THE SKIN YOU’RE IN

Marvel’s new She-Hulk is far from size zero. Could speaking out against stereotypes make the actress who plays her a real life hero? asks Steve Murphy.

We’re quick to slam the media for pedalling potentially ‘toxic’ stereotypes of zero size women and gym toned men as being the body types that we should all conform and aspire to.

But why do we still look at someone differently depending on their body? Should we be even thinking about their shape and size? Absolutely not says Tatiana Maslany, star of Marvel Studio’s recent streaming sensation ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’.

“I do think we are thirsty for women’s bodies that don’t conform to an idealised feminine image” says the 36 year old, who plays Jennifer Walters, a single, thirty-something whose life is turned upside down when she gains incredible abilities.

Tatiana Maslany

Her biggest challenge comes when she’s forced to navigate the complicated life of a huge green super powered hulk.

Maslany told people.com that how people see Jennifer is a major part of the character’s story.

“What I love about She-Hulk is that she represents a different body and a different perception from the outside. That to me is an exciting conversation that can happen around this, like, how do we look at someone differently depending on the body that they inhabit?”

For Maslany, She-Hulk, presents a very different, body type compared to other Marvel movie superheroes.

I think that there’s a cultural obsession with the certain physique that goes along with these movies sometimes.

Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk, now streaming on Disney+

You’ll like her when she’s angry. Tatiana Maslany stars as Jennifer Walters whose life turns upside down when she gains incredible abilities.

“I think that there’s a cultural obsession with the certain physique that goes along with these movies sometimes. I certainly fell prey to that idea, and I don’t think it’s a thing that we should be pursuing ’cause it’s just these weird standards that none of us can actually keep up with unless we’re going to the gym 1,000 times a week.”

Maslany has touched upon issues such as this before; in fact, she has a track record speaking out against body shaming, telling Elle magazine“... we’re afraid of bodies. They hold a lot of power – I think that’s why people can try to shame them so easily, because they are so powerful.”

She says she will “never, never understand why people think it’s their business to comment on other people’s bodies,” adding, “talking about other people’s bodies is completely unnecessary – a body is just a body.”

HELP: Body image is how we think and feel about ourselves physically. Young Minds website offers ways to find help for you or a friend.

MY SON WANTS A SIX PACK

Young men are struggling with how they feel about their bodies, says a study by the Mental Health Foundation. Researchers found three in 10 under 18s had suffered anxiety because of body image issues.

So, should you worry if your young son demands protein shakes for breakfast and a junior gym membership? Not necessarily says Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Ashish Kumar.

“If boys are eating well and exercising to become healthier, that’s a good thing. There may also be a body image element – we’ve all been through the stage of being unhappy with our looks and wanting to be like someone we admired. But unless it becomes obsessive, reassure them, and help them take the steps to improving whatever it is they don’t like. It could be to change their hairstyle, improve their skin, eat a healthier diet, or follow a healthy exercise regime or a sport.”

The danger may come if the problem escalates in someone’s mind, says Dr Kumar. “If they’re unhappy with different things each month it’ll usually pass, but if they’re so obsessed with one aspect of their body that it stops them seeing friends or it affects their education, or if they’re spending hours each day trying to mask or change it, they may need help from you or someone else they trust.

“Teachers can offer support, but your child may feel more secure talking to pastoral care staff, school nurses, school counsellor or learning mentors. If that person is concerned it might be time to seek professional help.”

• Find out more at nhs.uk

Source: mentalhealthfoundation.org

Extractions from interviews with people.com, Entertainment Tonight and Elle magazine.

Pictures courtesy of Marvel Studios’ She-Hulk: Attorney At Law’, available exclusively on Disney+. @2022 MARVEL.