Busting Out: Unveiling the (Un)contained Truth About Bras and Bodies
Exploring the Boundaries of Containment Culture and the Liberating Potential of the Uncontained Body
Our bodies navigate a world filled with invisible containers: societal expectations, cultural norms, or gender roles that shape how we should look, feel, and behave. One such container is the seemingly mundane bra—a powerful symbol of containment culture that influences our perceptions of femininity, sexuality, and bodily autonomy. The decision to wear a bra, or not, becomes a negotiation of these expectations and boundaries.
This essay (written over the course of a few days) based on my masters research (which took 5 years of familiarizing myself with the process of having to daily bang my head on the wall to write—its incredible what distance, time and love provide), explores the pervasive influence of containment culture on our embodied experiences, focusing on the bra as a tool of control that perpetuates systems of inequality. Drawing on feminist theory and my qualitative research on women's experiences with bras, I delve into the impact of these invisible boundaries on our lives.
Between 2018 and 2022, I worked on my masters thesis which involved in-depth “mobile interviews” where with participants, we navigated their everyday geographies twice: once while wearing a bra and another while bra-less. These interviews demonstrate how social discourse on breast containment shapes women’s embodied experiences and their engagement with their bras. Utilizing the bra as an object of study, I offer an analysis of the corporeographies of how wearing—and not wearing—a bra impacts women’s spatial experiences. Findings include that participants differentiated between physical, social, and psychological comfort in relation to bralessness, using a range of strategies to navigate daily trade-offs between these categories. The concept of abjection provided a useful lens for interpreting participants’ experiences of feeling vulnerable and out of place
This essay, part of a series reflecting on those findings, explores the raw qualitative data collected in 2019, alongside personal reflections from my ongoing "(un)contained manifesto"—as a part of my supporting methodology. Together, these sources illuminate the complex relationship between our bodies and the spaces they inhabit. This one in particular will focus on containers.
Through a journey of self-discovery and critical reflection, I invite you to join me in questioning the fit of our containers and imagine new possibilities for a more inclusive and liberating future alongside me.
(un)contained: a breasted manifesto 1. Is that where they are supposed to be? 2. Chafing 3. Janet Jackson @ the 2004 Superbowl 4. It’s Brittany, bitch 5. On Embodiment 6. Boundaries and Adjustments 7. Hard Crusties 8. Epistemological Breakdowns 9. There is no one size fits all 10. Nipples are the eyes of the face 11. Breasts as comforting 12. Completion 13. Integration
Disclaimer: I aim to create audio for this piece (full form and in podcast version exploring more norms, nuance and other nonsense).
Boundaries: Where Lines Blur and Bodies Resist
What is a container? A lunchbox, a bucket, a house – all are vessels that hold and define, creating boundaries between their contents and the outside world. Now, imagine your body as such a container, holding not just organs and bones, but experiences, expectations, and societal norms.
The body itself is a landscape, shaped by the complex interplay of self, society, and physical space. This essay explores the boundaries of our bodily containers, examining how they are defined and reinforced by cultural norms. I am fascinated in attending to the micro-level politics that imbue bodies and spaces to rethink existing links between identity and place. Once I started noticing containers, the binaries, boundaries and edges, they appeared everywhere, shaping my understanding of myself and the world.
Consider the stark binary between the clothed and naked body, a division loaded with cultural meaning. The naked body is often sexualized, its exposure carefully controlled by social norms. Underwear, a seemingly mundane garment, becomes a powerful symbol, marking the boundary between public and private. This separation is crucial for maintaining order and control, containing the potential "leakage" of bodily fluids or emotions that might disrupt societal expectations. Underwear creates a boundary between public and private.
But what happens when these boundaries blur? What new possibilities emerge when we challenge the binaries that define our bodies and ourselves?
Exploring the Containers We Live In: Feelings, Femininity and Flesh
Container: to hold inside to include as a part to put constraint upon; to restrain; to keep up within bounds to have as an element or subset to restrain desire; to live in continence or chastity
The concept of containment is multifaceted. It can mean to hold or restrain, to define boundaries, or even to shape desires. Space itself acts as a container, holding us within its confines and influencing our experiences. But how does this container feel? Does it offer comfort and security, or does it impose limitations and expectations?
The experience of containment is deeply subjective. While we are all shaped by shared cultural norms and expectations, our individual experiences within these containers can vary greatly. Some may find comfort in the familiarity and structure, while others may feel stifled and constrained. This tension between individuality and collectivity, freedom and restriction, lies at the heart of containment.
Our bodies, too, are containers – vessels that hold our experiences, identities, and the marks of societal expectations. We exist within these bodily boundaries, both defined and confined by them. At times, these boundaries feel comforting, offering a sense of belonging and identity. Yet, they can also feel restrictive, their edges pressing against our skin, limiting our self-expression and autonomy.
This nuanced understanding of containment sets the stage for our exploration of the bra. How does this seemingly mundane garment act as a container, shaping our bodies and our experiences within the broader context of containment culture?
Defining Containment Culture: The Bra as a Case Study
How does it feel to be held by the container of societal expectations? Is it a comfortable fit, or does it chafe against our skin? This exploration delves into the complexities of containment culture—a culture that often demands we contain our bodies, emotions, and expressions, particularly those marked as feminine, disabled, or otherwise "other." What we consider "normal" is shaped by these expectations, requiring us to conform to often restrictive standards of dress, behavior, and even emotion.
As a feminist analysis, this essay seeks to reveal how systems of inequality, like patriarchy, are embedded within our social fabric. These systems shape everything from our access to resources and power to the messages we receive through media and popular discourse. Feminist geography further illuminates how these power structures manifest spatially, restricting access to public spaces and reinforcing gender norms.
