Zendaya, Idris, and Polyjuice Potion
June 12, 2023
Fluxweed, leeches, and Horn of Bicorn are just some of the ingredients in Polyjuice Potion, which in Wizarding World allows someone to temporarily take on the physical form of another person. As revolting as it sounds, ingesting Polyjuice Potion could be a useful creative imagery exercise for strengthening body image and self-worth.
It’s tempting to believe that if we only looked like Zendaya or Idris, our problems would be solved. But the reality is that if we looked like celebrities, we’d have a plethora of different, and probably more serious problems.
It’s also tempting to buy into the illusion of conventional attractiveness, which has been drilled into us since birth. We see gender, race, class, ability, dress, personality, weight, and size, and we respond from our biases. We assume, and judge – both others and ourselves.
But appearances lie. Assumptions can be wildly incorrect. And biases are destructive.
Even mirrors lie. They’re subjective, reinforcing what we already believe. It’s not a problem that mirrors are subjective. The problem is that we believe they’re objective.
People who struggle with body image often describe an irrational feeling of being watched. An imagined “gaze” directed toward them – judging, critiquing, exposing. The gaze elicits shame, and a desire for privacy and control. This can make therapy, already a vulnerable experience, seem more formidable and inaccessible.
Teletherapy offers an opportunity to turn these dynamics upside down. It’s not perfect, and it’s not a good fit for everyone. But with video calling, the body is hidden from the camera unless deliberately exposed. Because of this natural barrier, weight bias can be disrupted. Self-determination, control about disclosures, and empowerment are reinforced.
On our less confident days, Polyjuice Potion and a few hours of an alternate identity might be a good reminder of the differences between fantasy and reality. A reminder that identity is more important than appearance. That we shine our own light, and manifest our own beauty. That the reflection in the mirror isn’t a static image, but a prism.