The Dichotomy Diaries Blog

October 21st, 2024 - Thoughts on Evolutionary Biology & Hormones within Social Media Pick Me Culture

 

Let’s talk about something controversial.

 

😏 *Insert photo of me rolling pla-doh snakes like Birdman* 😏

 

Point 1.

Within Evolutionary Biology, there is a theory that explains the relationship between physical traits on a woman and the degree to which men find her attractive. According to this theory, width of hips & size of breasts were traits of a woman that, men associated with how fertile, and thus how suitable of a mate a woman is. 

 

Now let’s step away from theory and step into science. Hormones play a significant role in determining body fat distribution in women. Estrogen, in particular, promotes fat storage in the hips, thighs, and breasts. 

 

So let’s map this out. 

 

Estrogen = “thicc” hips, thighs, and breasts.

“Thicc” hips, thighs, and breasts = perceived fertility.

Perceived Fertility = Suitable Mate

 

Ok, SO 👏🏾

 

Naturally, KEY POINT HERE, Naturally occurring thicness is perceived by men to be an attribute of women who are suitable mates. 

 

Now riddle me this…

 

Society shuns women with natural bodys, while glorifying women who are surgically enhanced. 

 

Sí or no? 

 

Point 2. 

Fertility can be affected for countless reasons. Do you find it interesting that 40% of women diagnosed with infertility have a psychiatric diagnosis? This is a two way street however, because infertility itself can severely affect a woman’s mental health- while poor mental health and body image can also significantly affect a woman’s ability to conceive a child. 

 

So let’s think about this for a minute. 

 

Poor body image and low self-esteem are mental health issues typically compounded into what is known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder. 

 

Studies show that 71%-76% of women with BDD sought, and 64%-66% of women received some type of cosmetic surgery to try and remedy a “fix” for their BDD. (It’s accurate, look it up nerds)

 

If we all think about what body parts most women are getting enhanced within the past 10 years, I think we could all agree that the answer is bigger breasts and a fatter ass.

 

Sí or no? 

 

Point 3. 

Now isn’t it ironic that we live in a time where enhanced women are strutting around giving off the perception of natural fertility, when it’s pretty clear that the reason surgery was sought out was due to mental health issues which directly correlated with infertility? 

 

It’s even MORE ironic, that because society glorifies enhanced women; natural women who may very well be fertile, develop THE VERY SAME MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT CAN CAUSE THEM INFERTILITY? 

 

Shit seems fucking ass-backwards y’all. A big circle jerk of societal pressures and illusions of fertility/being a suitable mate. 

 

Now let me just say- this is just a discussion. It doesn’t apply to every natural woman. It doesn’t apply to every enhanced woman. BUT- It should be taken into consideration when looking at yourself in the mirror and determining whether or not you deserve self-love. 

 

Some may know this, others may not- but I was married when I was 21 to my ex-boyfriend of 7 years. I was SO unhappy, SO overweight, but we just got married right? TIME TO REPRODUCE! 😂

 

Long story short. I couldn’t. I developed PCOS which caused infertility and eventually we divorced. 

 

I was overweight and had self-esteem issues for many years after my divorce. No surprise, that I also had extremely irregular periods. I always chalked it up to being God’s Plan. Maybe it was, but I do know that it was also due to my inability to love myself, to know my worth, to see my body as a vessel in which I was put on this earth to create life! 

 

It all changed for me about 3 years ago, when I turned 30. I wanted to check my fertility levels because I hadn’t been married again, but knew having a family was something I dreamed of. I had lost probably close to 50lbs at this point. I was feeling sexy and wearing clothing that I wouldn’t have before to highlight my body. My test results came back and YOU GUESSED IT. Fertile as can be. Breedable if you’re nasty. 

 

For the first time in close to ten years, I could actually create life. 

 

Now I sit here, typing this on my bed while reflecting on everything I put my body through. Looking at my self in the mirror and feeling so proud of this body I worked for. I feel proud of myself not because I put in SOOOO MANY HOURS at the gym. No, that would be a lie. My activity level has significantly increased and my diet is a hell of a lot better than it was. But that’s not it. 

 

I am proud of myself for slaying the fucking dragon that is societal pressure. The moment I started taking my mental health seriously, working weekly on rewiring my brain, my body thanked me in the best way it possibly could. 

 

Don’t let our generations smoke and mirrors dictate your ability to procreate. Love every single inch of those huge titties and thicc booty. Social media doesn’t get you pregnant, the men who are already attracted to you just the way you are do. 

x0.

Amanda Arnier

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