But why focus on breasts and bras? I found the experiences of those with breasts, spanning diverse identities, offer a unique lens for understanding bodily autonomy and societal norms. Underwear, breasts, bodies, and the spaces we inhabit are all containers, marked and transformed by culture. They are performative, their meanings shaped by what we allow them to contain.
Certain spaces demand that breasts be contained, leading to practices like wearing bras, which create boundaries and delineate what's acceptable. But these containers can feel restrictive, particularly for those whose bodies or identities don't fit neatly within prescribed norms.
This exploration invites us to question the fit of these containers. Are they comfortable, restrictive, or something in between? When we delve into this research, we uncover layers of meaning, like artifacts revealing hidden stories. What lies beneath the surface? What can we learn from examining the composition of these containers? What happens when we challenge the status quo and reimagine these containers as porous, allowing for fluidity and movement?
Looking Beyond the Box: Questioning Containment
Questions, like containers, hold the potential for knowledge and discovery. The concept of containment itself is a complex one, encompassing layers of meaning and abstraction. The concept of containment is a rabbit hole of possibilities, spiraling through layers of abstraction. It's an ontological puzzle, a Russian nesting doll of ideas where the body, space, and culture intersect. Containers are like those magic eye posters: stare long enough, and suddenly you see layers upon layers of depth. They're not just physical boxes; they're ontological puzzles, too. Venues to explore meaning, the nature of being, how we exist and understand ourselves in the world.
This perspective opens up new dimensions for understanding the relationship between breasts, bras, and containment culture. It's not just about what bras do to our bodies, but how they shape our very being in the world. The boundaries and borders that define us are like invisible fences, often confining us to narrow definitions of "normalcy." But these fences are not fixed; they can be challenged and reimagined. Through the lens of containment, we can see how these boundaries are fluid and permeable, shaped by power dynamics and cultural norms.
Abjection, the state of being cast out or rejected, becomes a useful tool for understanding how bodies experience otherness within these containers. When bodies defy the norm, they can be labeled as abject, further reinforcing the boundaries of containment. However, recognizing these dynamics allows us to challenge them and create more inclusive spaces.
Thinking of breasts and bras through this ontological lens opened up a whole new dimension for me. It's not just about what bras do to our bodies, but how they shape our being in the world. Once I had this frame, containers started showing up everywhere. I began thinking about my thesis as a container, containing contained and uncontained experiences. Thinking about uncontained experiences, I started recognizing the spaces where I was uncontained. But how did I know I was uncontained? And what did my own containment bring to the discussion? What is the use? The use should be contained. And how is use, useful for this project? It is important to recognize who defines the use and for whom?
This thesis: my container, extension of my bodily container, a labour of love, contained herein.
it’s brittany, bitch september 5, 2019 careful, your passion is showing
Ultimately, the concept of containment offers a powerful framework for understanding the complex interplay between our bodies, our experiences, and the societal structures that shape our lives. By questioning the boundaries of containment, we can begin to imagine new possibilities for self-expression, bodily autonomy, and social change.
Containers offer layers and scales of abstraction The ontology of containment An ontological container A container of ontology Containing ontology Ontological containment
The Magic of Transformation: Shedding the Skin of Containment
This research embraces a slow scholarship approach, emphasizing a reflective and iterative process. The methodology draws on queer, feminist, mad, and reflexive autoethnographic traditions. Engaging in "dirty participation1," I aim to actively disrupting the traditional boundaries between researcher and researched. This approach recognizes the inherent power dynamics in research and seeks to understand the embedded relations between myself as a researcher and the participants sharing their experiences. I am not concerned about sanitizing my research methods and methodologies.
Embracing dirty participation, this research isn't about sterile observation. It's about diving headfirst into the sticky liminality of lived experiences. Think of it as methodological method acting: using mimesis to reproduce and draw attention to the visceral, often uncomfortable realities of containment culture. Abjection becomes our interpretive lens, a framework for understanding the disgust and discomfort that arise when bodies defy the norm. Because let's face it, sometimes research, like life, gets messy. And that's where the juicy insights hide. What gets stuck in the liminal? What causes a reaction?
completion may 22, 2022 Shame, sadness, and fear crept into this research and as a researcher, I had to confront my emotions throughout the research process, continually checking in, reflecting, engaging in my connection with my research, the feelings shared with me, and pursued to write in a way that was grounded in these experiences and thoughts. Along with these feelings, I also experienced moments of joy and happiness- specifically when connecting with research participants, listening to transcripts, diving into analysis, it often would feel invigorating to have the opportunity to continually hold this connection - in a one way dialogue temporally changing and shifting in its context. I find myself struck by the beautiful nature of women.
Physical and Symbolic Containment: The Bra's Dual Role
While experiences with bras vary, their significance in containment culture is undeniable. Bras act as both physical and symbolic containers for women's breasts, shaping our bodies and the cultural meanings associated with femininity, sexuality, and bodily autonomy.
Physical Containment: Shaping the Body
Bras physically control women's breasts, lifting, separating, and molding them into a standardized form that often aligns with dominant beauty ideals. This physical shaping can have both positive and negative consequences.
Some women appreciate the support and shaping that bras provide. One woman in my study stated, "I like how bras make me look more 'put together' and give me a smoother silhouette." However, others find them uncomfortable and restrictive. Participants described feeling constantly aware of bras as "foreign objects" on their bodies, and expressed frustration with how they "squish and reshape" their breasts.
chafing jan 7, 2020 I feel most comfortable when my body is most fluid. While leaking, I prefer maximum comfort.
The research conducted revealed a spectrum of experiences, from mild discomfort to significant pain. This variation highlights how bras affect different bodies differently, influenced by factors like breast size, body type, individual sensitivity, and even activity level. For example, while Harper enjoyed the freedom of going braless, Riley, who has larger breasts, preferred the support of a bra, particularly during exercise.
