreational things, to be taken with safety and moderation in mind. Thus, I hope that substance use and day-to-day life can coexist. 

What should be done with drugs?

I don’t know too much about substance abuse or addiction. I’m simply thankful that, as far as I’m aware, these issues have never affected me or, indeed, most of the people in my life.

That’s not to say I don’t make adjustments to my drug use. Having days in the week in which I use no substances has always been crucial. Additionally, I take the odd extended break from smoking or consuming alcohol. I wouldn’t say that this has ever been a last resort to avoid spiralling on my chosen substances, but it has a cleansing effect on my physical and mental well-being.

For the most part though, they are merely a way to relax or to help myself through social engagements. And I know I’m not the only person who does this. There’s probably a broader criticism about how our society functions to be made here, yet this is the truth for a lot of people. If substances are taken recreationally, with an attitude of caution in mind, then it shouldn’t be scorned in public discourse.

Instead, there should be greater sympathy and understanding given to those who fall victim to drugs. Certain vices, such as gambling and alcohol, are so ingrained in our culture that there is no question about their legal status. But they obviously upend lives. It is my opinion that most other substances are no different. They will always be in our society, and therefore protecting and educating individuals, rather than punishing them, is key.

To this end, it is positive to see more substances being legalised and decriminalised. The trade and distribution of all drugs shouldn’t be allowed, but greater regulation and reduced emphasis on individual users is important. In BC, adults aged 18 and older are no longer prosecuted if caught with less than 2.5 grams of substances including heroin, morphine, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA. Meanwhile, harm reduction centres and information on social programs and treatment (if needed) are more prevalent.

Life with substance use

As someone who uses drugs recreationally, these steps appear vital and should be better supported. It is clear that the “war on drugs” approach has failed us, some more than others. Thus, if we want to create a more inclusive, less prejudicial society that helps us when we are vulnerable and respects personal freedom when we are not, a more open attitude to drug use is worth considering.

In the meantime, I will continue to get high and/or drunk from time to time. Maybe the urge to do so will fade as I get older and I prioritise my health more. Even so, I’ll always be weary of ever feeling like I need to take anything, and continue to take breaks whenever I want, for whatever reasons I want. Yes, I take substances. But so what?

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Edo Somtoo, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Even after the smoke cleared, Alex’s remarks continued to have a lasting impression on me. I was surprised when he suddenly blurted out, “Clarity comes from reflection.” It looked as though time had stopped since our high school years, as yesterday and today blended together perfectly. Is this Alex, the same Alex I knew years ago? I couldn’t help but wonder if his mother knew about the transformation he had gone through. Even though they lived in the same house, there was clearly a distance between them.

There was no denying that Alex was a force to be reckoned with during our high school years. He exuded an undeniable charisma, not only as the second-fastest sprinter, but also as a talented musician. His intelligence was striking, and now, as a brilliant data analyst working remotely, he was clearly excelling in his chosen profession.

But as Alex extended an offer to give me a hit of his marijuana, the stigma weighed heavily. I was judging him too soon because of the strong smell that pervaded the room. I believed he was more than just someone who indulged in substances. My heart raced with confusion and concern, and my emotions overflowed as I yelled at him, unable to comprehend what had happened. Was this mere pleasure-seeking, or was it the result of some immense pressure he had succumbed to? I realized that I needed to understand his well-being on a deeper level, prompting me to probe further into his relationship with substances.

As we delved into the intricacies of Alex’s life, a profound truth began to emerge—his story was not one of isolated struggle, rather it was a reflection of the shared complexities we all face. This realization sparked a call to action, compelling me to discard the oversimplified black-and-white narratives through which I tended to view those who engaged with substances.

To truly understand empathy, it became necessary to consider the inward struggles Alex had endured. The criticisms from society simply made his inner battles worse. Rather than making snap decisions, I tried to pause and examine the complex fabric of his feelings. As Alex disclosed, substance use was not only a rebellious gesture; rather, it was a complex coping strategy, a response to a society that frequently overlooked the gray areas.

To instigate change, I propose a paradigm shift in attitudes. Let us replace judgment with genuine curiosity and condemnation with compassionate conversation. Rather than marginalizing individuals who engage with substances, it is vital to bring their experiences into the spotlight. By doing so, we can foster an environment where open dialogue triumphs over hasty conclusions.

The path toward this change implores us to embrace a more compassionate and sensitive stance. We must engage in profound conversations that surpass the realm of judgment, forging an atmosphere where empathy reigns supreme over condemnation. I was surprised to find a brief but insightful text message on my phone as I said goodbye to Alex and left his house: “I take substances, bro, and I’m not a bad person.”

