Red Shoes and the 7 Dwarfs & Mirror Mirror: Body Shaming

This is a very important topic. Don't be judgmental and accept everyone's ideas.

 

BODY SHAMING

The action or practice of humiliating someone by making mocking or critical comments about their body shape or size. The culture of body loathing and body shaming. 
Inspired by http://www.apsa.org/content/blog-we-must-not-tolerate-fat-shaming


I. Read the paragraph below and decide if you think body shaming really exists and if you have experienced it in your life.

The culture of body loathing and body shaming has reached epic proportions worldwide.

Lose weight, reduce wrinkles, fight cellulite; we’re constantly told to fight a battle to be someone other than who we are. Women and girls are constantly lead to believe they’re not as good as they should be. And why? Because every day they feel they’re being judged on their appearance and how far away it is from an unachievable ideal.

II. Read the paragraph below. Have you ever heard of this movement? Then talk to a partner, describe the movement and decide if you would support such a cause.

 BODY IMAGE MOVEMENT

The Body Image Movement  are on a quest to redefine and rewrite the ideals of beauty. Their job is to facilitate positive body image activism by encouraging women to be more accepting of who they are, to use positive language regarding their bodies and others, and to prioritize health before beauty. Their goal is to reach as many women as possible around the world and speak to them about how they can learn to fully embrace and love their bodies.

 III. Work in pairs. Explain the reasons behind the items they say no to. Do you agree with them? Think of examples for each of them.

SAY NO TO...

• Excessive “Photoshopping” of body images in the media
• Being programmed by the media and corporations into accepting unrealistic body images
• Prescribing to the notion that being a certain weight determines whether you’re healthy
• Sexualization of girls in the media and modern culture
• The objectification of women
• Society and advertising preying on women’s insecurities

IV. Watch this polemic and controversial trailer of the movie Red Shoes and the 7 Dwarfs. How is body shaming depicted here? Look at the poster as well and discuss if this kind of message should be spread among children and teens.

V. Watch the video below. Then discuss how body shaming influences men's and women's habits. Who's more concerned about body shaming? How differently are they affected by the rules of society?

IV. Watch the movie segment from the movie Mirror Mirror and discuss the questions.





1. What are some of the procedures that Ravenna, Snow White's stepmother, did in order to look beautiful.

2.  Are you not familiar with any of the things she did?

3. Is it worth it to go through such procedures? What are some of the things you have done (or still do) to conform to the aesthetics demands of society?

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - MIRROR MIRROR

Blended: First Impressions

This is a funny movie with interesting scenes that can be used in several ways in English classes.

I. Take turns asking each other the following questions:

A: Have you met someone who you hated right away even though you didn’t know them? How was it?

B: Do you make first impressions based on what people wear? How?

A: Do you make first impressions based on people's hairstyle or tattoos? Give examples.

B: What kind of impression do you think you make with your clothes? Is it the same you want to show when you choose what you will wear?

A: Do you try to make a different first impression now than you did in high school?

B: Have you ever tried to make a great first impression but completely messed it up?

A: In what jobs do people have to make very quick decisions based on first impressions?

B: What first impressions do you think someone should make in a job interview? How should this person act?

A: What kind of first impression do you try to make when you go to a party?

B: What kind of first impression do you try to make when you go on a first date with someone you are interested?

II.  Watch the movie segment and observe what kind of first impression each one of them want to make on their first date, and what were the first impressions they actually made.

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - BLENDED