News: Photo of woman in her underwear sparks debate about body image

Tired of being bombarded with images of skinny, airbrushed supermodels?

So was Stella Boonshoft.

That’s why the NYU student started ‘The Body Love Blog,’ on which she shared an image of herself in her underwear, with the caption: ‘Picture might be considered obscene because subject is not thin. And we all know that only skinny people can show their stomachs and celebrate themselves. Well I’m not going to stand for that. This is my body. Not yours. MINE”

The image has since gone viral’with over 500,000 likes and 24,000 shares on Facebook’thanks to photographer Brandon Staunton, who posted it on his Humans of New York Facebook page.

While the image is garnering attention, it’s the message, not just the photo, that people are responding to: That weight doesn’t determine your health, or your self-worth.

Responses range from encouraging: ‘You go girl. Be proud of who you are.’

To inspired: ‘I too am overweight and will probably die this way, but it’s just the way I am. It’s taken a lifetime to recognize this and hopefully I will find someone who will love me the way I am before I die. Good for you sweetie!!!’

Since it’s the Internet, there were also comments talking about the dangers of obesity and speculating about Stella’s health. But Stella quickly squashed those on her blog, by sharing details of a recent doctor’s appointment, at which she learned her cholesterol is normal and her blood pressure is ‘beautiful.’

What do you think of Stella’s photo? Do you think she was successful in her mission to spread the message of self-love and acceptance?

-Katharine Watts, Associate Web Editor

Related:
‘ Quiz: Do you have a healthy body image?
‘ Naked confessions: Could going nude boost body image?
‘ News: Not all obese people are unhealthy