In a society where preconceived notions and inflexible beliefs often prevail, it becomes our duty to challenge ourselves to look beyond the surface. Substance use should not define a person’s worth or potential, as it merely represents a single facet of their multifaceted identity. We have the ability to build a culture that truly values diversity and recognizes the complexity of the human experience by embracing empathy and understanding

As we examine our perspectives again and face our preconceived notions, we realize that everyone we encounter is engaged in their own silent battle. The burdensome weight of stigma and judgment only compounds their struggles further. Establishing a discussion that is free from judgment and that allows people to feel comfortable sharing their experiences is essential.

In conclusion, let us replace judgment with understanding, ignorance with knowledge and condemnation with empathy. By making these individual changes, together we can dismantle stigma and build a culture that honours and supports each person’s journey—regardless of how they relate to substances. We have the ability to bring about a long-lasting change by working together, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion and acceptance.

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I’m Edo Somtoo—a passionate chess player who loves making friends and enjoys the game’s strategic challenges. With no judgment in sight, let’s connect and embark on an exciting journey together.

Gabriella Krystia (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Mental health is often labelled as invisible, and rightfully so, because society cannot see it. Society is able to see a broken arm or other physical condition, as well as the difficulties and struggles that come with them (temporary or permanent). For the most part, society cannot see the struggles people face, the pain people are feeling or the debilitating symptoms that come with mental health. If society cannot see these invisible struggles many people face on a daily basis, how can they be accommodated in a community context? The benefits of community, which we should all be entitled to, include a sense of belonging, building relationships, and both intellectual and personal development. I propose that education and the removal of stigma would play a significant role in accommodating mental health as a means to keep everyone in our community thriving. 

Connecting to community is valuable for everyone. For those who are struggling with their mental health, community is even more important. The connections built with others and sense of belonging are invaluable to those with mental health issues. Personal development allows people to seek supports and services, which benefits their mental health. 

Education is one of the most valuable and influential tools we have to create changes within our society. A basic, yet fundamental level of education that focuses on common mental health conditions, commonly seen symptoms and indicators of good mental health could go a long way for our communities, highlighting the fact that all people have mental health, but it looks different for everyone. Providing a basic mental health education to all people would allow society to be more aware and have a stronger understanding of how to support those who are struggling, and would encourage those struggling to seek supports. Education would also play an important role in removing the stigma surrounding mental health.

For most of my life I have been scared of getting ill, likely stemming from past traumas surrounding illness. I was so focused on thinking it was anxiety that I did not look into any other possibilities, but when I was officially diagnosed with OCD my entire perception shifted. Had I been more educated on mental health, I would have known it was acceptable to seek support sooner and investigate the forms of therapy that would have been most beneficial. Through education I have also been able to learn how to support peers, coworkers and family members through their struggles with mental health in a safe and supportive environment, free from both judgment and stigma.

Reducing or removing stigma is the second and possibly the most important thing communities can do to help accommodate people who have mental health conditions or struggle with their mental health in general. Mental health has been considered something “taboo” for far too long. Although I will agree we have come a long way from where we once were, there is still lots of stigma associated with mental health. I recognize removing stigma completely may not be an option, but reducing stigma is definitely possible. This goes hand-in-hand in hand with education. As society becomes more knowledgeable about mental health, we should begin to see less discrimination and improvement in how individuals are treated. We will begin to recognize the strength that people with mental health can hold, and they will not be treated poorly or viewed through a negative lens. 

Another personal anecdote I wish to leave you with is also from my OCD diagnosis. In my work community, full of people who recognize and understand mental health, I have never felt less than or felt like I was treated differently due to my mental health issues. By building communities that are educated on mental health and stigma-free, I hope we can all feel the sense of relief you get when your community can accommodate your invisible struggle, allowing you to have a sense of belonging, build meaningful relationships, and grow, both intellectually and personally. 

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Lauren Long (she/her/hers), Volunteer Blog Writer

Sadly, beauty standards are mainstream in the society and culture we live in. Beauty standards and cultural pressures on our bodies affect us all, and I am no stranger to having my body judged. 

As a battle cry against those ideals, I wrote and published “It’s Been a Long Time Coming, But I Finally Have a Positive Body Image,” to my blog Empowered Prose and Ponders.

I believe in a healthy, positive body image, even more so when I’m around people who resort to dangerous eating behaviours because they are unhappy with how they look.  

Women in the entertainment industry face constant criticism about their bodies. Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez and Pamela Anderson are very open about their body image struggles in their respective Netflix documentaries, as is Britney Spears in her incredible memoir The Woman In Me. 

