Okay...

Depending on where you're from, if you exercise, are watching sports, or if you are body obsessed the title may have different meanings to you.  But considering you're reading this post, I'm going to make the wild assumption that you know I'm talking about the abdominal muscles.

I can't quite figure out when it became popular to attempt to whittle away one's waistline (or the thought that it could be done in a few minutes a day).  Yet using the term "Six-pack" (or formally washboard) in reference to abs has permeated popular culture.  It has not yet made it to Webster's Dictionary Online, which describes a six-pack as six bottles or cans (as of beer) packaged and purchased as a unit.  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/six-pack

So why the hub-bub?

Men and women have been affected by society's** (see below) notion of beauty.  I do believe men experience greater pressure to conform a fit shape simply because of advertising which influences our daily behaviors.   

There are several points when men like women have been objectified in the media.  One could say this happened with Calvin Klein ads and Mark Wahlberg in 1992.  Mr. Wahlberg photographs were displayed prominently and were quite popular.  Since that time, other celebrities have been photographed including Antonio Sabato, Jr.; and international soccer star Freddie Ljungberg.  Since late 2007, Djimon Hounsou, has also been featured in their ads.  Other celebrities show their affection for Calvin Klein including LL Cool J and David Beckham.

The point?

The point is always what YOU make of it.  The facts are what you have been given. 

Men of different ethnicities have been fair game for objectification.  What we often forget is that like everything on Earth, the human body has natural variations.  As we move into summer and swimsuit season, people are often frightened to go to the pool because of the natural variations in our bodies.  If your idea of getting ready for the beach starts in January and involves more than packing a swimsuit, sunscreen and a towel, you might want to ask yourself why.

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**I believe that WE comprise society, and it is our job to take back the media.  We decide to watch television, read magazines and listen to music.  Adults are responsible for their comments about food, weight, body image and diet.  The revolution starts within.