Summary Of Too Close To The Bone

Body Mass Controversy in Society
The article “Too ‘Close to the Bone’” written by Roberta Seid, and the article “Fat and Happy?” composed by Hillel Schwartz, both focus on the body. Seid’s article focuses on the thin body type and the mentality of those who have such. While Schwartz’s article focuses on the larger person and societies view of them. While both focus on certain bodily aspects seen in modern society, their viewpoints can differ. Both articles show their opinions on the respected body types yet offer different points in society to use as example or model. Both Seid and Schwartz agree that body size has become an issue in society; nevertheless, they differ when it comes to which body size is the issue.
Roberta Seid is the writer of “Too ‘Close to the Bone’”. Roberta was a lecturer in the Program for the Study of Women and
Men in the Society at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Her article states that society hasn’t changed body ideals as fast as the dress ideals. Body ideals have been slowly changing since the 12th century, from full of flesh, to nothing but bone. Society has given a modern ideal, that is as close to the bone as possible. The present values only came recently with thin becoming the fashion standard. “This occurred for a variety of reasons, among them the modernist aesthetic with its idealization of speed and motion, and its penchant for stripping things down to their essential forms” (Seid 170). Since the intensification of these ideal body types have emerged, new and more effective weight loss programs are available. The obsession with the culturally accepted body type is seen differently in men and women. Women are generally affected more due to their deep care, which does not inhabit most minds of men. This leads women to the acceptance that they must be thin. Seid pleads and asks for the destruction of the new religion of bodily figure that seizes the public's mind.
“Fat and Happy?” an article written by Hillel Schwartz.
Schwartz is a historian which studies dieting, this article is the final chapter in her study. Her article proclaims that the people in society who are targeted because of their body are those of larger size. Society views them as the bottom of the modern world, yet she says society is wrong. In her article it is formed that it is okay to be overweight. If they are unhappy do not blame their weight, blame the people of society who have burdened them with this unhappiness. “Dieting makes everything worse, for the chances are high that fat people will fail. They will be saddened and frustrated by their failures” (Schwartz 180). She gives us her view of a fat society. This society is one, which in fact only fat people reside. No no more vindication on people with larger size. This society would be more comforting for all. Food would always provided in bountiful amounts and consumed willingly. People in the society would no longer feel the need to diet, or to ingest a parasite just to consume more without the downside. Schwartz declares this society would be a truly positive
society.
Both authors agree that body types have become a prevalent issue in modern society. How individuals view themselves has become more public and widespread. Particular body sizes are at the criticism of society. Some have been deemed acceptable, and others not. " 'To be fat is the end of life' " ; who sport bumper stickers on their vans, 'No fat chicks' ; who print posters which read ' It's in to be thin. It's out to be stout.' " (Schwartz 179). People of one body type are often at receiving end of scrutiny, from members of another body type. The point of where these authors differentiate is the body type labeled as an issue in modern society.
Schwartz's article is based on the subjection of poor treatment of overweight citizens. Seid uses her article to explain societies issue with weight loss. "Like other minorities, fat people are seen as throwbacks to a more primitive time" (Schwartz 181). While she argues that fat people and the improper treatment of them has become the issue society faces, Seid argues the opposite body type. She exclaims how society is obsessed with being thin. This obsession drives the people to become thinner rather than fatter. Which makes this body type the issue that society faces. "When the body has been efficiently reduced to a flat surface, it offers no softness, no warmth, no tenderness, no mysteries- qualities once integral to images of sexuality" (Seid 177). In Too "Close to Bone" it is often referred that society places slim body nature as a new religion, Seid calls for the destruction of this religion. Both authors demonstrate their non acceptance for society placing body types as a must or must not.
Both Seid and Schwartz agree that body size has become an issue in society; yet, they differ when it comes to which body size is the issue. Since society has a wide variety of body types, personal opinions could influence what you see in society against a specific body type. This is why the authors have disagreement into which is the issue society faces. Yet they agree society has opinions against and for certain physical compositions. Also agreeing that society should not care about other people's body mass and think of their own. According to the authors; allowing people to live a more carefree lifestyle.