We know, you’re probably sick of hearing about it and it’s only been 24 hours, but as Love Island returns a more important issue has been raised on social media as the new islanders were revealed. That is, of diversity within body image and the lack of it that the reality lifestyle ITV hit has shown thus far.
Twitter is awash with comment on the physiques of the men and women taking part in this year, with the males dubbed to be typical gym addicts, complete with minimum of a 6 pack and the females sporting Victoria’s Secret style silhouettes, up and down without much curve. Of course a svelte figure is nothing to be embarrassed of, many would kill for such shape, but it is the fact this is the only ideal being shown to the audience, of which many teenagers will be a part of, that is concerning.
From a young age both men and women are enforced with ideals of what looks we need to aspire to, this is something which refreshingly is being challenged in the current day rhetoric, but there is clearly way to go.
By only allowing beefcake hunks and barbie-bodied babes this is sending a message that this is the look to aspire to. These are the people worthy of finding love.
Celebs including Geordie Shore housemate Holly Hagan have already spoken out on social media, asking for more diversity in the cast.
With more due to join, we can only hope a range of figures will be included, to show younger girls and boys especially that success doesn’t just come in one shape. With body positivity at the forefront of discussion currently, we must try harder to break the mould of what is ‘normal’ and widen the range of role models for younger people to look up to.
