A subtle offhand comment or joke from a parent or spouse about recent weight gain can intensify the message that being attractive is valued more than intellect. And this attitude exists in business as well. According to studies, good looking people are more financially successful than less attractive individuals.
Armed with this information, how can we combat these dangerous attitudes in our congregations? Does Women of the ELCA provide women and girls a safe place from those pressures or does it add to them?
Do you feel like the pressure to be attractive or thin exists in your congregation?
This message is adapted from a Women of the ELCA blog by Elizabeth McBride, “Conflicting messages: valuing beauty over brains” published in October 2012.
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