I think it's interesting how the ideologies of how a woman should look has changed over time. Way back when in Greece, the ideal woman was actually pretty heavy set and had big curves. This was because the more voluptuous a woman in this culture was, the more obvious her signs of wealth were. Because back then the rich people could afford the food, whilst the poorer people could not. But, fast forward to our society and now the plus size women isn't idealized. The tables have completely turned. Also, now in days it's the poorer classes who can buy the food and get heavier, mostly due to fast food. And sometimes the skinnier people are the more wealthy because they can afford more healthful foods. Women in today's society are portrayed as beautiful and thin and sexy, mostly because of the media. And the media in ancient Greece displayed their ideals as well, especially in their statues and paintings and carvings. But when did this shift in what a women should look like occur? Or is there no way to pinpoint this?
That is strange to think about, how today you often have to pay more to eat foods that have lower calories (like fresh fruits, veggies) or are just healthier in other ways (organic, etc.). Is it true that the 'ideal body' is related to social class behaviors? I've never looked at it that way. But beyond this - is it right for there ever to be an "ideal" body? I would say that it's just as much of a crime for the Greeks to idolize larger bodies (to today's "standards") as it is for current media to idolize smaller bodies. I wish that media would represent all body types in all roles, and wouldn't play favorites!
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