1. How are overweight and obese people treated in our society?
Reshaping Body Image
How are overweight and obese people treated in our society?

2. What are your first impressions?
[ 1 ]

3. [ 2 ]

4. [ 3 ]

5. [ 4 ]

6. [ 5 ]

7. Discussion •
What were some of the first words that came to mind about these people?

8. Discussion •
What were some of the first words that came to mind about these people? •
Did you have any impressions about the health and happiness of each person? What were they?

9. Discussion •
What were some of the first words that came to mind about these people? •
Did you have any impressions about the health and happiness of each person? What were they? •
Did you have any impressions about the level of intelligence or success of each person? What were they?

10. Discussion •
What were some of the first words that came to mind about these people? •
Did you have any impressions about the health and happiness of each person? What were they? •
Did you have any impressions about the level of intelligence or success of each person? What were they? •
Did you write down any words about how attractive or unattractive each person is? What words did you use?

11. Discussion •
What were some of the first words that came to mind about these people? •
Did you have any impressions about the health and happiness of each person? What were they? •
Did you have any impressions about the level of intelligence or success of each person? What were they? •
Did you write down any words about how attractive or unattractive each person is? What words did you use? •
Did you write down any words about the body size or shape of each person? Which ones? What words did you use to describe their bodies?

12. Discussion •
What were some of the first words that came to mind about these people? •
Did you have any impressions about the health and happiness of each person? What were they? •
Did you have any impressions about the level of intelligence or success of each person? What were they? •
Did you write down any words about how attractive or unattractive each person is? What words did you use? •
Did you write down any words about the body size or shape of each person? Which ones? What words did you use to describe their bodies? •
Were your “first impressions” of the women different from your feelings about the men? How about the white people as compared to the people of color?

13. Body Image
In its simplest term, body image is the way we think about our physical appearance. Having a healthy body image means that most of your feelings, ideas and opinions about your body and appearance are positive. They allow you to feel comfortable and confident about your body. It means accepting and appreciating your body and feeling mostly satisfied with your appearance.

14. Lillian Russell Nicole Kidman then now [ 6 ]
Actress and Sex symbol, early 20th century
Nicole Kidman
Actress and Sex symbol, 21st century
[ 6 ]

15. Babe Ruth Barry Bonds then now [ 7 ]
Pro baseball player, early 20th century
Barry Bonds
Pro baseball player, 21st century
[ 7 ]

16. King Henry VIII President Bush then now [ 9 ] 16th century
21st century
[ 9 ]

17. Miss America contestant
then
now
Miss America contestant
1950s
Miss America
2002
[ 8 ]

18. American dancer New Zeland dancers here there [ 10 ] ballet
performing Maori haka
[ 10 ]

19. here
there
American
Wrestlers
Japanese
Sumo Wrestlers
[ 11 ]

20. Discussion Which images surprised you? Why?
How have ideas about body image in our society changed over time? What do you think have caused these changes? Do you think they will shift again in the future?
How are ideas about body image different in other parts of the world? What do you think accounts for this?
How do you think that fixed ideas about body shape and size in U.S. culture influence you?
Do you think that bias against people because of their body size and shape is acceptable?

21. More Discussion
Please take some time to silently reflect on how many times each day you judge (or hear others judge) your own or someone else’s size or appearance.
What effect these judgments have on us cumulatively and over time?
List at least two physical features that you like about yourself. How can you learn to accept and like your body? (You DO NOT have to share these answers)
How can we avoid judging others based on physical size or appearance, and emphasize internal over external qualities in others?