Bother about body a problem for all

Friday, September 21, 2007

When summer rolls around, the amount of clothing worn ranges from little to none. Strapless shirts, short shorts and tank tops bare it all.

The pressure to be appealing comes from everywhere including the covers of Cosmopolitan and programs on MTV. So what’s behind all the hype of hitting the gym twice a week just to expose a little skin here and there? Sex.

“I like to do it in the dark because it allows the girl to open up more and be less self-conscience,” said John White, Lenexa junior.

Whether you do it in the dark or in a room full of bright lights, there’s no doubt that both men and women are concerned with the way their bodies look during sexual intimacy.

“I prefer the lights on because when I have sex with my partner, I want to enjoy all of him physically and intimately,” said Jessica Hall, Overland Park freshman.

Sex and body image is not strictly an issue that women deal with. Men are also susceptible to poor body image. Each year an increasing amount of men undergo plastic surgery. The Cosmetic Surgery Directory stated that in 2004 there were 1,192,470 cosmetic procedures performed on men. This number has increased 16 percent since 2000. Not only do members of both sexes focus on daily appearances, but a recent study shows that men often are not satisfied with the size of their penises and woman desire fuller and more succulent breasts.

“As confident as I am with my body, I still feel unsure of myself while hooking up,” said Janet Spurskey, Greensville senior.

The study also stated that 85 percent of women are not as concerned with the “size of the boat,” and most men are very content with the size of a woman’s breasts. Another study conducted by assistant professors Charlotte and Patrick Markey from Rutgers and Villanova universities indicated that men pay more attention to their looks when deciding whether to engage in sexual activity.

“Men are so concerned about the size of their penis, but in all actuality it’s about how they work it,” said Chastity Jones, Kansas City, Kan., sophomore.

The truth about sex and body image may be shocking news to many, but it should be a breath of fresh air for others. With so many demands in life, perfecting one’s body for the opposite sex is just another burden to add. Don’t intensify issues that really aren’t that big of a deal. So the next time you’re worried about hooking up after a late night of fun or wearing that revealing outfit, relax. Being confident and cozy in your own skin can do much more than you ever thought it could.

— Edited by Jeff Briscoe

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