Nike ad celebrating the beauty of the Booty

By Teca Cameron

Yes friends, really! Since J-Lo hit the scenes in 1998 as P-Diddy’s girlfriend with the big “booty” and Beyonce shook her ‘bootylicious’ glutes, the world has gone absolutely mad for this thing called “booty” and can’t seem to get enough. That’s right “booty” is apparently the biggest thing since sliced bread. But why is this new? Black women have had “booty” since the dawn of time.

As an Image Consultant I stay informed about products and services on the market that are geared at improving an individual’s appearance. The beauty industry is inundated with these products every single day. Whether it be creams that promise to moisturize your wrinkles away or surgery that can rejuvenate your parts down there, there is nothing that remains untouched. Ever heard of booty pop? Well, that’s how far it’s gone.

It seems to me as though women all over the world are doing whatever they can to get themselves a flattering and large gluteus maximus. Whether it be through cosmetic surgery or temporary enhancements, they feel that they just have to have it.

But why the fixation on the backside? After all it really is just an appendage to the body that serves as a cushion when you are seated. No?

Am I the only one that is tired of seeing images of black women scantily clad with their butts hanging out in compromising positions and overnight “superstars” that have gained notoriety for nothing other than their booty? No talent, no charisma, no intelligence just a whole lot of glutes and nothing butt (pun intended..lol).

Don’t get me wrong I believe a rear that is in shape and well proportioned to a woman’s body is very flattering to her physique and can be attractive. I also believe this is one of the unique attributes that have distinguished the black woman’s physique from that of other races. However, what gives me pause is how much our culture (black, caribbean, african, african-american) men in particular, place overwhelming emphasis on one particular body part. Some women in turn believe that the only way to attract a man is to  put their bodies on display, all in the name of getting attention.

Nothing causes me to shake my head more than “Bonquisha” dressed up to go absolutely no where but the club wearing nothing but two strings and a safety pin desiring to be called out by members of the opposite sex who undoubtedly have very little respect for who she is as a female. These same men generally tend to have only one thing in mind and it’s not how cute she looks when she’s reading a book. Trust me.

Women, if you want a real man that respects you and appreciates your body for what it is, then learn to honour yourselves first. Dress with class and show respect for your body. I mean if you have a booty and it looks good, you should wear it with pride, it is a part of you. Also if you are a little flatter on the backside and want to give your body a bit more proportion do what you wish. But by no means should you allow a superficial standard of beauty to dictate your concept of your self worth. Use your intelligence, charm, good nature and charisma to get ahead in this world.

Whether you have a booty or not remember your worth is not found in the fatty tissue that is gathered in the rear. You are not your butt. Period.

Until next time,

Be fabulous,

Teca Cameron

Teca Cameron is an Image Consultant and owner of Teca Cameron Image Management Agency. Teca provides services to clients throughout Ontario Canada. She authors a blog called “Reflect.Tranform.Radiate”. Check her out at www.tecacameron.com