Body shaming

Body shaming can be loosely defined as the act of criticizing or mocking one’s physical aspects. Body shaming has been normalized, systematized and has been an ongoing social practice for very long. It starts from your home and somehow never ends. The culture around body shaming seems to never mellow down and our culture loves the ideology of a perfect body, whether it be in print, movies, television, or online, seeing someone who doesn’t fit the mold isn’t considered acceptable to some. It starts with our parents and is a big part of our school lives and childhood. It is seen in our family functions, in our schools, in our tuition classes, on social media and even in our closest friend circles. Body shaming occurs among both men and women of all different shapes and body sizes. Body shaming has included both criticisms of being “ too fat”, or “ too skinny”, often picking on flaws that completely irrelevant. Many magazines, social media platforms, and advertisements contribute to body shaming in ways that have started to normalize these damaging behaviors. Many TV shows and movies have fallen into this pattern as well, where the “fat” character is often the subject of criticism and comic relief. With the trending behaviors of celebrity fat shaming on social media, it is important to understand the potential consequences that may arise.

Today, individuals are more accepting of being different from others however with the pressure from social media, young individuals are more prone to want to look a certain way. Negative comments and provoking images can drive young girls to engage in unhealthy behaviors in order to change their body type to conform to the norms of society. This may lead to self-injury or cutting, binging and purging behaviors or even full-fledged eating disorders. Individuals with a history of trauma, depression, self-harm, low self-esteem, or borderline personality disorder are more likely to be affected by body shaming and potentially develop an eating disorder or engage in self-harm behavior. Body shaming will always be present unless you stick up for yourself in a positive and healthy way. It is important to practice self-love and try to not let negative comments bother you. Furthermore if you witness body shaming on social media you can report it. Keep in mind that entering a negative cycle of comments does not do any good in this situation. Take control and stay positive. People are still going to love you, and you’re beautiful just the way that you are Love yourself embrace your uniqueness. Be yourself. Be you! ~Shreya