Body image speak-out helps students conquer self-perception issues
Alexis Williams, Transcript Reporter
Issue date: 3/18/10 Section: News
Stories were told, laughs heard and tears shed at Written on the Body, the first body image speak-out held in Bishop Cafe, Tuesday, March 2.
Sponsored by the Women's Resource Center (WRC) and the Women's House (WoHo), this event marked the beginning celebration of National Women's Month on campus.
Hosts and collaborators senior Nora Curtis and sophomore Gretchen Curry said they aimed to structure Written on the Body similarly to Take Back the Night, OWUs annual sexual assault speak-out also held in Bishop Cafe. A microphone and chair were set on stage for any student, male or female, to openly share experiences regarding their personal body image and how it has affected their lives.
Curry, a student worker for the WRC, said Written on the Body was inspired by the regularity of body image as a topic among students.
"At the WRC, we've noticed the need for an event like this," she said. "We've had a lot of conversations on body image and self perception and this discussion was wanted."
To set the tone for the evening, Curry read Maya Angelou's poem, "Phenomenal Woman." Afterwards, she and Curtis explained the purpose of Written on the Body was to create a safe environment for anyone to talk about their bodies.
"We [want], this to help you in some way," they said. "This is the beginning, hopefully, of a lot of discussions."
Out of respect for those willing to speak, a strict confidentiality guideline was implemented; therefore, no stories could leave the room. However, input ranged from students explaining their personal self image to opinions of the unimportance of body perception in general.
Sophomore DeLaine Mayer said the night proved both effective and reassuring.
"I thought this event was right on," she said. "Not all people feel comfortable talking about the insecurities they have with their bodies, so this was a really great forum to get people out of their seats and talking about body image."
Sponsored by the Women's Resource Center (WRC) and the Women's House (WoHo), this event marked the beginning celebration of National Women's Month on campus.
Hosts and collaborators senior Nora Curtis and sophomore Gretchen Curry said they aimed to structure Written on the Body similarly to Take Back the Night, OWUs annual sexual assault speak-out also held in Bishop Cafe. A microphone and chair were set on stage for any student, male or female, to openly share experiences regarding their personal body image and how it has affected their lives.
Curry, a student worker for the WRC, said Written on the Body was inspired by the regularity of body image as a topic among students.
"At the WRC, we've noticed the need for an event like this," she said. "We've had a lot of conversations on body image and self perception and this discussion was wanted."
To set the tone for the evening, Curry read Maya Angelou's poem, "Phenomenal Woman." Afterwards, she and Curtis explained the purpose of Written on the Body was to create a safe environment for anyone to talk about their bodies.
"We [want], this to help you in some way," they said. "This is the beginning, hopefully, of a lot of discussions."
Out of respect for those willing to speak, a strict confidentiality guideline was implemented; therefore, no stories could leave the room. However, input ranged from students explaining their personal self image to opinions of the unimportance of body perception in general.
Sophomore DeLaine Mayer said the night proved both effective and reassuring.
"I thought this event was right on," she said. "Not all people feel comfortable talking about the insecurities they have with their bodies, so this was a really great forum to get people out of their seats and talking about body image."
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