The Politics of Discomfort
The discomfort many women experience with bras aligns with feminist critiques of bodily control and the disciplinary nature of women's clothing. Scholars like Iris Marion Young argue that clothing, especially undergarments, can function as tools of bodily discipline, shaping women's bodies into culturally accepted forms and restricting their movement2. This discomfort, then, reflects the broader societal pressure on women’s to conform to idealized standards of beauty and femininity.
Participants in my study described feeling constricted, poked, and even pained by their bras. These experiences echo Young's concept of 'bodily comportment,' where our bodies are trained to move and occupy space in socially acceptable ways. The discomfort caused by bras can be seen as a form of resistance against this discipline, as women's bodies rebel against imposed constraints.
Is that where they are supposed to be? Oct 12, 2019 Drove across Ontario today Meal in my bra (black lulu lemon sports bra) when taking it off at 9:30 PM. Contents: food (crumbs), feather from vest
Michel Foucault's theory of power and discipline sheds light on how this discomfort can also be a form of self-discipline3. Women internalize societal expectations about breast shape and size, feeling compelled to wear bras even when they cause physical discomfort.
By connecting women's experiences of bra discomfort to feminist theories of bodily control and discipline, we expose the broader social and cultural forces at play. The bra, as a tool of containment culture, shapes not only women's bodies but also our sense of self and our relationship to our own bodies.
The Bra Industry and Reinforcement of Norms
The bra industry, through its marketing practices and limited sizing options, actively reinforces cultural norms and expectations around breasts and femininity. Advertisements often feature models with idealized breast shapes, promoting the idea that bras are essential for achieving a socially desirable appearance. This reinforces a narrow definition of beauty and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and shame for those whose bodies don't conform to these standards.
Limited sizing options further exclude those whose bodies don't fit within the industry's narrow range. This can be particularly frustrating for women with larger breasts or non-standard body types, who may struggle to find bras that fit properly and are comfortable. This exclusion perpetuates feelings of inadequacy and reinforces the message that certain bodies are not "normal" or desirable.
The bra industry doesn't operate in a vacuum; it reflects and reinforces broader societal norms and expectations around women's bodies. The research participants expressed a keen awareness of these expectations, often feeling pressured to wear bras even when they found them uncomfortable or unnecessary. For example, Alex shared, "Whenever I'm around Bill's friends with his guy friends, I always wear a bra... I guess I don't want to make it awkward." This demonstrates how women often internalize these expectations, feeling obligated to wear bras even in casual social settings. It also illustrates the internalization of heteronormative ideals, where women's bodies are expected to be presented in a way that is deemed attractive and appropriate for male consumption.
Similarly, Jessica's discomfort after removing her bra in a public restroom highlights the internalized policing of women's bodies. Women are often made to feel uncomfortable or ashamed for not conforming to societal expectations around breast appearance and containment. This internalized policing can lead to anxiety and self-consciousness, even in private spaces.
Feminist scholars like Minh-Ha T. Pham have critiqued the fashion industry for its role in perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and excluding marginalized bodies (Pham, 2015)4. Pham argues that the fashion industry's focus on profit and trendiness often comes at the expense of inclusivity and diversity. This critique applies to the bra industry as well, which prioritizes profit and idealized body shapes over the comfort and needs of all bodies.
Participants revealed that they struggle to find bras that fit properly, particularly those with larger breasts or non-standard body types. One participant shared, "It's so frustrating trying to find a bra that fits my larger breasts without feeling like I'm wearing a straightjacket." Another woman expressed her disappointment with the lack of options for smaller band sizes and larger cup sizes. These experiences highlight the industry's focus on idealized body shapes and its failure to cater to the diversity of bodies.
This lack of inclusivity can have a negative impact on our self-esteem and body image. Feeling unable to find a bra that fits properly can lead to feelings of inadequacy and shame. This is particularly concerning for younger bodies who are still developing their body image.
It is important to challenge the narrow beauty standards and expectations that are reinforced by the bra industry. We need to create a more inclusive and diverse range of bras that cater to the needs of all women. We also need to challenge the societal expectations that pressure women to wear bras, even when they are uncomfortable or unnecessary. By doing so, we can help to create a world where women are free to express themselves and our bodies in whatever way we feel comfortable.
hard crusties september 19, 2020 the grief to intimacy ratio is way off
Symbolic Containment: Shaping Perceptions
"The bra is not simply an undergarment; it is a cultural artifact that reflects and shapes women's lives." (Farrell-Beck & Gau, 2001)5 This quote encapsulates the essence of the bra's symbolic power. It is not merely a piece of clothing; it carries a weight of cultural meanings that extend far beyond its functional purpose.
These meanings are not accidental or individually determined. They are actively reinforced and perpetuated by the bra industry, which, through its marketing and limited sizing, shapes women's expectations and experiences. Advertisements often equate bras with femininity, modesty, and sexual allure, subtly conveying the message that breasts are primarily sexual objects that need to be controlled and contained.
This message is internalized by many women, leading to feelings of self-consciousness and anxiety when going braless. Participants frequently expressed feeling "exposed" or "vulnerable" without a bra, even in casual settings. Nicole felt she needed a bra to be taken seriously at work, while others feared judgment or unwanted attention. Quinn's fear of being stared at or commented on when braless highlights the internalization of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to norms of modesty and femininity.
