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RBI focuses on using expressive writing, design-oriented work, photography, media, research, and community input to fuel fat positive, body acceptance, discussion, and outreach. Our goal is to redefine the way we view and think about body image, size, fat, discrimination, health, fitness, wellness, mental/chronic illness, stigma, and other related topics.

We are constantly redefining our own perspectives, and therefore tend to write a lot about our personal experiences. Many followers and contributors are living with anorexia, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, depression, and a variety of other body image disorders or mental illnesses, so please be respectful and remember that health applies differently to everyone. Any and all potentially triggering content will be prefaced with a trigger warning.

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We are not health professionals. Any and all advice provided on this blog is supported only by our own research, studies, and personal experiences; nothing more.

This blog is part of the Safe Space Network.

Q: So, I noticed that there's a lot of talk about not shaving and how it's okay. It is okay! But, I also noticed that a lot of people who don't shave (mostly women) seem to look down on those of us who do. I shave because it makes me feel more clean and because I feel more confident and sexy. I just wanted to clear up that a lot of women shave because it makes them feel beautiful and they love the feeling, not because of how "acceptable" it is. Let's have no hate either way! :D Acceptance for all!

Asked fautsoffrirpouretrebelle

For as many women are out there looking down on those who shave, there are just as many out there looking down on those who don’t, if not more. Probably more. I’m pretty sure women with hairy pits are in the minority, but I may be wrong.

I feel we made a collective effort in our discussion to make a point about it being a personal choice; one not being objectively better than the other. Body policing of any kind is not accepted here.

Personally, I enjoy shaving sometimes and enjoy not shaving other times. Like you, I do sometimes feel sexier when I shave my legs and I love the smooth feeling…But connecting that with “feeling clean”? I’d rather avoid that way of thinking.

I understand that is your feeling and I certainly understand the impulse because I’ve experienced it myself, but I think it’s an important distinction to make.

So I break it down like this: I am hairy as fuck right now and I AM clean. I showered this morning, my wispy yet bountiful body hairs are happy, and I feel clean because I am.

I’m sure we understand one another and I’m not saying that you’re implying anything about my uncleanliness, just making a point. :3

No hate either way, indeed!

5 notes

\This was posted 8 months ago
  1. redefiningbodyimage posted this

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