I'm A Man, And I've Spent My Life Ashamed Of My Body

deathdragon5858 · 2015-08-17T21:26:54+00:00

I was ashamed of my body for a long time. Not because I was a fatass though, because I am a man and started resembling a yetti once I hit puberty lol. I hated being a hairy bastard, still do a bit I guess :P

Clockw0rk · 2015-08-17T23:28:47+00:00

I would totally sacrifice multiple years off my life for the 'perfect body'. No question.

Beauty bias is real. Attractive people get preferential treatment in practically every aspect of life, from advancing public opinion to their own mother's love (seriously, go read that story).

The core problem with beauty in our society is the concept that men are ugly, dirty, and rough. If they're genetically blessed, maybe they can shape that into rugged, outdoorsy, and chiseled. Women... Well, look at the cosmetic industry and plastic surgery. Need I say more?

If you're an ugly man, work through it. Just work harder. People may not want to look at you, but at least you can provide for your family, right? That's what men are told.

If you're an ugly woman... You'll be happy to know there's a thousand different shades of lipstick we can put on a pig, darlin'. A make over, maybe a few cuts, you'll be right as rain and ready to party.

My back aches, my shoulders are sore, and the solution to having body image issues for my gender is to ... what, walk it off? Do a few more push-ups? How about you go to hell and fuck off.

What's good for the goose is good for the gander. I'm pretty sure if we can put a man on the moon, I can get a tummy tuck as a dude without getting the full force of society's shame because I want a beauty short-cut and I have a cock.

The double standard makes me sick.

TheBlackCamEL · 2015-08-17T23:25:16+00:00

I can relate to this.

For as long as I remember now almost I've hated my image and hidden it at every opportunity. I hit about 210lbs at my worst and was undoubtedly a bit disgusting, but even at my usual weight of 170-180lbs I can't stand to catch sight of myself without a shirt on. I've got big ol' hips so even when I'm slim I don't have the typically narrow 'V' midsection, which compounds the issue.

I grew up raised by a single, overweight parent and had little to no concept of proper nutrition and it's effect on the body until my teens. It takes a lot more willpower than many people realise to actively change the way you think about food and exercise that's been with you your whole life.

I know reddit is quick to hate on tubsters, but there is a substantial portion of a generation growing up not knowing any different. On the other hand, even I get angry when I see larger parents with young kids that have a visible gut. It's a tough one.

2015-08-18T04:28:25+00:00

Yeah, it seems like men feel as bad about their bodies as women do. Why don't we hear more about this? I hate that all we ever hear about is how women feel and what women need and women's issues. You men have important feelings and needs and issues too, and I hate that society turns a deaf ear to you. You deserve better.

For those who need some place to talk about body issues, /r/BodyAcceptance is a welcoming place for men as well as women and you won't be run out on a rail.

victorymonk · 2015-08-18T00:38:54+00:00

https://archive.is/OtvYo

I_fight_demons · 2015-08-18T01:03:07+00:00

Great personal account of body image issues and how irrational they are. It's a classic example of a problem that men are punished by society for confessing.

2015-08-18T11:41:23+00:00

Live like a sack of potato, look like a sack of potato.

It's really not hard to achieve a decent body simply by having a healthy body fat percentage and occasionally working out. Fixing your posture does wonders too.

That said, working out won't fix body dysmorphia.

direknight · 2015-08-18T01:31:33+00:00

I don't have sympathy for anyone who is ashamed about their body and doesn't do something about it, regardless of their gender. When I want more muscle I eat more and work out. When I want less fat I eat less and work out. If I'm complaining that I have too much fat or not enough muscle and I'm not doing anything about it, then that's on me and I shouldn't expect anyone's sympathies.

1337Gandalf · 2015-08-18T01:12:30+00:00

same tbh

2015-08-18T11:54:42+00:00

Feminism tries to tackle personal insecurity by blaming it on men. At the end of the day (barring actual disabilities) you are responsible for your own health, wellbeing, and image.

If you want to improve yourself you don't need a movement to do it.

jb_trp · 2015-08-17T20:25:25+00:00

Quit being a DNB and do some push ups, you big baby.

damitdeadagain · 2015-08-17T21:20:14+00:00

Quit your bitching. Eat less and move more. You know what's worse than a whining bitchy fat chick. A whining bitching fat man. The cure for fat is common knowledge you just refuse to do it.

Title	I'm A Man, And I've Spent My Life Ashamed Of My Body
Author	GizDrak
Upvotes	108
Comments	28
Date	August 17, 2015 8:21 PM UTC (10 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MensRights
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/3hcvrx/im_a_man_and_ive_spent_my_life_ashamed_of_my_body/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MensRights/im-a-man-and-ive-spent-my-life-ashamed-of-my-body.973115 https://theredarchive.com/post/973115

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