Body

After the recent heatwave taking hold in the UK, a seasonal love/hate relationship of the sun and summer has begun. With this relationship between the public and the weather, brings a issue that is debated most heatedly (pun intended), which is spurred predominantly amongst different generations and demographics. This is the issue of the modern view on the body. Summer usually is a time for practicality amongst men and women usually with people purchasing garments shorter and lighter than other seasons to reflect the rising temperatures. There is a split view amongst what is appropriate during these summer months in a public space and what is deemed improper in front of others who may find partial nudity offensive or coarse.

Arguably one of the biggest demographics to have opposing views is the rather liberal youth of today. This being in stark contrast of the majority of 'elder' generations whom have a more conservative view on the matter. As I currently fall into the youth category I have felt a sense of self-appreciation amongst my peers for their respective bodies. This is whilst the media seems to be at its most influential in society. Within the last couple of decades, the outlook on body image has been contorted by the media to create and form what they perceive as the perfect body and everything that entails. This has usually led to influenced teens and young adults to push towards a goal in a dangerous and unsustainable way. The fact in the last 5 years or so, beauty companies such as Boots have changed that mould with their body shape-loving campaigns seems to have started a movement about the unrealistic and sometimes unhealthy figures large companies sometimes portray. This in itself has led more and more adults and teens to show off their bodies with pride and be more pro-active with choosing garments that show off their body.

Generally speaking, the youth of today as a result of the changing climate have themselves acclimatised to what they believe is suitable for a day in the shops or the beach. This comes in the forms of bikinis, swimsuits with cut out sides and backs as the more possibly risque options for women. These are the options which have stirred opinions due to the possible sexualising of younger people showing conventionally

more flesh than their relatives before. Whilst these garments are a choice of the wearer, the general consensus is that only certain places would be appropriate for this attire. Shops and restaurants are a couple of places that have individual rules to make sure that the public feel comfortable shopping and eating amongst others. Some stores and shops closer to the beach may allow a woman in bikini and shorts due to the sheer footfall they have passing, but others may not accept unless wearing a top. This can be a contentious issue amongst women as their male counterparts regularly have use of places like convenience stores and other destinations but importantly whilst being completely topless. Although in some places a shirt or t-shirt is required, the general consensus is that this is one rule for a male another for a female. This can also come in the form of work clothes. Whilst swiping through social media channels I came across an article of which showed a gentleman smartly dressed in a shirt and smart shorts due to temperatures reaching mid-20s in London. He proceeded to be sent home due to his choice of clothing being deemed inappropriate for work and proceeded to return in a dress that effectively covered the same amount of his body. This soon had the rules changed at his non-customer facing workplace who deemed clothes that are of a shorter nature can be a distraction to the workforce.

This leads to the question, is the view of the modern body being perceived through the amount of flesh shown or the clothes in which the wearer is showing? Arguments on both sides are created with views formed from a number of different influences including relatives and the media as mentioned before. Demographically this answer will differ from person to person and will effect peoples confidence and views on body perception. However, it will always be a case that whatever conclusion is drawn, the juxtaposition of practicality and the wanting of the latest fashion will always have an integral say.