Body Politics

This program takes a provocative look at women's efforts to change societal attitudes about the "ideal" female form. We move from the 19th century, when women were pressured into wearing corsets, to the 1990s, where they still feel pressure from society to "shape up." Anorexia is discussed as a condition arising from younger women's need to attain an impossible physical ideal. Women boxers, rock climbers, and runners are seen challenging old assumptions regarding the limited capabilities of women in sports. Propaganda from the 40s and 50s picturing the "ideal" female figure presents an interesting contrast to several contemporary women who are challenging the old attitudes. (47 minutes, color) (cc