UNIT 1 – UNPACKING THE SELF

MODULE 1
THE PHYSICAL SELF

I. Introduction
The Unit 2 will deal with unpacking what we have and what we are capable of. Just like a
gift, we will unpack our own characteristics and see what is in them, most importantly, understand what
we are good at and what is best with us.
Be honest with the activities that we have, since from these activities, you may understand
what positive and negative characteristics that you have. These are bases for self improvement.

II. Lesson Objectives:

By the end of the session, the students will be able to:

1. Explore the physical aspects of self.

2. Demonstrate critical, reflective thought in integrating the physical aspect to self and identity.
3. Identify the different forces and institutions that impact the development of self and identity.
4. Examine the effects of body image to self-esteem.
6. Appreciate one’s physical make – up and true essence of beauty.

III. Study guide

PHYSICAL SELF

Supervenus (can be watch thru video) by Frederick Doazan

A short film submitted to the Brussels Short Film Festival by Frederic Doazan and Vandy Roc starts the
conversation about body type demands placed on women today. Beginning with a medical diagram of a
woman, the animated video shows a systematic reworking of the female form that brings our sickest
corporeal thoughts to life.

Without a clearly defined sense of self, individuals might seek out external sources to provide coherence to
their identity. One such external source is society’s standards of attractiveness (i.e., thinness for women,
muscularity for men).

In the study of Vartanian (2009), women’s self-concept can play a role in the development of body image
problems by making them vulnerable to or by buffering them against the internalization of societal standards
of attractiveness.

Women, but not men, who have low self-concept clarity are likely to be generally more conformist, more
concerned with public impressions, and more likely to base their self-worth on their body weight, and all of
these factors are in turn associated with internalization of societal standards of attractiveness.

1. What are the physical changes brought into the woman by the standards of her society?
2. Where do all of these physical changes lead her?
3. Do you think there is a necessity that we yield into these social standards of our physical self? Explain.

THE IMPACT OF CULTURE ON BODY IMAGE AND SELF-ESTEEM

Cultural Traditions Can Shape Body Image

The Western culture in general for example, is one that tends to hyper-focus on dieting and body appearance.
Digitally retouched photos are the norm in which are society is saturated in, and this mentality can negatively
influence an individual’s body image.

Body Image & Self Esteem

Body image has been defined as a view of one’s own overall physical appearance, and is established as an
important aspect of self-worth and mental health across the life span.

The internal representation of your own outer appearance; your own unique perception of your body.

Body dissatisfaction, on the other hand, is a person’s negative thoughts about his or her feelings and these
feelings are largely determined by social experiences, such as media images.

Although body image is closely related to sexuality and identity, it can be said to be most closely related to
self-esteem.

Self-esteem is a feeling of satisfaction that someone has in himself or herself and his or her own abilities.

It is the sum of self-confidence and self-respect.

The Media’s Portrayal of women

Media is the most widespread form of mass communication.

It has become a conveyor of socio-cultural values regarding ideal body shape and size, which creates an
understanding of the ideal man and woman.

Some of these types include newspapers, books and magazines, movies, radio, television and the internet.

The Media’s Portrayal of women

More often than not, women are portrayed as the ‘thin ideal’ without imperfections.

Many theorists believe that certain images in the media have an impact on body image and in turn, promote
low self-esteem.

Idealized images in the media are recognized as an important external trigger of body dissatisfaction.

Media influences and gender differences

o Females
The concept that the mass media can affect the body image and self esteem of girls and women is not a new
phenomenon and has been circling ever since celebrities, such a pop stars, have become famous, not for their
talents, but for their looks.

These ideals are unrealistic, and surveys show that more than half of women are dieting in order to attain a
perfect body image.

Objectification Theory - females are prone to internalize an observer’s perspective as a primary view of their
own physical bodies. This theory argues that girls and women subject their body to constant monitoring,
which in turn leads to body dissatisfaction and sometimes, even eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia.
o Males

The predominant focus of the research between negative self-images and media has been on women but
men can have just as low body image as women.
One study showed that muscularity dissatisfaction in turn was associated with lower life satisfaction, and
lower self-esteem (Cafri, Strauss & Thompson, 2002).

Metrosexuality: The New Urban Guy

Metrosexual - a young, urban, heterosexual male with liberal political views, an interest in fashion, and a
refined sense of taste

Metrosexual is a combination of metropolitan and sexual, coined in 1994 describing a man who is especially
meticulous about his grooming and appearance, typically spending a significant amount of time and money on
shopping as part of this.

