I’ve always been a big fan of burlesque because of its naughtiness and humour. It pushes boundaries and makes us see our world through a distorted kaleidoscope of colour, music, feathers and flesh.

It can also occasionally make people feel uncomfortable.

During the intermission of a recent show, I found myself talking to the woman next to me (Kate*) about one of the performers (Coco*).

Coco’s talent was a magic trick involving the removal of all her clothes.

Our conversation went as follows.

“I think it was okay that she took off her clothes because she doesn’t have the type of body that will intimidate any other women here or make them feel uncomfortable,” Kate said.

“But I bet we won’t see any of the male performers take it all off. I think that’s a bit of double standard,” I said. (The words “Are you serious?” were also dancing through my head.)

“Oh, I don’t think anyone wants to see that. Women like a bit more mystery.”

“Someone should tell that to all the men out there who send c!!k shots these days as a form of flirtation,” I said.

Kate looked shocked, stumbled over a few polite comments and the conversation moved towards more general topics as her friend returned to the table.

Now, I admit my last comment was probably a little calculated to shock Kate. But I found her comments quite disturbing. Did she really believe that a woman should only take her clothes off if her body was less than perfect and therefore wouldn’t make other women feel bad about themselves?

Unfortunately, I realise many other women might have the same thoughts as Kate. So many of our sex have perfected the art of comparing themselves to others and pulling them, and ourselves, down in the process.

I find this habit quite depressing.

Surely we can move past this type of behaviour? If you can get over the issue of nudity in performance (which I find acceptable but I realise makes some people uncomfortable), the real issue is how women perceive and treat themselves.

Human bodies are glorious contraptions with each one full of unique bumps and imperfections. And people are attracted to all kinds of variations of the human form.

So why, even now in this enlightened age, can’t women accept and rejoice in our imperfections?

Why can’t we look at an attractive woman and simply acknowledge her beauty rather than comparing ourselves to her?

I realise none of these questions are particularly new. After all, there are so many stories out there of even young girls, many who haven’t reached their teens yet, who are already obsessing about their perceived physical flaws.

I’d love us to change this mindset.

If only every mother could look at her own body and love it because of its flaws.

If only every daughter could see that her Mum loves herself, just as she is.

If only every girl could be encouraged to feel joyful when she looks in the mirror and sees every beautiful part of herself.

If only every woman could look at a naked female performer and appreciate her unique beauty.

If only every woman could stop tearing herself, and other women to pieces.

Imagine the wonderful world we could create.

* All names have been changed.