[Prudence]

I don't think female body image would be such a big deal if women valued each other for more than our looks. Not that men do not also judge each other on appearance, but my impression from the outside is that other attributes are also valued: physical strength, salary, intelligence, etc. Might be just as superficial, but there are other assets considered when assessing a man's self worth.

My experience with women is that women, as a collective gender, buy into the idea that a) physical beauty is the most important attribute and b) there's only room for one woman above the glass ceiling -- with physical appearance the major determinant in who that woman should be. If we want to be treated as more than just baby factories we need to treat each other as more than baby factories. This is a gross generalization, of course, but I wish that women would value each other more for all they do and all they are that is worthwhile and admirable.

I might look like an ugly duckling, but my mind is a glorious swan. I wish more people would take the time to learn and appreciate that before allowing my appearance to speak for not just my appearance, but also my intelligence, morality, and divine worth.