If you’re looking for honest conversations, I highly recommend them all. As a woman, I find it degrading to be asked how you feel about certain body parts and have your weight commented on. 

Taylor said it best when she talked about the double standards of beauty in Miss Americana. “There is always a standard of beauty you’re not meeting. Because if you’re thin enough, you don’t have the ass everyone wants, but if you have enough weight on to have an ass, your stomach isn’t flat enough.” 

Taylor also faced judgment for her portrayal of body shaming in her “Anti-Hero” music video, sparking a controversy. Some accused her of being fatphobic, while others supported Taylor calling out the beauty standard of shaming bodies that don’t fit the ideals we have all been indoctrinated with.

I agree with Taylor that meeting society’s “approved” body images is unattainable, because no matter how you look at it, there is no way to win. 

At some point, you have to decide for yourself what your definition of healthy is. 

When I was in high school, I was talking to a friend while waiting for class to start when I heard a male voice obnoxiously ask, “Are you anorexic?” 

I didn’t realize he was talking to me until my friend defended me. I also had a female classmate body shame me by saying, “Good, you’ve gained some weight,” after we returned from Christmas break. 

Teenagers and children can be the cruellest creatures alive, and that can be said for some adults as well. I acted like my high school years didn’t exist for the longest time. 

As a result, I blocked those memories out, but they resurfaced when I was body shamed as an adult. 

Body shamed: “The action or practice of mocking or stigmatizing someone by making critical comments about the shape, size, or appearance of their body.” 

When I was a teenager, I didn’t know there was a term for putting people down because of the way their bodies looked.

As an adult, I wasn’t body shamed until I started pole dancing. I have struggled with my weight and body image for most of my life, and pole dancing has not only kept the weight off, but given me body confidence. 

The more I trained, lost inches were replaced with muscle and definition. People began to notice, and for the most part, the comments were constructive. They would say, “You look really good!” or “You look healthy!” Those comments are okay, because they recognized my efforts.

However, because some people have zero tact, I received non-constructive comments like these: “You’re looking slim and trim.” “You look like you’ve lost weight!” “You have the perfect body!” 

When I heard these comments, I wondered what was wrong with my body before. The answer: nothing. 

The perfect body doesn’t exist, and comments like these cause people to carry body shame. 

They were said by family members, which is much worse than hearing them from insensitive teenagers. 

I’m sensitive to comments about my body because I watched a family member body shame another and make them cry. It triggered me and led to a discussion with my counsellor about how body shaming affects body image.

I still have bad body days but I snap myself out of them by repeating, “My body is healthy and strong. I don’t deny myself food anymore, I listen to my body and eat when I’m hungry.”

That mantra has been very effective for me. 

Jennifer Lawrence, an actress best known for The Hunger Games and American Hustle, said in an interview with the BBC in 2013, “Girls see enough of this body that we can’t imitate, that we’ll never be able to obtain, these unrealistic expectations, and this [referring to her character, Katniss Everdeen] is gonna be their hero, and we have control over that . . . It’s better to look strong and healthy.” 

The body we’re born with is the only one we’re going to get. It’s taken a long time, but I refuse to allow my body to be defined by the expectations of others. This body is mine, and mine alone.

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Born and raised in Quesnel, BC, Lauren Long is a strong advocate for mental health and overall well-being, as well as being a role model for positive body image. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the pole, the training mats or curled up with a good book.

Cassandra Di Lalla (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Is there discrimination in who you find attractive? That’s a question that many people have either asked themselves or other people. Why? Because people often wonder if it’s wrong to choose a partner based on their ethnicity, culture, beliefs, age, or even looks and personality. 

Personally, I don’t view this as discrimination at all, because I myself have already accepted the fact that not everyone will be attracted to me, nor will I be attracted to everyone else and I don’t think people should feel like they’re at fault for knowing what their wants and needs are or what their likes and dislikes are. Naturally, you will be drawn to some and not as much to others. This is normal and this is life. We’re all unique, we’re all different, but we’re all children of the earth.

I was born in Canada but I am of Italian descent. My partner was born in the Philippines, he is of Filipino descent, and he came to Canada at a very young age. I am sharing this with you because this is a great example of boundless love and care. My partner has a different skin tone than me, he was born in a different country than me, we had different upbringings, we are six years apart (him being older, and me being younger), etc . . . yet the stars aligned just fine for us.

I have always been a firm believer in loving with every part of you. If your heart and your mind aren’t on the same page, then that might be a problem. If you’re not attracted to your partner in all ways, that usually makes the relationship crumble. You could love your partner but not be in love with them, and oftentimes, that doesn’t last. Or, you could want the relationship to work because you care, but if you’re not physically attracted to them or your values don’t line up, then perhaps that’s more of a friendship than anything else.

