Navigating Nail Polish Ads and Body Image
Nail polish commercials have always created an idealized image in my mind. The models featured often possess delicate, slender hands adorned with long, elegantly shaped nails. While their faces and bodies may not be fully visible, my mind instinctively fills in the blanks with visuals of slim, white women who embody conventional beauty. It’s as if I’ve been subconsciously conditioned to aspire to their physique without even recognizing it. This is a subtle manifestation of internalized fatphobia rearing its head.
It’s perfectly normal to appreciate the allure of graceful forms and elongated lines. Wanting to have well-groomed hands or nails doesn’t inherently indicate internal fatphobia. However, my experience has been quite different. I tend to project my anxieties about being perceived as overweight onto various aspects of my appearance, often without conscious awareness. This realization has led me to understand how this fear has shaped my decisions, even influencing the style of my nails.
For instance, during my high school prom, I chose square nails, convinced they would make my hands appear slimmer. I’ve also avoided wearing rings because I felt they drew attention to the size of my hands. Despite my ongoing journey towards self-acceptance, there remains a lingering desire to fit the societal mold of thinness, all thanks to the pressure to conform. The fear of judgment based on my appearance continues to be a strong influence.
Lately, I’ve started to reevaluate these motivations. While I still enjoy longer nails, I’ve moved away from extreme measures to maintain them. Instead, I’m embracing more temporary options like short press-on nails. The worries that once consumed me regarding my nails have begun to fade.
I’ve also come to appreciate the advantages of having larger, sturdy hands and fingers. My strong grip served me well in sports during my teenage years, allowing me to excel. I can effortlessly carry multiple items with one hand, and I even have a party trick that never fails to impress friends. When my boyfriend and I hold hands, there’s a lovely balance since our hand sizes match perfectly. I’ve begun to celebrate the distinct characteristics of my hands, realizing I don’t need to conform to any specific beauty standard.
Ultimately, the key lies in embracing our uniqueness and finding contentment with who we are, imperfections included.
