Gok Wan is changing the way women and men feel about their bodies. For anyone who has never seen channel 4's "How To Look Good Naked" the basic outline is this. Gok finds unconfident men and women and pushes them outside their comfort zone with naked photo shoots, public nudity, and compulsory shopping trips where he helps them know what colours shapes and patterns look good on their frame.
Many say that Gok Wan is a great inspiration for young men and women and is helping get rid of this perfect body image by showing the public that imperfection can be beautiful too. However it seems that by doing so he is promoting people to just accept that they are over weight and unhealthy.
When watching the program you cant help but feel touched that these people who were so depressed about their image now have so much confidence. The world may be a better place if everyone was happy with their body large or small.
I however am unconvinced. Ill admit that i have some issues with my own body, but who doesn't?. I believe that Gok Wan has created an imaginary world where no one is over weight, merely all suffering from body dysmorphia. To be perfectly honest Gok could tell me "my bum looks small in this", but it would make minimal impact. Its hard to believe that your "gorgeous" when a man who is not physically attracted to women is saying it.
Where Gok gets his real power from is his past. He was overweight as a child and suffered a lot because of it. I see what he is trying to do to society and its a really good cause, but as obesity rates soar in Britain should we really be encouraging this unhealthy idea that " fat is fab" ?.
In ten years the nation will be a much happier bunch and we will all sit down in front of the television and tune in to see Gok working his magic on another unconfident soul. We will look down at our massive bellies and smile because "its all about the confidence".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbU1vep7vm8&feature=channel