Feminist scholars like Susan Bordo have analyzed the ways in which women's bodies are objectified and sexualized in media and popular culture (Bordo, 1993)6. Bordo argues that the emphasis on women's appearance and the constant scrutiny of their bodies contribute to a culture of self-surveillance and self-objectification. The bra, as a symbol of both femininity and sexualization, plays a key role in this process. drawing on Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity7, the bra can be seen as a performative act that reinforces socially constructed notions of femininity. It is not a natural or inherent aspect of womanhood but a learned behavior that is repeated and reinforced through social norms.
In essence, the bra acts as a tool of symbolic containment, shaping not only how women's breasts are perceived but also how we perceive ourselves. It reinforces the idea that breasts are objects to be controlled and contained, contributing to feelings of vulnerability and self-consciousness when these expectations are not met. This symbolic power of the bra highlights its role in perpetuating broader systems of gender inequality and control.
Janet Jackson @ the 2004 Superbowl aug 3, 2019 3 years ago. You were motivated but angry. But where has your anger been outletted into? I remember enjoying myself. Feeling free. Feeling safe. Feeling whole and complete in myself. I remember before going out that evening, the news broke of “grab her by the pussy”—he was watching the news intensely and applauded. I think I brushed it off, not believing Trump could possibly be a reality. It seemed like a ridiculous notion. Politics were not really on my mind. I didn't have to care. I thought feminism was girl bossing.
The Gaze and the Bra
As discussed earlier, bras carry potent cultural meanings associated with femininity, modesty, and sexual allure. These meanings are not neutral; they reflect and reinforce societal expectations about how we should present our bodies. The pressure to conform to these expectations can lead to feelings of vulnerability and self-consciousness, particularly when we deviate from the norm by going braless.
Within the research conducted, participants stories vividly illustrate these emotional complexities. Quinn expressed a fear of judgment and unwanted attention when going braless, stating, "I definitely feel more self-conscious when I'm not wearing a bra, especially in public or around men. I worry about people staring or making comments." This fear is rooted in the internalization of the male gaze, which objectifies and sexualizes women's bodies. The absence of a bra, a garment traditionally associated with modesty and containment, can be perceived as an invitation for unwanted attention or scrutiny.
Avery's experience further highlights the internal conflict many women face when navigating the tension between personal comfort and societal expectations. She described loving the feeling of not wearing a bra but also feeling self-conscious and worried about drawing unwanted attention. This conflict reflects the internalization of conflicting messages: on one hand, we are encouraged to embrace our bodies and prioritize comfort; on the other hand, we are expected to conform to norms of modesty and femininity, often at the expense of our own comfort.
on embodiment nov 18, 2022 Last saturday/sunday had sex - first time in several years truly felt desired by someone - intimate in a very exciting way. constantly proclaiming how perfect my breasts were. Would just stare and smile. Was shocked by piercings but really excited “oh thats a surprise”
These findings align with feminist critiques of heteronormativity, which posits a rigid binary of male and female genders and prioritizes heterosexual relationships. Within this framework, women's bodies are often viewed as objects of male desire, and our appearance is subject to constant scrutiny and evaluation. The male gaze, as theorized by Laura Mulvey8, is the act of depicting the world and women from a masculine, heterosexual perspective, which positions women as objects of visual pleasure and consumption. This gaze can lead women to internalize societal expectations about our appearance and constantly monitor our bodies for signs of imperfection or deviation from the norm.
The male gaze can contribute to a culture of self-objectification, where women internalize the male perspective and judge our own bodies based on how we think we will be perceived by men. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and shame, particularly when women do not conform to idealized beauty standards. Going braless can be seen as a challenge to the male gaze, a refusal to conform to the objectification of women's bodies. This act of defiance can be empowering, but it can also trigger feelings of vulnerability and self-consciousness due to the potential for judgment and scrutiny.
Ultimately, the bra serves as a tool of containment culture, not only shaping how our breasts are perceived but also influencing our own sense of self and bodily autonomy. By exploring these emotional complexities, we gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which societal expectations and the male gaze contribute to our experiences of vulnerability and self-consciousness, reinforcing the argument that the bra is a powerful instrument of containment culture.
The Paradox of Support
The bra, as a symbol of both femininity and sexualization, plays a crucial role in upholding heteronormative ideals and catering to the male gaze. It not only physically shapes breasts into a socially acceptable form but also reinforces the idea that they are objects to be looked at and evaluated.
This is evident in the way bras are marketed, often emphasizing their ability to enhance cleavage or create a more "attractive" silhouette. The pressure to conform to these expectations can be immense, leading us to wear bras even when we find uncomfortable or restrictive.
Going braless, then, can be perceived as a challenge to this objectification, a refusal to conform to the male gaze. However, this act of defiance can also trigger feelings of vulnerability and self-consciousness, as we anticipate the potential judgment and scrutiny that may follow.
Thus, the bra serves as a tool of symbolic containment, not only shaping how our breasts are perceived but also influencing our own sense of self and bodily autonomy. By exploring these emotional complexities, we gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which societal expectations and the male gaze contribute to our experiences of vulnerability and self-consciousness, reinforcing the argument that the bra is a powerful instrument of containment culture.
Race, Containment, and White Supremacy
The concept of containment takes on an even more complex dimension when we consider the intersection of race and gender. As Sutton points out, the racialized legacies of colonialism have shaped the way our nakedness is viewed and objectified.9 Breasts, in particular, have been constructed as sexual objects, and their significance in governance discourse is revealing. They are often discussed objectively, disembodied from the women themselves, and treated as objects of control rather than belonging to the individual. This objectification serves to reinforce white patriarchal power and control over women's bodies and sexuality.
Federici (2004) demonstrates how the control of women's bodies under capitalism is often intertwined with other forms of oppression, such as racism and classism.10 This intersectional analysis is crucial for understanding how the bra, as a tool of containment, disproportionately affects women of color and those with non-normative body types, who are often excluded from dominant beauty standards and face limited options for comfortable and affirming undergarments.
