Lindley, a photographer and body liberation activist, discusses her journey combining photography with activism focused on marginalized bodies. She explains how societal messages about bodies are absorbed daily and shape our emotional reactions to photos of ourselves. The episode delves into the historical roots of body image issues, linking them to racism and the development of Western beauty standards. Lindley highlights how media and culture reinforce these standards and the ongoing process of unlearning negative body image. She encourages understanding the origins of these feelings to make conscious choices about self-acceptance.

Lindley Ashline creates photographs that celebrate the unique beauty of bodies that fall outside conventional "beauty" standards. She fights weight stigma by giving plus-size people a safe place to explore how their bodies look on camera and by increasing the representation of big bodies in photography, advertising, fine art and the world at large.

Lindley is also the creator of Body Liberation Stock (body-positive stock images for commercial use) and the Body Love Shop (a curated resource for body-friendly products and artwork).

Key Topics Discussed

  • Personal Journey: Lindley's background in photography and how her interests and personal experiences led her to combine photography with body liberation activism.
  • Body Image and Photography: Exploration of why people have emotional reactions to photos of themselves, including Lindley’s own experiences and the ongoing process of navigating body image.
  • Societal Messages About Bodies: Discussion on how societal messages about bodies are pervasive and absorbed daily through media, social interactions, and culture.
  • Historical Roots of Body Image Issues:
    • Reference to the book Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings.
    • Explanation of how Western beauty standards were shaped by racism and the transatlantic slave trade, with ideals rooted in white supremacy and the devaluation of Black bodies.
    • The historical linkage between body size, morality, and race, and how these ideas persist in modern culture.
  • Media Representation: Analysis of how characters like Ariel and Ursula in The Little Mermaid reflect societal attitudes toward body types and reinforce stereotypes.

Strategies for Supporting Body Image

  • Acknowledge Emotional Reactions Understand that having emotional reactions to photos or thoughts about your body is normal, given the constant societal messages we absorb. Instead of expecting to never have these reactions, focus on recognizing and understanding them.
  • Question Societal Messages Reflect on where your beliefs about bodies come from. Ask yourself why you feel a certain way and whether those feelings are influenced by cultural or historical standards rather than your own values.
  • Practice Self-Compassion Treat yourself with kindness when negative thoughts arise. Remind yourself that your body is worthy as it is, and that you don’t need to conform to external ideals to deserve respect and care.
  • Curate Your Media Surround yourself with diverse and positive representations of bodies in media, art, and social feeds. Seek out creators and communities that celebrate body diversity and challenge harmful stereotypes.
  • Engage in Affirming Activities Participate in activities that help you appreciate your body for what it can do, not just how it looks—such as movement you enjoy, creative expression, or self-care routines.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
  • 00:25 Lindley's Background and Career Journey
  • 01:06 Understanding Body Liberation and Photography
  • 08:55 Historical Context of Body Image
  • 17:12 Impact of Societal Standards on Self-Perception
  • 31:33 Emotional Support in Photography
  • 37:00 Resources and Final Thoughts

CONNECT WITH Lindley:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Thank you for tuning in to Behind the Bite! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who might benefit. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. 

Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

This podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that neither the host, the publisher, nor the guests are rendering legal, clinical, or other professional information. If you want or need a professional, you should find one to work with who can address your individual needs and situation.