Through the Looking Glass program addresses body issues

Every month the Office of Student Activities hosts a Lunch and Learn Series for Intercultural Relations.  These workshops are designed to create awareness on various social issues in our community.  This month the  program focused on discussions of body image in American society and how beauty is portrayed across different cultures.  It took place Tuesday, January 23, at the Sinclair Suite of the Student Center.

During this workshop attendees were asked to participate in an off-the-wall activity that allowed them to write on their knowledge of common perceptions of body image based on certain topics.  Examples of topics were religion, hair, fashion models, dieting, school, body image for men and women, and plus size models.  Other topics in discussion were media portrayals of models, family expectations on beauty, and how gyms promote physical appearance.  Some of the beliefs that were written down included: muscle weighs more than fat, the idea that certain hairstyles are more fitting for different types of races and nationalities than others, and the concepts of eating disorders caused by dieting. 

After the off-the-wall activity, participants were discussing what they had written down in groups and spoke with each other about efforts to change society.  In addition, everybody dined on boxed lunches and quenched their thirst with bottled water.  Afterwards, everybody recycled the water bottles as a way to promote the “GSU Going Green” campaign.  Also, they evaluated the program on how well they learned the new information and what they would like to see in the future. 

Intercultural Relations has all sorts of events that take place throughout the year.  Some of these include the Safe Zone Training for the LGBTQIQ community, “Through A Panther’s Eye Intercultural Fair,” and Feed Your Senses. 

There are many other topics that the Lunch and Learn Series focuses on as well.  The next Lunch and Learn Series will be March 23, and it will highlight Irish traditions in regards to learning folktales and dance. Past workshops topics ranged from civil rights around the world, to good hair vs. bad hair, to gay and lesbian relationships.

For more information on getting involved with Intercultural Relations, please contact Tonya Cook, program specialist of the Office of Student Activities at tcook3@gsu.edu.

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