Clothing the body can be viewed ideologically as a tool of colonialism used to implement discipline and order. Colonialism was effective at producing and enforcing racial and cultural difference through the body and dress. Breasts that are exposed are often seen as uncivilized and non-sexual through the racist colonial project. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, bras were often imposed on women of color as a tool of assimilation and "civilization." Missionaries and colonizers saw breasts as "savage" or "uncivilized" and enforced bra-wearing as a way to control and suppress our bodies. World Fairs became a site to gaze upon nudity that was non-sexual but instead exotic and "other," reinforcing the ideology within the West of how civilized or white women's bodies should be presented.
The modern bra industry has a history of appropriating designs and practices from cultures where breast coverings were already common, erasing their original meanings and marketing them as Western inventions. This further reinforces the idea that Western standards of beauty and femininity are superior. Women of color often face limited options in bra styles and sizes, as the industry primarily caters to white women's body types. This can lead to discomfort, physical pain, and feelings of exclusion. Black women, in particular, are often hypersexualized and stereotyped as having large breasts. This can lead to unwanted attention, harassment, and pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
Containing breasts and our bodies has long been a colonial and racist practice that is situated in the West. This dichotomy can be viewed as the bra being a gender-based colonial tool to tame us into the national image of civilized and proper femininity (that serves men). Patricia Hill Collins' explanation of the "controlling images" of Black women argues that the imposition of Western beauty standards, including bra-wearing, serves to control and suppress Black women's bodies and reinforce white supremacist ideals11. The bra, in this context, becomes a symbol of white supremacy and its attempts to control and regulate our bodies and sexuality.
The western notion of “civility”, the adherence to social norms and expectations, becomes a tool for maintaining this precarious balance. We are expected to perform civility through our appearance, behavior, and even our emotions. This performance helps to uphold the cultural constructions that define our understanding of gender, sexuality, and the body. But these boundaries are fluid, shifting like sand dunes in the wind. What's considered "normal" or "appropriate" varies across cultures, contexts, and individual experiences. The very act of questioning these norms becomes an act of resistance, a way to break free from the confines of containment.
While the historical context is crucial for understanding the roots of containment culture, it's equally important to examine how these forces manifest in our everyday lives. Neoliberalism reduces the political to the personal but feminism asks vice versa. There is power in this. What are we already filled up with? What are expected to contain? Feeling like there is limited capacity for our own space. Suppression, oppression, suffocating.
boundaries and adjustments may 29, 2020 subjectivity impaled
From Abjection to Agency: Reclaiming the Uncontained Body
Abjection, a term used to describe experiences of being cast out or rejected from society, takes on a particular significance when applied to women's bodies. When our bodies do not conform to patriarchal ideals, they are often viewed as abject, or as something that is dirty, disgusting, or shameful. This can lead to feelings of shame, self-consciousness, and even disgust towards one's own body.
However, abjection can also be a powerful tool for understanding the shifting boundaries of containment and control. By embracing the messy, unruly, and often taboo aspects of our existence, we challenge the boundaries that seek to contain us, opening up new possibilities for self-expression and liberation.
Theorizing Abjection
The concept of abjection, as theorized by Julia Kristeva12, offers a powerful lens for understanding the experiences of bodies that don't conform to societal norms. Abjection refers to that which is cast out, marginalized, or deemed repulsive by dominant culture. It's the messy, leaky, unruly aspects of our bodies and selves that threaten the neat categories society tries to impose.
Recognizing the slippery nature of abjection, I argue that thinking through abjection can be a way of relating. When we think of what it is like to be abject and recognize the boundaries supporting our contained culture, we can begin to dismantle them. The concept of abjection, while often seen as individual and isolating, is actually something we share. It's a universal experience, shaped by the social constructs that dictate what's considered normal or acceptable. The constant pressure to fit within these norms can be exhausting, especially when we're made hyper-aware of our bodies or identities.
The way we're seen by others, the "gaze" we're subjected to, plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences of containment and abjection. As Althusser13 suggests, we're constantly being "hailed" by societal forces, positioned as subjects or objects within a larger system of power relations. This gaze, often gendered and racialized, can reinforce feelings of abjection and exclusion.
Judith Butler's work further illuminates this dynamic, highlighting the interdependence of the self and the other.14 Our sense of identity is shaped by what we're not, by the boundaries that separate us from those deemed different or Other. But what happens when these boundaries become fluid? When we embrace a more complex, nuanced understanding of ourselves and others, we can challenge the rigid categories that define what's considered "normal."
The way we experience abjection is also influenced by context. The gaze of others, the space we're in, and the power dynamics at play all shape how we respond to feeling out of place. Recognizing this fluidity is crucial, as it allows us to challenge the rigid boundaries that define what's considered "normal."
By acknowledging and embracing abjection, we can begin to dismantle the systems of containment that seek to control us. This process of reclaiming the uncontained body is not about defying all social norms, but about challenging the harmful ones that limit our self-expression and agency.
Abjection is not simply a negative experience, but a complex and multifaceted one. By understanding the ways in which abjection shapes our experiences, we can begin to challenge the boundaries that seek to contain us and reclaim our agency. This process of reclaiming the uncontained body is an ongoing journey, but one that is essential for achieving true liberation.
Women's Bodies and the Abject
Integration March 18, 2024 "Transform yourself to transform the world" ---Grace Lee Boggs
Bodies are both containers and canvases, marked by societal norms and transformed by our experiences. We adorn ourselves with clothing, shaping our forms and signaling our identities. Even the seemingly mundane act of wearing a bra becomes a performance, creating boundaries and defining what's acceptable.
