but archie, you've seen the people in Europe and elsewhere--their normal is not 30% of the population being obese. maybe we have a problem in the US of identifying normal. a) so many people are grossly overweight and out of shape that it seems "normal". particularly to those who are only moderately over weight and out of shape. and b) the idealized version of both men and women as so pervaded the media that it seems ubiquitous and "normal".
Perhaps we so much of both extremes that we don't have any perspective on "normal".
Caroline-- I really respect your opinion on the topic. I disagree to some degree though. I don't think anyone of either gender should be forced into any particular gender specific role. h/e i believe that there are certain traits that are more common in each gender. i think it's OK to acknowledge that there are certain personality traits that tend to be unique to each gender. this may not be true for the individual. people should explore whichever and whatever roles they want to take in their lives, relationships and activities. i just don't think it's realistic to pretend their aren't differences.
men and women are different in more ways than just anatomy. i think that's pretty cool. the men i spend time with don't turn to me for a band-aid but i am the one that always remembers to bring them. it's all a matter of how you define your relationship with those you spend time with.
by all means, pass on being the model for the bikini shoot but don't judge a woman that values that. i know plenty of women who know exactly what they're doing when they're using their good looks to make money. they're not dumb. who is getting used the woman who makes money modeling, or the guy who is paying for it? it's up to her to negotiate a good deal.