Here for it

 Here for it

R. Eric Thomas presents body confidence through the relatability of fitness struggles and body changes. In “Eggquity”, Thomas presents his disconnect from the human body from a young age. He saw a classmate split his head open in gym class and thought that the situation was life or death because the child got sent home for the day. Here the reader is supposed to laugh at Thomas’ childlike conception of emergency and injury, however, it also serves to normalize the fact that children and adults alike do not understand the human body and that this is ok. His joke about this incident being a sign not to workout is funny because it is relatable. In the US it is a part of our culture to over obsess ourselves with fitness to the point of eating disorders. Thomas proves that this obsession with fitness is not normal and that regular bodies should be accepted. In this essay, Thomas points out how he differs from other authors of his time that believe that their mind and work is dependent on their physical state. This joke is poking fun at the side of society that exaggerates the importance of fitness. Thomas mentions this as a social commentary about people who base their self-worth on basic fitness. The message Thomas is conveying is that nobody actually lives up to healthy fitness standards and that you should be confident in your body no matter what. This relationship between mind and body is further explored in “Here for it” when Thomas repeatedly mentions his single ab that he showed off at the pride parade. Abs are glorified in society as a symbol of health and restraint. Thomas is not bragging about his flat stomach here, he is pointing out that at the time he was generally healthy so he had some definition in his stomach, but was nowhere near the praised six-pack. Thomas is showing pride for a body type that is less than perfect. This sets an example to the reader on how to consider your body with pride even if you aren’t perfect.