I’ve been thinking about a way to write about this all week, and this is what I came up with. I’m sorry if you like the Chive, I too was a fan…until I actually went to the site.
This girl will no longer “chive on.”
A Visit to the Chive
Adapted (sort of) from the poem A Visit From St. Nicholas
‘Twas a normal summer morning when I stumbled out of bed.
Turned on my laptop, got out the bread,
Made myself the usual morning toast
Slathered on the peanut butter, the kind I love most.
Nestled into my chair for my morning reading
Saw a link that promised what I was needing
Something light, something funny.
Sadly I was I wrong, it was everything but sunny.
I’d seen photos before on friends’ phones
Of cute cats and silly people, but now I was alone.
Alone with the entirety of the site, to surf as I wished
But my whole mood was shifted, I became quite pissed.
When up on my screen there arose such a site
I sprang from my chair and my face turned white.
Girls and bikinis and boobs everywhere!
A few were clothed, but most in underwear.
Showing proudly for all of the world to see,
Their bra-less bods in merely a baby tee.
But how could this be? It couldn’t be so!
This popular site objectified woman?? And lo!
The worst of it all, I could hardly believe
These women wanted to be part of this skeev.
Submitted their photos to prove to themselves
They were somehow worthy, that their beauty was true.
Oh The Chive, how COULD you?
I cried and cried and then cried some more
I could not pick myself up off of the floor
I cried in anger at the rude comments below.
I cried in sadness for the girls who didn’t know
that beauty is not what others around you decide.
True beauty is found in what is inside.
For the women I cried who could never look that way.
That they would avoid these images, I did earnestly pray.
And again in anger at the undoubtedly single dude
who commented, “I wish more girls were like number two.”
For my sisters and cousins younger than myself,
That they would strive not for perfection, but only for health.
I even cried for myself, I am human as well
Could not stop wishing for those perfect bodies, trapped in the hell
of comparison and self-loathing, but it didn’t last long.
I knew this was terrible, I knew it was wrong.
Away to the bathroom I flew like a flash
Looked in the mirror, threw off my sash
You are beautiful, BEAUTIFUL just the way you are
Your eyes, your smile, even your scars.
You are strong, unique, witty are smart.
You love so deeply, with all of your heart.
No one can tell you that you are anything less,
Not even with tear-stained cheeks and hair all a mess.
God doesn’t make mistakes.
Only the best.
So march back out there with head held up high
With your “imperfect” figure, dare to defy
What society deems to be the best or most pretty
You can be the change, start here in your city.
Pay a friend, a stranger, a compliment or two
Then hopefully, maybe, something will brew.
While we can’t change the world, we can change what we think
Have proper perspective, don’t let yourself sink.
Always remember: it is great to be alive.
Happy days to all, and screw you, The Chive.
 |
| Perfectly imperfect. God loves me all the same. |
Some other lovely posts about overcoming body issues (although they don’t rhyme..slackers):
Truthful Tuesday by Heather at Kiss My Broccoli Blog
So You’re Feeling Too Fat to be Photographed from My Friend Theresa’s Blog
I’d love for you to share this or the idea of this with anyone and everyone! People need to know it’s not okay to post pictures of women and critique them!!
Thanks for reading my attempt at poetry.
*~Amanda aka Semi-Health Nut~*
Alright, let’s hear it. Are you a fan of The Chive?
How do you focus on loving your body? Do you avoid things that trigger self body-bashing?
You like opinionated posts and thoughts? I don’t usually get to crazy on this blog, but check out some of my past Thursday Thoughts for more of the like. And yes, I know it’s Friday.
I love making new friends! Feel free to comment below, or connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or e-mail: semihealthnut AT yahoo DOT com. You can also follow posts via e-mail , Bloglovin, Networked Blogs, or my blog feed. Thank you so much for reading and God bless! 🙂
It’s a crappy site. Try the icanhasacheeseburger sites, they have lolcats, failbook, failblog etc.
Ahh thank you! Bookmarked it!!
It’s a crappy site. Try the icanhasacheeseburger sites, they have lolcats, failbook, failblog etc.
