It ought not to be unpleasant to say that which one honestly believes or disbelieves. That it so constantly is painful to do so, is quite enough obstacle to the progress of mankind in that most valuable of all qualities, honesty of word or of deed.
If tomorrow, women woke up and decided they really liked their bodies, just think how many industries would go out of business.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that women's self-acceptance could challenge societal norms and the industries that profit from insecurity.
Gail Dines highlights a powerful notion about body image and societal standards, indicating that if women embraced and appreciated their bodies as they are, many industries built on promoting insecurity about body image, such as beauty and fitness, would face significant economic challenges. This statement critiques the intense commercialization around women's bodies and suggests that self-love could disrupt these industries that thrive on dissatisfaction.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a women's empowerment workshop to encourage self-love and acceptance.
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Que me voulez-vous?' said he in a growl of which the music was wholly confined to his chest and throat, for he kept his teeth clenched, and seemed registering to himself an inward vow that nothing earthly should wring from him a smile. My answer commenced uncompromisingly: - 'Monsieur,' I said, je veux l'impossible, des choses inouïes.