Unpacking Body Image and Media Influence
A Short Chat with Ashley Sanders (19 year old Australian)
In our media-saturated world, the conversation around body image is more relevant than ever. We’re here with Ashley Sanders, who has personally navigated body image challenges and offers a unique perspective on how media influences self-perception. Through three powerful edufictional narratives, Ashley explores these themes with authenticity and insight.
Casper: Hey Ashley, great to have you with us. Could you kick things off by telling us why you find edufiction so effective for discussing body image?
Ashley Sanders: Thanks for having me! Absolutely, you see, edufiction creates this unique space where tough topics can be explored through relatable stories. It’s one thing to read about body image issues, but it’s another to experience them alongside characters who face and fight these challenges. That connection can really make readers stop and think about their own situations.
Casper: Can you be more specific? I mean what books did give you these insights?
Ashley Sanders: Let me tell you about Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson. It’s a profound book that dives deep into the dangerous impacts of societal beauty standards through the story of Lia and her battle with an eating disorder. It's incredibly impactful, bringing to light the severity of such pressures and the journey towards recovery.
Casper: Sounds intense. Any other books that tackle this with a bit lighter touch?
Ashley Sanders: Definitely. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler, it mixes humor with serious critique of societal norms. It follows Virginia, who's learning to love herself in a world that doesn't always accept her body type. The book is a breath of fresh air for anyone feeling boxed in by mainstream beauty standards.
Casper: That’s intriguing. Can you give us an example of a book that directly challenges the stereotypes we often see around beauty and body image?
Ashley Sanders: Oh, absolutely. Dumplin' by Julie Murphy is a fantastic example. It revolves around Willowdean, who’s a plus-size teenager and decides to enter a local beauty pageant. What’s radical about her choice is that it’s not just about participating; it’s about disrupting the typical beauty standards that pageants celebrate. Willowdean uses her participation as a statement, challenging the entrenched norms about what beauty looks like and proving that confidence doesn’t conform to a specific body type. It’s a powerful narrative that encourages readers to redefine beauty on their own terms and question societal norms.
Casper: These are great examples, Ashley. Any last advice for folks trying to bring these discussions into classrooms or homes?
Ashley Sanders: Dive into these stories and use them as springboards for conversation. They're not just entertaining—they're educational tools that can help shift perceptions and foster healthier self-images. Encouraging kids to read these books, and discussing them together can really open up some meaningful dialogues.
Casper: Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Ashley. It’s clear these books do more than just tell stories—they spark change.
