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In Praise of Women's Bodies

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In Praise of Women's Bodies

By: Gloria Steinem
Narrated by: Marianne Fraulo
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About this listen

"It's a truism, for instance, that a few clothes are more shocking than none. But for women especially, bras, panties, bathing suits, and other stereotypical gear are visual reminders of a commercial, idealized feminine image that our real and diverse female bodies can't possibly fit. Without those visual references, however, each individual woman's body can be accepted on its own terms. We stop being comparatives. We begin to be unique."

After spending a few days at a spa in the company of 90 or so women, Gloria Steinem wrote In Praise of Women's Bodies, a short but powerful essay that's part ode and part treatise and fully in awe of the female form, in all its unique variety. In Praise of Women's Bodies was originally published in Ms., April 1982.

©2016 Gloria Steinem (P)2017 Audible, Inc. Gender Studies Social Sciences Women

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All stars
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A beautiful and powerful essay which had me close to tears and feeling stronger and more confident than I have in years. I beg everyone to listen regardless of gender.

Everyone should listen

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It was an interesting listen about the comparison we make between male and female bodies, but it was lacking something

An interesting listen but without conclusion

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I rather like it. if feels like a personal recolection of inustices, expectations and perceptions as a woman. Gives an overview of a spa day of women now and then. I like the way about how scars of women and men are not the same, that they don't jave to represent violence.

Good bit short

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I absolutely loved listening to this, it has really opened my eyes to understanding and accepting my own body.

loved this

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We're so well taught to loathe our own bodies from childhood, taught to only see what we don't like (everything) and wish for what we don't have. This short piece praises rather than censures, showing the beauty and worth in women's bodies, and giving respect to each. beautiful

Beautiful

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The issue raised here is not something I've ever thought about before but I can see so much value in such a bonding experience. I question though whether our image obssessed society has now ruined those "locker room" spaces for men too? So much to consider, I listened twice.

A Real Thought Provoker

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What a gorgeous look at women and our bodies. Allowed me a few moments to drift off and really appreciate who we are as humans, what we’re capable of, and what that means in the wider world. Feel like I’ll be coming back to this often.

Honestly just wish it was longer!

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Basically, this is a middle class white feminist shared experience of a retreat, using the topic of nudity and intimacy among women to praise the unchallenged aspect of "diversity" - based on biological elements of womanhood.
Also, the comparison of a woman's body with Buddha lost my commitment to read this with a feminist intention and more like a lazy use of language to describe "a weekend away" in a high school essay.

Lower your expectations

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"A little natural togetherness would show us the Family of Woman, where each of us is beautiful and no one is the same."

one sentence stood out for me…

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