An Intro to the Self-Image Quarter

Welcome WriteCause readers to the beginning of a new quarter! Just as the longer daylight hours marks the transition into spring, the previous theme of our relationship with the environment has ended, marking a new chapter. The theme for this quarter is self-image. More specifically, this quarter's theme entails how different systems reinforce ideas of beauty and how that has impacted our generation's self-image. But before starting to formulate ideas for this topic, we should understand what self-image is.

Self-image is the relationship we have with “one's abilities, appearance, and personality." Essentially, this means that it is the comprehension of one's identity. It is formulated by a multitude of factors like the media, education, peers, or our families. Today, this topic is especially relevant when considering recent reports concerning our youth's worsening mental health. If we want to effectively combat this mental health crisis, then a discussion about self-image is necessary. So let's discuss some of the most prevalent factors relevant to our generation's self-image- sexual orientation and gender identity.

When talking about our generation's self-image, it is difficult not to mention sexual orientation and gender identity. Our youth is comfortable identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community and it is more socially acceptable to talk about such. Still, despite increasing acceptance of those who identify as LGBTQ+, many individuals struggle with their self-image. Many anticipate life-long tensions from their families and communities over their identities. All of us live in a heteronormative and cisnormative society, but it does not reflect all of us. Both of these can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem. This lack of confidence creates a harmful and often toxic relationship with oneself that frequently manifests as poor self-image. Being confident in one's identity is vital to having a good self-image, but obviously this is easier said than done. It is difficult to feel confident when you don't fit the standards that society constantly reinforces as "normal." So, identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community can make us feel like we are somehow automatically different.

We are raised to think that certain identities are the standard, and if one doesn't fit that, it makes them an "other." Especially since topics concerning sexual orientation and gender identity are often stigmatized or tied to politics, identifying as LGBTQ+ can seem bigger than other identifiers, such as class or age. Being part of this community is only one aspect of the character of an individual, yet our society often treats it like it constitutes the whole. Again, self-image is the idea one has of oneself. But when your identity is portrayed as something negative, how can you have a positive self-image?

Our generation has made significant progress in accepting those who identify as LGTBQ+, yet there are still more steps we need to take. Education and representation are essential if we want to be fully inclusive of this community. Our self-image can be affected by a myriad of factors, but without a doubt, environment plays a significant role in them. The issues the LGBTQ+ community faces on a regular basis are an example of this and are a reminder of how we all play a role in other people's views of themselves. So as the quarter progresses and you examine how society has impacted your own self-image, think about how you have affected other people's self-image as well. If we do this, we can improve ourselves and even the world around us.