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MODULE 7. Lesson Proper

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31 views

MODULE 7. Lesson Proper

Uploaded by

jazirahbethbroyo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GE 1: UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

MODULE 7: THE PHYSICAL SELF Page 1 of 2

LESSON PROPER

Introduction
The concept of the Physical Self revolves around our body, which is often referred to as a "marvelous
container" that allows us to interact with the environment and others. This part of ourselves is concrete and
observable, and it is through this body that we engage with the world around us. Our physical appearance,
including our features, posture, and even adornments, plays a vital role in how we perceive ourselves and
how others view us. This module will delve into body adornment, attractiveness, and body modification and
explore how these aspects influence our identity, self-esteem, and the broader cultural standards of beauty.

Body Adornment and Attractiveness


When we talk about the physical self, we often discuss attractiveness, which refers to qualities that
appeal to others. According to researchers Myers and Twenge (2017), attractiveness is subjective, but it
does play a significant role in how people perceive and interact with each other. For instance, in some
cultures, physical attractiveness might focus on traits like symmetry of the face, clear skin, or a certain body
shape, while in others, unique body modifications or adornments might be the standard.
Historically, as Demello (2014) explains, cultural standards of beauty have significantly influenced
personal and social identities. People modify and adorn their bodies as part of this complex process. One
clear example of this is tattooing. Tattoos have been a form of body adornment for centuries, used not only
as decoration but also as a means of expressing one's identity. In certain cultures, tattoos mark rites of
passage, group affiliations, or personal beliefs. While some people view tattoos as rebellious, others see
them as deeply meaningful representations of their identity at a given point in time.

Example: Tattoos and Self-Identity


Think of a young woman who decides to get a tattoo to symbolize an important event in her life, such
as graduating from college or overcoming a personal struggle. For her, this tattoo is more than just an image
on her skin; it represents her identity at that specific moment. However, as time passes, her identity may
evolve, and she might choose to add more tattoos or even remove one, signaling a shift in how she sees
herself. This example illustrates how body adornment, like tattoos, can be closely linked to self-identity and
the ever-changing nature of who we are.

Body Adornment Across Cultures


Body adornment doesn’t stop at tattoos. In many cultures, people enhance their bodies through
painting, piercing, and wearing various forms of jewelry or clothing. For example, in certain African and
Indigenous tribes, body painting is a temporary form of adornment used during rituals, ceremonies, or
significant life events. The paint may signify affiliation with a group or tribe, or it may be used to mark
someone’s role in a specific event, such as a wedding or a coming-of-age ceremony.
In modern society, while body painting is often seen at festivals or performances, piercings and
tattoos are more common forms of self-expression. A teenager who gets a nose piercing might do so to
reflect their individuality or to fit in with a peer group, showing how cultural and social trends influence
personal choices about body adornment.
GE 1: UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
MODULE 7: THE PHYSICAL SELF Page 2 of 2

Body Modification
Body modification, a more permanent form of altering the physical self, includes practices such as
tattooing, surgery, and extreme modifications like scarification. Some forms of body modification are deeply
rooted in cultural traditions, while others may be seen as personal statements of rebellion or individuality.
For instance, body piercings, once a significant part of cultural rituals, have become mainstream in
many societies. People often pierce their ears, noses, or other parts of their bodies to wear jewelry. This act,
which was once highly ritualistic, has shifted in meaning over time but still serves as a form of adornment
that communicates something about the wearer.
Bodybuilding is another form of body modification, though it differs from piercings or tattoos in that it
involves physically altering the body through muscle development. Unlike traditional sports, bodybuilding
focuses on displaying the body itself rather than using it to perform a skill. Competitors go through rigorous
training, dieting, and sculpting to achieve a particular look, emphasizing the aesthetic rather than functional
aspects of the body.

Extreme Forms of Body Modification


There are also extreme forms of body modification that go beyond what is generally accepted by
society. These include practices such as amputation or more unusual cases like people modifying their
appearance to resemble animals. For instance, individuals like Eric Sprague, known as the “Lizard Man,” or
Dennis Avner, known as “Stalking Cat,” have altered their bodies through extreme tattooing, implants, and
surgeries to reflect their desire to look like animals.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Anorexia


In some cases, the desire to modify or control the physical self is linked to psychological disorders.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a condition where an individual becomes obsessed with perceived flaws in their
appearance. This disorder can lead to excessive body modifications or cosmetic surgeries. Similarly,
individuals with Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa struggle with their body image and engage in harmful
behaviors like extreme dieting, purging, or over-exercising in an attempt to control their physical appearance.
These cases highlight how societal pressure and personal dissatisfaction with the physical self can
lead to unhealthy extremes in body modification.

Beauty, Self-Esteem, and Culture


Beauty is often viewed through both biological and cultural lenses. Evolutionary theory suggests that
certain physical traits, like a symmetrical face or an hourglass figure, are universally attractive because they
signal health and fertility. However, cultural factors also play a huge role in defining beauty. For instance, in
some cultures, a fuller body might be seen as a sign of wealth and prosperity, while in others, a lean physique
is prized.
Your own self-esteem is often influenced by how closely you believe you match these cultural
standards of beauty. The Spotlight Effect refers to the belief that others are paying more attention to our
appearance than they really are, while the Illusion of Transparency makes us feel that our emotions are easily
readable by others when, in fact, they are not.
Consider how societal standards of beauty affect your own self-esteem. Are there moments when
you feel pressured to conform to certain ideals? How do these standards influence your self-worth and how
you see yourself?

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