The woman's body, in particular, carries the weight of centuries of cultural expectations. It's been viewed as a vessel for reproduction, a source of both life and sin. This duality is reflected in the way society polices our bodies, demanding both fertility and modesty. Pregnancy and childbirth are seen as sacred, yet the feminine body is often shamed and objectified.
What do you think my brain is made for? Is it just a container for the mind? This great grey matter Sensei replied, "What is your woman? Is she just a container for the child?" That soft pink matter
Adding another layer of complexity, women's bodies, and particularly breasts, are often subject to the relentless scrutiny of the male gaze and the objectification that accompanies it. They are constantly evaluated against cultural ideals of beauty, size, and shape. When breasts don't conform to these ideals – whether they're too large, too small, asymmetrical, or simply not "perky" enough – they can become sites of abjection—that which is cast out, marginalized, or deemed repulsive by dominant culture.
This objectification and scrutiny can lead to a cascade of negative emotions: shame, self-consciousness, and even disgust towards one's own body. Women may internalize these messages, feeling inadequate or not belonging. The women interviewed echoed these sentiments, describing feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, and even self-hatred related to their breast size or shape.
The concept of abjection is particularly relevant to understanding women's experiences. Often associated with the feminine, the abject represents the messy, leaky, unruly aspects of our bodies that threaten the neat categories society tries to impose. Religion and horror films often reinforce this association, portraying the female body as monstrous or threatening.
Women's experiences of abjection are further complicated by the dichotomy between immanence (the physical body) and transcendence (the desire for autonomy and self-definition). This struggle to balance the demands of the body with the desire for self-expression can be a source of internal conflict.
Feelings of abjection can reinforce the containers we find ourselves in, producing a feedback loop. We may find ourselves reproducing relations out of fear. Placation? Unconsciousness? There is a need to transcend and fight from such confinement, to separate, to define oneself from and within ambiguity. This requires an awareness of the container, the boundaries we have imposed or self inflicted.
Facing the horror, the fear, the object, the other, we can begin to recognize the complexities and contradictions of our existence. The shadows and the darkness, we learn of our polarity and begin to recognize the non-dual paradoxical relationships where we exist in multitudes. Developing this as part of our understanding, beginning to recognize the abject is valuable in defining ourselves in space and time. By acknowledging the abject, we can reclaim our bodies and redefine ourselves on our own terms. This process of self-definition is not about conforming to new ideals, but about embracing the full spectrum of our embodied experiences, including the messy, the unruly, and the abject.
The Confines of Fit: Navigating the Tension
Flesh, femininity, and feelings are embodied through underwear as a gender-affirming object. It's a morning ritual, a homecoming release. Yet, we're often pressured to wear these gendered garments to "fit in." Where do we truly feel comfortable and accepted?
Embracing fluidity means rejecting the idea of fitting neatly into predefined boxes. Fit is dynamic, fluid, transforming, ever-changing. Our identities are not static but fluid and dynamic, constantly evolving and shifting. This fluidity allows us to move beyond the limitations of containment culture and explore the full spectrum of our being.
The concept of 'fit,' both physical and social, becomes a battleground. It's not just about physical comfort; it's about conforming to societal expectations. While conforming can offer a sense of belonging, it can also lead to complacency and disconnection from our authentic selves. 'Misfitting' can be uncomfortable, even painful, yet it opens up new possibilities for self-expression and resistance.
This tension is particularly evident for women's bodies, subjected to rigid beauty and behavior standards. The fluidity and changeability of bodies, especially breasts, can be perceived as threatening to these norms, challenging the containers society tries to confine us in.
The seemingly comfortable 'fit' of conformity comes with hidden costs. It can breed complacency, desensitizing us to our experiences. Sometimes, a fit is so good it fades into the background, becoming automatic. But true transformation requires consciousness, a deliberate act of bringing hidden truths to light. By questioning the norms we've passively accepted, we embrace transgressive feminist thinking, recognizing the radical potential within our bodies.
Imagine a primordial soup, a cauldron bubbling with possibilities. Through feminist thought, we stir this cauldron, alchemizing our experiences and reshaping our realities. This process isn't neat or contained; it's a porous soup, constantly seeping, leaking, and infiltrating the boundaries that seek to confine us.
What emerges from this porous container? Ideas, emotions, and desires that challenge the dominant narrative. This is where true transformation begins, as we question containment culture and dare to imagine a world where our bodies and identities flow freely.
Uncontained Experiences: Bralessness and Beyond
Based on the results of interviews conducted, I found a disconnect between perceptions of bralessness and the actual experiences of women who choose to go braless. The decision often involved weighing personal comfort against social expectations. Avery captured this dilemma, stating, "I love the feeling of not wearing a bra, but I also don't want to feel self-conscious or draw unwanted attention."
This tension between comfort and conformity was a recurring theme. Jessica described feeling "really weird" after removing her bra in a public restroom, highlighting the internalized discomfort of deviating from the norm. Yet, she also noted feeling fine once situated, suggesting that discomfort can be situational and may lessen over time.
These findings raise questions about the resistant body: How is it adorned, presented, and utilized? How do we navigate the complexities of comfort, self-expression, and societal expectations?
Queering Containment: Embracing Fluidity
Does it flow? Does it feel viscous? Like pouring out? A spill? An explosion? What do we want to ooze? Allow to seep out? What does it feel like? A wave? Like motion? Is it fluid? Does it creep? Infest? Challenge? I want to be challenged. A mixing. Back and forth. Stirring the primordial soup. Back and forth. What does it look like to adopt a more fluid identity, to resist these restrictions?
Queer theory offers a powerful lens for understanding how containment culture harms us. It challenges the rigid binaries of gender and sexuality, opening up possibilities for more fluid and inclusive ways of being.
