blog #8

The end of The Beauty Myth did not really give me any closure. The book seemed to just call my attention to a problem, make me frustrated that we (as women) are targeted, and then leave me hanging. I think it is wonderful that Wolf wrote the book and brought this subject some much needed attention so that people will be more aware of the sexism that goes on in our society. However, there was no feasible solution suggested in the reading, and this felt like no closure was given. I do think this book opened my eyes and benefited me in some ways, but I also found the book to be very dry and a long read. People might be more likely to read it or take it seriously if it was more interesting. I was very entertained while reading Valenti's writing though. It is probably because her writing style is more modern and energetic. I did not mind the cussing, I thought it was pretty funny and appropriate. She is trying to relate to a young audience and she is letting us know just how frustrated she was with the subject matter. Maybe it is just because of the fact that I tend to cuss like a sailor so it doesn't bother me. Some common themes I noticed while reading Wolf and Valenti's works were that of eating disorders, clothing in the work place (or in a professional setting in general), and criticizing the fashion and beauty industries. Even though Valenti doesn't really have a sure solution to stopping the "Beauty Myth", she does seam to give better advise on dealing with it. The most interesting reading from Body Outlaws, to me, was "Marked for life." I thought it was interesting because I have always thought about getting a tattoo, but I could never bring myself to do it. First of all, there is nothing I can think of that I want painted on my body forever because I might hate it later. Second, it would hurt like a mother to get poked by a needle that many times and I am a wimp when it comes to needles. I will cry to this day if I have to get a shot, and I can't even think about giving blood. So I guess it makes me feel better about the decision not to get a tattoo.