Too tall, too short, too fat, too thin, too muscular, too pimply, too hairy, too wrinkled? Body shaming, the derogatory talk about other people's bodies, is an ugly problem of our time. Although we should know better, the prevailing beauty ideal on social media for many is still: slim, sexy, and flawless. But there is a counter-movement, body positivity, which advocates for more self-love. For the idea that every body is beautiful just the way it is. Learn more here about the body positivity movement and how you can learn to accept your love handles, stretch marks, scars, and wrinkles instead of fighting them.
Body Shaming – An Ugly Thing
We are often very hard on ourselves. We are often our own worst critics. This is partly okay, as it motivates us to improve in the things that are important to us. But what good is criticizing things we can't change? Or don't want to change? Does it help us or does it just hurt? Body shaming is such unnecessary criticism.
The Urban Dictionary defines this ugly talk as "shaming someone for their body type." That means we judge other people's bodies—something they were born with, something they should feel comfortable in, something they can't simply change. Body shaming begins with whispered gossip about a teammate who "should have worn a long skirt with legs like those" and ends with public hostility, hateful messages, and bullying on social media—the pillory of the 21st century.
Fat Shaming & Co.
Body shaming often targets overweight people. This "fat shaming" can lead young people, in particular, to despise their bodies. The pressure to conform to the "ideal" often manifests as eating disorders and self-loathing. But slim people also face this. Model Kate Moss was once described in the British press as "skinny fat." This was meant to imply that while she was slim, she wasn't toned, but rather had a flabby body. Even people perceived as male aren't immune to this kind of vicious criticism. When pictures of actor Vin Diesel with a bit of a belly surfaced, the media used derogatory terms like "potbelly," "potbelly," and "beer belly."
World-class gymnast Simone Biles, who won four gold medals at the Rio Olympics, faced discriminatory and sexist comments on social media about her muscular physique, such as "no longer feminine." The 19-year-old responded bravely and confidently to her haters, declaring via Twitter: "You can judge my body however you want, but ultimately it's MY body. I love it and I feel comfortable in my own skin." Her tweet received 26,565 likes. A sign that loving yourself is the most important thing and, moreover, sends the right message.
Body Positivity
Other stars worldwide are also setting an example in terms of body positivity, the positive attitude towards one's own body. Miley Cyrus and Madonna disregard the ideal of a clean-shaven body and show themselves with full underarm hair. "Girls" star Lena Dunham clearly says "no Photoshop" and appears unretouched, cellulite and all, on the cover of American Glamour. Ashley Graham, perhaps the most famous so-called plus-size model, graced the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue for the first time as a curvy woman, thus defying the industry's ideal of thinness.
