MANDA RIN ON THE MEDIA AND FEMALE BODY IMAGE

Could the media not feature the variety of skills and talents that many women have, that are so inspirational after everything this gender has fought for, rather than having to primarily mention their appearance?

There are so many interesting and creative women out there that I'd love to read about, but will this ever get a look in when our appearance is the media's number one concern, and making the younger generations grow up thinking this is how to be?

I'm just sick of the constant obsession people have with other people’s bodies (like circling the oh-so-awful cellulite on celebrities in magazines). Everyone knows how to eat healthily, how to exercise,
and what clothes are the most flattering on them, they don't need a
constant lesson on it – assuming this is what we want and even care about.

Happiness and confidence is the main thing. I'd rather die a happy size 20 having enjoyed my life, than a miserable size zero worrying about what people think of my figure every day.

However, if you want to lose weight because it's what you want and it would help you feel better about your life, then go for it (i.e leave the lovely Fern Brittain alone!)

Gok Wan's 'How to Look Good Naked' was an eye-opener of a programme. There's many girls out there with so much hatred for their own body that they would dress in clothes far too large for themselves in order to hide their body and shy away from the world (I have known many like this!).

By the end of each show, they would be beaming with a little bit more confidence and aware that everyone has "bad bits" but also "good bits", and you should be dressing to make YOU feel good. That's what it should be about - your opinion and holding your head up high, not anybody else's opinion.

I have so much admiration for the way Beth Ditto has handled the constant abuse she receives. She gets more press for being overweight than for her band, political opinions and stunning voice it seems, which is just ridiculous. I once heard some girls on the train describing her as "disgusting". I don't know how you can put down an ultra talented, confident and overall happy girl. Jealously most likely, and her being overweight is the only thing they feel they can beat her with (as the media says that's better of course...)

There is so much more to women than their appearance, and I wish the
media would start covering that more.