19 Signs Your Man Is Most Definitely Metrosexual:

1. Ok, bragging time: As a well-groomed, well-mannered metro dude, your boyfriend

is pretty much an Adonis.
2. Unfortunately, he knows that too.
3. And he does this in front of the mirror every morning. (in ppt)
4.And he dances out of the shower like this. (in ppt)
5.More than once, you've wondered what happened to all of your shaving cream.
6.But God help you if you use an ounce of his hair gel.
1. There was also that time he got a little crazy with the self-tanner.
2. And that other time he got more crazier with teeth whitener.
3. But at least he’s a meticulous dresser.
4. So much that he’s been mistaken for a Ralph Lauren model – something he is not afraid to remind you –
and all his Facebook friends about.
5. Occasionally, he judges your of your fashion choices.
6. His bros come over and breathe a mental sigh of relief, thinking “Great, he could use some guy time.” But
before they head out…(in ppt)
7. When the two of your hit the clubs, he can cut up the dance floor.
8. He knows how to throw a swanky soiree. (Just ask him about his wine collection.)
9. When you ask him to do chores in the apartment…this happens (in ppt)
10. While he looks great fixing your car, he has absolutely no idea what he is doing.
11. But he’s the first person to tell you when it’s not clean enough.
12. Still, for all that drives, you’re crazy about him.
13. ... you can't deny it: you love waking up next to that (freshly exfoliated) face in the morning.

Body image: pre-teens and teenagers

During adolescence, young people often think a lot about how their bodies look. They also compare their
bodies with others. A positive teenage body image is an important part of healthy self-esteem, and adults can
help adolescents to think and feel positively about his body.

Effects of unhealthy teenage body image

Unhealthy teenage body image is directly related to low self-esteem, which can lead to negative moods and
mood swings.

Young people who are feeling down are more likely to focus on the negative messages around them and make
negative comparisons between their bodies and what they see as ‘ideal’ bodies.

Effects of unhealthy teenage body image

Low self-esteem and poor body image are risk factors for the development of risky weight loss strategies,
eating disorders and mental health disorders like depression.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEAUTY

Physical beauty is extremely important and all studies have shown that people judge each other based on
their physical looks at least until they start to know each other well.

10 Reasons Why Physical Appearance Is So Important: Why One Needs to Look Good?

1. To impress people in social situations.

2. To look one’s best in work place, where one deals with the public.
For example, film stars have to look gorgeous and handsome.
3. One feels good if one looks good.
4. A physically attractive person attracts a lot of people.
5. It helps in building up relationships. A handsome boy attracts a lot of girls. Similarly, even girls, who are
beautiful, are much sought after.
6. Physical appearance does matter in a relationship. In a marriage, the partners need to take care of
themselves physically in order to sustain their relationship. Many women face marital problems as they go out
of shape after having children. Those women who take care of their physical appearance have better rapport
with their partner.
7. It boosts self-confidence and self-esteem. One feels very reassured when other people admire them and
prefer to associate with them as they find them very attractive. In certain professions looks make a lot of
difference. A model has to look his or best. A good looking salesperson can get noticed quickly.
8. A pleasing face is nice to look at. People like to relax in the presence of beautiful things. A pleasant face can
relax the mind. Those with an aesthetic sense like to admire beautiful people and things.
9. An attractive physical appearance enhances personality. It is an added advantage.
10. A physically attractive person, who is well-groomed, can impress upon people. A handsome politician can
draw the attention of the masses, although, of course, he also has to be man of substance. For example,
former president John F. Kennedy was known for his looks, although he was an astute politician as well. Looks
enhanced his public image.

10 Steps to Positive Body Image

1. Appreciate all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you closer to your dreams. Celebrate all
of the amazing things your body does for you—running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.
2. Keep a top-ten list of things you like about yourself—things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or
what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about yourself.
3. Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin deep. When you feel good about yourself and who
you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you
beautiful regardless of whether you physically look like a supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of
your body.
4. Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus
on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you–as a whole person.
5. Surround yourself with positive people. It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are
around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of liking yourself just as you naturally
are.
6. Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person.
You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones. The next time you start to tear yourself down,
build yourself back up with a few quick affirmations that work for you.
7. Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. Work with your body,
not against it.
8. Become a critical viewer of social and media messages. Pay attention to images, slogans, or attitudes that
make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Protest these messages: write a letter to the advertiser or
talk back to the image or message
9. Do something nice for yourself--something that lets your body know you appreciate it. Take a bubble bath,
make time for a nap, find a peaceful place outside to relax.
10. Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do
something to help others. Sometimes reaching out to other people can help you feel better about yourself
and can make a positive change in our world.
Sources:
Demello, M. (2014). Beautiful Bodies. Pp 173-188. And Fat and Thin Bodies. 189-205. In Body Studies:
An Introduction.Routledge

IV. Learning ACTIVITY: SHAPE ME USING CLAY

1. Have a piece of clay for this activity.

2. Create something that best describe yourselves.
Answer the following:
a. Explain your claywork in relation to yourself. What do you want to happen to your physical self?
How do you envision yours physical self to be?
b. Share what is your best physical asset and why.

V. ASSESSMENT:
SUPERVENUS LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-A2NE6mA64&has_verified=1
View the short film “Supervenus.” Answer the following questions:
1. If you would be given the chance, what aspect of your body would you like to change? Why
or why not?
2. Is happiness sourced only from the physical attributes? Why or why not?
3. In the film, what has been the effect of the character’s desire to perfect her physical
features? Do you think being physically perfect is ideal? Why or why not?

VI. Enrichment Activity

Look for magazine/newspaper articles or even pictures which manifest the desire of both
males and females for physical perfection. Cut these out and present to the class. How does
this reflect the society’s preference for physical beauty?