The concept of "queering" allows us to challenge and disrupt traditional notions of containment. It involves questioning the rigid categories and boundaries imposed upon us by society, including those related to gender, sexuality, and embodiment. By queering containment, we can dismantle the structures that seek to control and define us, opening up new possibilities for self-expression and liberation.
The Discomfort of (Mis)fitting: When Containment Becomes Confinement
Building upon critiques of containment culture, disability studies scholars highlight how this culture further marginalizes bodies that don't conform to ableist ideals. Garland-Thomson15, for instance, examines "misfitting" as a fundamental aspect of human embodiment, advocating for the recognition of dependence and vulnerability. This perspective reveals how societal norms of "normalcy" can be exclusionary and disabling.
The discomfort of misfitting extends beyond physical discomfort; it encompasses the emotional and psychological distress caused by feeling like one's body is out of place. This discomfort is not simply a personal problem; it reflects the broader societal pressure to conform to narrow ideals of beauty, ability, and behavior.
Embracing misfitting can be a radical act of self-love and defiance. It means refusing to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and celebrating the unique beauty of one's own body. It also means challenging the idea that our worth is determined by our appearance and asserting our right to bodily autonomy and self-expression.
Acts of Resistance
As discussed, the bra symbolizes containment culture, reinforcing societal expectations around femininity and appearance. However, going braless can be a powerful form of resistance against these restrictive norms. It allows us to reclaim bodily autonomy, challenge the male gaze, and express our authentic selves.
Participants stories highlighted bralessness's empowering potential. Skylar defied societal expectations, stating, "I'm not going to wear a bra just because society tells me I should. It's my body." This reflects a refusal to conform and a prioritization of personal comfort and autonomy.
Similarly, Nicole embraced bralessness to reclaim her body and challenge the discomfort of bras. She described them as "so annoying" and expressed a desire to simply "do the damn thing" without constraints. This sentiment rejects the notion that we must sacrifice comfort to fit a prescribed mold.
there is no one size fits all may 23, 2021 closet purge: holding onto some bras that don’t serve me or represent who I am right now
The experience of bralessness also varies. Some feel liberation and empowerment, while others experience self-consciousness or vulnerability. This highlights the complex interplay of individual preferences, social context, and internalized norms. Drawing on bell hooks' concept of "self-love"16 and Audre Lorde's idea of "self-definition,"17 I argue that acts like bralessness can be acts of self-love and self-definition, allowing us to reject societal expectations and embrace our bodies on our own terms.
Uncontained and Unafraid: Bralessness as Resistance
Sometimes, we get used to being abject.
The feeling of abjection can become a cyclical trap, reinforcing the need for containment. Yet, within this tension lies the potential for resistance. By recognizing the boundaries that confine us, we can challenge them, pushing back against norms that seek to control our bodies.
Abjection, though often a source of shame, can also be a catalyst for empowerment. By recognizing its universality and challenging the rigid boundaries of "normal" bodies, we can reclaim our bodies as sites of agency, self-love, and resistance.
Alterity, the encounter with the Other, offers a radical departure from abjection. It's a space where difference is celebrated, boundaries dissolve, and new possibilities emerge. This encounter can be unsettling, as it challenges our assumptions, but it also holds transformative potential. Engaging with the Other shifts our perspectives, allowing us to envision a world beyond containment culture, where diverse bodies and identities are embraced.
Rather than a negative state, abjection can be a way of relating to others. By acknowledging our shared experiences of feeling out of place, we build empathy and solidarity. This is crucial for understanding containment culture. Recognizing the boundaries that uphold these norms allows us to question them.
This shift in perspective reveals how containment and restriction shape our experiences of fit and belonging. It exposes power dynamics and invites us to challenge norms that control our bodies and selves. Ultimately, it's about recognizing our power to reshape the containers we inhabit.
Bodily control is often equated with power—the ability to conform to societal expectations. But what if we challenge this? What if we view the body as a porous entity, constantly interacting with its environment? This allows us to explore the fluidity of identity and experience, questioning norms that dictate how our bodies should be. By queering containment, we challenge the notion of a "proper" fit.
This highlights how societal expectations shape our experiences. When we don't fit within these norms, we can feel "out of place," even "out of order." This discomfort can be a catalyst for transformation. As Cover (2003)18 argues, societal expectations demand predictable performances. Deviating from these scripts creates disruption, opening up possibilities for resistance and change.
Universality of Abjection: Mind Over Matter is Magic
“Mind over matter is magic. I do magic”
Abjection is a universal experience, a container that we share. The experience of feeling out of place or not quite "normal," is a universal human experience. However, women's bodies are particularly vulnerable to abjection due to the intense cultural focus on appearance and the narrow standards of beauty imposed upon them.
Navigating the judgmental gaze and feeling "out of place" can be exhausting, yet it reveals the fluid and performative nature of abjection. The same "deviant" body can evoke different reactions depending on the audience and setting, highlighting the fragility of bodily norms. This interplay of bodies, spaces, and gazes blurs the lines between subject and object, challenging our understanding of self and other. The experience of abjection is deeply intertwined with its specific context.
Recognizing abjection's universality is a powerful tool for resistance. By understanding that these feelings result from oppressive cultural norms, not individual failings, we can challenge the rigid boundaries of what's considered "acceptable" or "desirable."
This means rejecting the idea of a single, ideal body type and embracing the diversity of bodies and experiences. It also means challenging the male gaze and the objectification of women's bodies, demanding that we be seen as more than just objects of sexual desire.
The Body as a Site of Resistance
Certain spaces demand the containment of breasts. What do these spaces deem needing containment? What information do they convey? Wearing a bra, creating a boundary between spaces, is a form of bodily regulation. Yet, breasts carry a multitude of meanings depending on the context. The bra, as a tool of containment, maintains a social order where bralessness becomes disruptive, defying expectations.
