Bordo and Female Body Image

Quoting  Mary Wallstonecraft, Bordo calls to attention how women's self image is shaped by outside forces that are not easily dispelled by women as they construct their self image "...Nor can it be expected that a woman will resolutely endeavor to strengthen her constitution and abstain from enervating indulgences, if artificial notions of beauty, and false descriptions of sensibility, have been early entangled with her motives of action..." While it is reasonable that outside forces influence how individuals see themselves, Bordo also writes how many women are complicit, "Many women, if not most, women also are willing (often, enthusiastic) participants in cultural practices that objectify and sexualize us." I think this raises a relevant point particularly in a society where artificial means to enhance ones idea of physical beauty and dressing provocatively seem to be the norm. To understand why women would knowingly or unknowingly participate in a system where they are objectified would help to educate both men and women on the social and political dynamics that influence the way in which we understand beauty and the politics of the body.