I was in the 
Restaurant in Pattaya, Thailand with a Couchsurfing member when I saw these two women on the beach below. I was struck by the contrast; one was slim and obviously young, while the other will probably never see 40 nor wear a size 12 again.
Do you think both women’s bodies are beautiful? Chances are, if you’re raised in the kind of society that we have now, you would probably say only the woman in the left can be called that.
After all, we have been indoctrinated to appreciate only slim, lithe, and young figures; any sign of fat or cellulite is enough to turn us off. One only has to look at how a woman’s body is portrayed in the media to know that this had been very effective indeed.
And yet, watching the woman in green swim in the ocean and join her younger companion on the beach, I could see no discomfort, no insecurity nor hesitation in proudly displaying her body in public.
She seemed very much comfortable in her own skin as she and her friend enjoyed a day out at the beach. To me, this confidence and self-acceptance is beautiful, and no matter how much she weighed, that makes her beautiful in my eyes.
How about you? Do you think that both women can be called beautiful?
23 Comments. Leave new
I couldn’t agree more! I’m size 10 (well, 12 now, after Christmas) and whenever I put a little weight on, I freak out. I’ve always admired women who are bigger than me and are so confident with how they look like. They usually shine, when they’re with others. They always smile and seem so happy. Well done to this woman for wearing a bikini!! Well done!!
both are beautiful, nice blog
@ bertN: Yeah, they’re a nice contrast. Funny translation in Tagalog though hehe
Yan yata ang tinatawag na Yin and Yang ng Chinese philosopy, sa Tagalog, yang akin at yang sayo LOL.
@ Monica: I wish more women would do that eh? and not be shackled by society’s expectations?
@ Cathy: Thanks 🙂 Do drop by again!
@ Nancie: Maybe for them, all Caucasians are big 🙂 Will join again next week!
Living in Korea I have found this attitude that “only skinny is beautiful” to be even greater than in the West. I don’t even shop for clothes here. The first thing you here is “big size big size…no big size” and I’m not that big.
I say more power to the woman in green. I like her confident look.
Thanks for joining Travel Photo Thursday.
You said it so well – “…confidence and self-acceptance is beautiful”. If only everyone understood that. Nice, thoughtful post!
They are both beautiful indeed. I’m so proud of humanity when people dare to go against all norms of what’s beautiful, right or normal. Go world!
@ Denise: Thanks for the tip. You’re right; they should stand out more. Will remember to maximize my photos next time. 🙂
@ Cheryl: I agree. Unfortunately, it’s not like that in the Philippines 🙁
They are very open in Brazil as well. I loved how they put themselves out there no matter how they look. That’s the way it should be. 🙂
I love the idea of the shot and the composition, but it would benefit so much from some simple editing. Just increase exposure and contrast. It takes two seconds. Like this it’s too dark and the two women don’t pop.
@ Joan: You got that right!
@ Ed: Thanks. The contrast was really striking.
great shot aleah. timing na timing. 😀
confidence is the key. 😀
Everyone is created according to the image of GOD. Masyado lang kasing commercialized ang mga tao ngayon kaya they see beauty sa mga payat, sexy, maganda, pogi and they shunned others that doesn’t fall in these categories.
I support the green lady for her confidence!!
@ Red: Yep, that’s so true! And what makes it more tragic is when we don’t realize that we have become judgmental because of our socialization.
It’s sad that the social conditioning also makes us judgemental! Who are we to judge beauty, or what people ‘should’ look like?? So many different definitions of beauty around the planet – all people fall into at least one, you’d think!!
@ Claire: Yup, beauty comes from within!
@ James: Thanks! 😀
ang tawag dito ay contrast!
or EXTREMES!
haha nice shot
I agree, confidence is sexy and beautiful and oftentimes it’s how you carry yourself and what you think about yourself that give that aura of attractiveness. 🙂
@ Gladys: Don’t we all? 😉
@ Koen: That is so true!
Indeed, you will feel much more free and in balance with yourself when you get rid of all the useless complexes…
I wish I can be as bold as the one in green! LOL.