What a beautiful and creative critique of site (which I’ve never seen). Thank you!
Thanks Angie! 🙂
What a beautiful and creative critique of site (which I’ve never seen). Thank you!
I’ve never even heard of the site, but you know I’m all about creativity (your poem is AWESOME)….and empowering women with promoting POSITIVE body image.
haha it’s funny that people are saying they haven’t heard of it and I was just walking in Target today and a dude (with his two small daughters) had the shirt on: Keep Calm Chive On.
I’ve never even heard of the site, but you know I’m all about creativity (your poem is AWESOME)….and empowering women with promoting POSITIVE body image.
I’ve heard of this site but haven’t really visited it. I don’t think I will be either. Love the poem and message! Great job!
Yeah I’d say don’t waste your time!
I’ve heard of this site but haven’t really visited it. I don’t think I will be either. Love the poem and message! Great job!
haha it’s funny that people are saying they haven’t heard of it and I was just walking in Target today and a dude (with his two small daughters) had the shirt on: Keep Calm Chive On.
Ahh thank you! Bookmarked it!!
Thanks Angie! 🙂
Yeah I’d say don’t waste your time!
I’d never heard of that site before and after your poem had to go check it out. My face was assaulted. What is even the point of that site? I can get my fill aplenty of funny (appropriate) pictures on Pinterest.
I have some ideas about the point of the site…I think it’s mostly for dudes. The cute cats, etc are meant to make it seem less disgusting somehow. Or as a way to trick the women into thinking the site is about something else. Also a way for insecure women to make themselves feel better by submitting photos in hopes they will be put up. That’s my opinion anyhow!
Yeah, stick to Pinterest or the icanhascheeseburger site for funny animals! 🙂
I’d never heard of that site before and after your poem had to go check it out. My face was assaulted. What is even the point of that site? I can get my fill aplenty of funny (appropriate) pictures on Pinterest.
I have some ideas about the point of the site…I think it’s mostly for dudes. The cute cats, etc are meant to make it seem less disgusting somehow. Or as a way to trick the women into thinking the site is about something else. Also a way for insecure women to make themselves feel better by submitting photos in hopes they will be put up. That’s my opinion anyhow!
Yeah, stick to Pinterest or the icanhascheeseburger site for funny animals! 🙂
LOVE THIS!! You are right God has made each of us perfect. Different but perfect. Looks aren’t all God made in us. ”
Looks are fading, and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” Proverbs 31.
Speak it girl.
🙂
LOVE THIS!! You are right God has made each of us perfect. Different but perfect. Looks aren’t all God made in us. “
Looks are fading, and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” Proverbs 31.
Speak it girl.
uiiotyiurs
🙂
awful
piece of data, I had return to understand concerning your diary from my friend
vimal, mumbai,i have browse atleast thirteen posts of yours by currently, and
let Maine tell you, your diary offers the most effective and also the most
fascinating data.
motivational workout
quotes
It’s a shame you generalize a site and a group of people with only a quick visit.
http://thechive.com/category/chive-charities/
Interesting. I went to that page and saw on the sidebar something called “tapiture.” From the semi-nude women it seems to only further my icky feelings about the site (I’m assuming “tapiture” means women you want to “tap” or have sex with? awesome.). Mixing in good deeds while also exploiting women doesn’t make the site any better. Thanks for reading though! 🙂
And it wasn’t a quick visit. I got sucked in for about an hour. Never again.
It’s a shame you generalize a site and a group of people with only a quick visit.
http://thechive.com/category/chive-charities/
Interesting. I went to that page and saw on the sidebar something called “tapiture.” From the semi-nude women it seems to only further my icky feelings about the site (I’m assuming “tapiture” means women you want to “tap” or have sex with? awesome.). Mixing in good deeds while also exploiting women doesn’t make the site any better. Thanks for reading though! 🙂
And it wasn’t a quick visit. I got sucked in for about an hour. Never again.
Great poem and even better message! Never been (not like I need another time suck in my life!) but glad to know I’m not missing out!
haha thanks!
Great poem and even better message! Never been (not like I need another time suck in my life!) but glad to know I’m not missing out!