Introducing the powerful poetry performance by Lily Myers in “Shrinking Women 3 of 4” #shorts. With her captivating language and unique style, Lily sheds light on the societal pressure put on women to diminish themselves in the presence of men. Through poignant imagery and raw emotion, she examines the impact that these expectations have on women’s mental and physical well-being. Join us as we delve deeper into Lily Myers’ thought-provoking words and explore the ongoing struggle against this harmful manifestation of gender inequality.

Introduction

Button Poetry is known for showcasing spoken word and performance poems from a diverse group of poets. One such poem, “Shrinking Women 3 of 4,” performed by Lily Myers, has resonated with audiences worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the themes explored in her poem and how societal expectations have impacted women’s bodies and their relationship with it.

Society’s Expectations

From a young age, the speaker in Myers’ poem learned how to shrink herself to fit into societal expectations, especially those placed on women. The idea of being thin to conform to beauty standards has been ingrained in our society, leading to a distorted perception of one’s body.

Women are expected to be submissive, quiet, and gentle, leading to them becoming smaller in every way to ensure they do not take up too much space or disrupt the societal norms. These expectations are not only physical but also emotional.

Inherited Behavior

The speaker, in the poem, reflects on how the habit of shrinking has been passed down from generation to generation in her family. This learned behavior becomes so ingrained in us that it is challenging to break away from it.

As the speaker moves through their growing house, they feel the weight and inherited silence. It is an experience that many women can relate to, especially those who have been socialized to be polite, well-behaved, and small.

Occupying Space

The poem depicts the mother sneaking around at night to eat plain yogurt, reflecting the feeling of not deserving to occupy space or consume calories. It is a reflection of the internal conflict many women face when attempting to reconcile their bodies with society’s expectations of them.

Women are taught to take up as little space as possible in every aspect of their lives, leading to a dislike or even hatred of their bodies. This social pressure can result in severe physical and mental health issues.

Self-Acceptance

The poem highlights societies’ expectations placed upon women and how it impacts their relationship with their bodies. It is a reminder of the power of language and how it can shape our thoughts and actions towards ourselves. Women must fight against these societal expectations to embrace self-acceptance and self-love.

We should strive to create an environment that encourages women to be healthy in every way possible, body, and mind. A world where bodies of all shapes and sizes are celebrated rather than shamed.

Conclusion

Lily Myers’ performance poem highlights the impact of societal expectations on women’s bodies and self-image. It is a call to action, urging society to change its language and encourage individuals to love themselves wholly and fully. The poem speaks to women and girls worldwide, urging them to break away from the inherited habit of shrinking and embrace their true selves.

FAQs

1. Who is Lily Myers?
   Lily Myers is a poet and performer who has showcased her work on Button Poetry, social media platforms, and in several literary journals.

2. What is the poem “Shrinking Women 3 of 4” about?
   The poem explores societal expectations placed upon women and how this impacts their relationship with their bodies and their self-image.

3. Why is it essential to create space for diverse voices in the poetry community?
   Diverse voices bring a unique perspective to poetry, making it accessible for a more significant portion of the population.

4. How can women break away from societal expectations and embrace self-love?
   Self-love begins with self-acceptance. Women should celebrate their bodies and be kind to themselves, regardless of societal norms.

5. What impact does societal pressure have on women’s physical and mental health?
   Societal pressure can lead to severe physical and mental health issues such as eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It is essential to combat this by changing the language and celebrating all bodies.