It’s honestly just as simple as agreeing or disagreeing with others on who they find attractive or feel most connected to. Some people might feel objectified when you’re commenting on their looks, while other people accept the fact that they were not made for everyone. People like what they like and who they like, but I don’t see or feel that there’s anything wrong about that. It is of no fault to want someone who falls either in the same or a different “human category” as us. I say human category because everything related to us and our beating heart falls under the same umbrella, whether it is a different skin colour, weight, social or financial status, set of interests, etc . . . It’s absolutely flawed that our world has become so sinful and hateful, so combative and greedy, but that’s learned behaviour. Do you know what else is learned behaviour? Patience, compassion, love, kindness, care, selflessness, etc . . .

We are all cut from the same cloth at the end of the day—we all just have a unique design, print or pattern. Our bodies are one big canvas where some areas have more or less shading or fading, and maybe more or fewer combinations of other features. Naturally, we all go through changes in life—with our bodies, with our minds and with our hearts. Those changes can have both positive and negative effects on us and may impact us in more ways than one, but, if you have your person by your side guiding you along the way, then those changes will seem more like experiences than anything else. 

The colour of your skin does not define who you are as a person, the number on the scale does not determine your worth, your gender does not make you stronger or weaker, your voice doesn’t make you any more or any less qualified for a corporate career, and your preference for a partner certainly doesn’t make you any worse or any better of an individual—but your view of others with any negative connotation and your judgement speaks louder than the volume of decibels in a firetruck’s siren . . . and that’s disturbingly loud. 

You are free to love whoever you please, but be respectful of people, their decisions, their preferences, and the earth you’re currently walking on and that you’ll eventually leave behind. Someone is bound to walk in your footsteps, so be sure to leave the sweetest steps in the soil and plant generosity in your garden so even the animals can feed off of your kindness.

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Cassandra Di Lalla lives life purposefully. She enjoys reading, writing and mental health initiatives. She’s an animal lover for life and an innovative individual always finding new ways to create.

Arsh Gill, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Equity is oftentimes defined as being fair and righteous, being just and impartial, and having neutrality, which is oftentimes not the case when it comes to beauty standards and the cultural expectations of bodies in different societies. These standards and expectations oftentimes vary greatly across different cultures and across different time periods, including historical views that have been passed down through generations and have failed to evolve with an ever-evolving world. 

Moreover, what is considered attractive in one culture may not be the same in another. This can leave individuals in a tough spot, as they may not feel that they fit the beauty ideals of one society or the other, or even both. For example, in Punjabi culture it is common for women to be idealized and told that they’re beautiful if they are tall and slim, with long black hair and big brown eyes. In Western society, however, I have often seen more attention given to other beauty standards, such as having blonde hair, being more petite and having blue eyes. This can leave individuals feeling insecure, as British Columbia is very diverse and individuals can often feel that they are not as beautiful as others because their features and their bodies are not recognised to be so, especially when they are a part of a minority group that doesn’t get representation in media and advertisements. 

With that being said, it’s important to acknowledge that the impact of beauty standards and cultural expectations can be very burdensome and can take a toll on one’s mental and physical well-being. By this I mean that individuals can develop disorders and take part in counterproductive activities in order to feel that they fit in with others who are recognized to be more beautiful. Furthermore, it’s important to understand that individuals are victims to beauty standards and body expectations that are long-standing and come from cultural histories where there should be change. With this being said, one should appreciate their body and promote acceptance, as well as encourage others in their uniqueness. We should refuse to fall into the trap of aligning with societal pressures in order to conform to a specific ideal. 

It’s also important to recognize that trends, standards and expectations are ever-changing in our world. A short-term answer could be to change your appearance, but in the long-term, it’s important to just learn to love yourself. I say this because even a decade from now, beauty standards and body ideals could be completely different then what they are now. For example, in the early 2000s being extremely thin and having thinner eyebrows with short hair was popularized, but today it has become a trend to have a curvier body with longer hair. With that being said, it’s important, rather than trying to change yourself in order to be accepted, to learn to love your own self, learn to love your body and learn to love your beauty. 

Overall, beauty standards and cultural expectations of bodies are complex and multifaceted, and are continuously being impacted by media, cultural norms, advertising, historical trends and the community around you. It’s hard to control peoples’ unwarranted opinions, and I agree and recognize that these opinions can have detrimental effects on one’s self-esteem and body image. All beauty standards and cultural expectations of bodies are subjective in nature. Just because some people may believe that you do not fit with their ideals does not mean that you are not actually the most beautiful person they have ever seen, so focus on positivity in this critical world.

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