Women and Self-worth: A question on body image

Last June 28, we in our class had discussed about women and the question of self-worth. In our discussion of Gary Killworth's short story "Songbirds of Pain," my students have fully realized the experience of many young women who most often see their body as linked to the realization of their self-esteem.

The short story in fact reveals that the factors that affect self-esteem not only comes from negative comments or doubled standards but from a very pampered life as well, where the woman in the story has no control of her life as every decision is already done for her by her lover.

The short story also portrays how women can often end up inflict pain upon themselves one way or another as means of physically enduring their emotional problems.

The following are reactions made by my students concerning such phenomena, and it is addressed as a letter to those women who are suffering from this type of dilemma.





Danielle Ramos

Dear you,

You are beautiful as God made you. There is someone out there that thinks you are a masterpiece. You don't have to change a thing about yourself. You should look at yourself in the mirror and smile. Be proud of what you look like and don't even think about feeling ugly, because God made each one of us beautiful.


Jefferson Escala

To whoever you may be,

You know what you gotta be proud of who you are. You’re the only one who knows yourself. You’re the only one who gonna make yourself happy or not. Happiness is a CHOICE. You’re unique; everyone is unique. Don’t feel too inferior to others. Surely, there is a certain characteristic of yours that’s incomparable to others. Boost your morale, boost your esteem and there is no one that can do it rather than you. Be happy and be proud of yourself.


Unknown friend

divine lacuna

to Anita and all the women who are not confident about themselves,
wag kayong mag alala sa sarili ninyo. be confident about yourselves.what is important is being confident on what God gave you and what you have inside, personality and character. through this,it will lead you to true beauty inside and out. :)

-divine

Bhea Amboy

July 1, 2011

Dear Anita,

Did you go on your trip to Brazil as you had hoped? How was it? I hope you did enjoy staying there. ‘Cause I know you really need to take a break. I heard what just had happened between you and Philip. I’m sorry to hear that. But, I’m still hoping that both of you are doing well despite of all the problems you’re going through.
Well, I would just like to tell you that I’m a friend. If you’re having trouble or if you’re down, I’m always here to lean on. Yes, I’m really worried. You know, you should not have done that. For us, you are beautiful. God didn’t create ugly people; He did it fair and square. You are indeed beautiful, inside and out. Philip loves you and so do we. What else could you ask for? You know, it is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not. People can say anything about you. But who you truly are, only you know it, and only you decide it. Just cling to your imperfections; they are what make you unique. You may not be the prettiest, skinniest, and most popular. But, why be, when you can just be yourself?
I know it’s hard to be only just a mistress. You may not be his first, his last, his only. He loved before and He may love again. But, if he loves you now, what else matters? You’re tough, Anita. You try to hide everything that bothers you. You’re difficult. But if Philip makes an effort, you’re worth it. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. It’s not really all about appearances; it’s about one’s character. But sometimes, it’s better for two people to break up so they can grow up and make things better.
You don’t have to change even a single part on your body. Why not just learn from your mistakes and amend them? Just try to be a nice and better person, Anita. You don’t have to be physically beautiful for people to like and believe you. You’re just telling us that you don’t have a trust in yourself. You don’t believe in your own beauty and talent. You know, the most important thing in life is that you learn from whatever you take on, and you end up being a better person.
I’m looking forward to seeing you soon. Take care of yourself, Anita.

Yours truly,
Bhea


daryl arceta
July 1, 2011

Dear Anita,
Did anybody tell you that you’re beautiful? If no one ever tells you that, I can. You’re beautiful so don’t be jealous of others even if they look more superior to you! Please be contented of who you are because I love you for how you look, how you smell, how you brush your hair and even how you laugh out loudly in public. Look at yourself. There are many things that you possess that others don’t have. You’re lovely, charming and angelic. Don’t put yourself down and lay down on bed all-day long. Go out, and show the world who you are because you are beautiful! If you are afraid to go out, why would you be? Is there something bothering you? C’mon tell me. Always remember that I’m here for you! And always remember that you are beautiful!

Sincerely yours,
Anonymous