How is the bra perceived, and by whom? Going braless heightens awareness of spatial norms, yet we each interpret these differently as we navigate our sense of self. What if we encountered truly neutral spaces, free from these power dynamics? How would our perceptions and experiences change? Even the simple act of wearing or not wearing a bra carries significant meaning, shaping how we navigate public spaces and perceive our bodies.
Our bodies, often targets of containment, also become sites of resistance. Through everyday acts and broader social movements, we can challenge the norms that seek to define and control us.
Choosing to go braless is a seemingly simple yet potent act of defiance against containment culture. It challenges the expectation that we must conform to societal norms of modesty and femininity, often dictated by the male gaze. Research participants described feeling liberated and empowered when going braless, reclaiming their bodies on their own terms. However, they also acknowledged the social stigma and discomfort that can accompany this choice, highlighting the tension between personal freedom and societal expectations.
Clothing choices become a canvas for self-expression and resistance. We are increasingly embracing diverse styles that challenge traditional beauty standards and gender norms. These choices celebrate individuality and reject the idea that bodies must conform to a specific form.
The body positivity movement plays a crucial role in this resistance. It encourages us to embrace our bodies regardless of size, shape, or appearance, challenging narrow beauty ideals and promoting self-love and acceptance.
epistemological breakdowns january 9, 2021 Thinking about my readers, perfection is not my goal. Completeness is. This is not my lifes works, this is only the beginning. i am here to fail. i am not afraid of failing. i will fail and i will do so with grace and continue on determined and devoted. i am resting and trusting my process and the universe. i am exactly where i need to be. Thank you to [insert name of institution here] for teaching me my worth and how I don't want to be treated
Navigating the Tension
We constantly navigate the tension between societal expectations and personal comfort. The decision to conform or resist is often influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including individual preferences, cultural background, and social context. This tension was present with participants, describing the internal struggle between wanting to feel comfortable and accepted, and the desire to express their authentic selves.
The body as a "porous container" aligns with the idea of resistance. It suggests that our bodies are not fixed or static, but rather fluid and dynamic entities that interact with the world around us. This fluidity allows for resistance, as we can challenge the boundaries imposed upon them and create new possibilities for self-expression. The fluidity of identity resonates with the idea that our experiences are diverse and multifaceted. There's no single way to be, and resisting containment often involves embracing this diversity and challenging the rigid categories that seek to define us.
What does it look like to resist the restrictions of containment culture?
Recognizing the illusory nature of boundaries: Boundaries are often constructed and reinforced by societal norms and expectations. Recognizing this allows us to question their validity and challenge their limitations.
Embracing the fluidity of our bodies and identities: Our bodies and identities are not fixed entities. We are constantly evolving and changing, shaped by our experiences and interactions with the world around us. Embracing this fluidity allows us to resist the pressure to conform to rigid categories and definitions.
Challenging the norms that dictate how we should look, feel, and behave: Society often dictates what is considered "normal" or "acceptable" for our bodies. Challenging these norms allows us to reclaim our agency and express ourselves authentically.
This process isn't always easy. It can be messy, uncomfortable, even frightening. But it's also liberating. By breaking free from the confines of societal expectations, we open up new possibilities for self-expression, connection, and joy.
By rejecting binaries and embracing fluidity, we can experience greater freedom and self-expression. We are no longer bound by the expectations and limitations imposed by traditional norms. Instead, we can create our own definitions of what it means to be human, celebrating our unique experiences and identities.
Breaking Free: Embracing Fluidity and Redefining the Boundaries of Self
This essay has illuminated the pervasive influence of containment culture on our embodied experiences, focusing on the bra as a tool of both control and resistance. Through exploring physical and symbolic containment, cultural meanings, and the role of the bra industry, we've seen how societal norms shape our relationships with our bodies.
Crucially, our bodies are not passive recipients of these forces. They are also sites of resistance and agency. Practices like bralessness, intentional clothing choices, and body positivity challenge the narrow standards that seek to confine us. Queering containment offers a powerful framework for resisting these oppressive forces and embracing fluidity, rejecting binaries, and celebrating diverse identities and experiences can lead to greater freedom, self-expression, and empowerment and by recognizing abjection's universality and challenging rigid boundaries, we can reclaim our bodies and identities on our own terms.
Ultimately, the bra is more than just a garment; it's a symbol of the intricate relationship between culture, power, and the body. By understanding the bra as a tool of containment, we can begin dismantling the oppressive structures that limit our freedom. Through resistance, resilience, and the embrace of fluidity, we can reclaim our bodies and create a world where all bodies are celebrated and affirmed.
The Container Spell: A Ritual for Releasing Limiting Beliefs
Gather:
A small box or container
A piece of paper
A pen
A candle
A lighter or matches
A quiet space where you won't be interrupted
Instructions:
Light the candle and sit comfortably in your quiet space.
Take a few deep breaths and focus on your intention for this spell.
On the piece of paper, write down all the limiting beliefs, expectations, and societal pressures that feel like containers holding you back.
Fold the paper and place it inside the container.
Close your eyes and visualize the container filled with light.
Chant the following words:
"I release these containers, I break free from their hold. I claim my power and my freedom, My authentic self unfolds."
Repeat the chant as many times as you feel necessary.
When you feel ready, take the container outside and bury it in the ground.
As you bury the container, visualize the limiting beliefs and expectations being released and dissolving into the earth.
Blow out the candle and take a few deep breaths to ground yourself.
Remember: This spell is a symbolic act of releasing the containers that hold you back. The real magic happens within you, as you choose to embrace your authentic self and live a life filled with freedom and possibility.
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