What do you think of the body positivity movement?

[OtterMan68]

It's good. No one should feel bad about their bodies

It's bad. It encourages people who are not healthy to be OK with it and be happy about it.

other, I'll explain below

[Lliam]

Self esteem, having a good attitude, accepting your natural appearance, and not trying to fit a cookie cutter beauty ideal is healthy.

That's true for both men and women. Think about all the guys who have low self-esteem because they aren't tall. But it's even harder for women because they come in a variety of shapes and sizes that are beyond their control. They may be self-conscious about having small or very large boobs, narrow or extra wide hips, flatter or more protruberant buttocks, thin or thick thighs. Finding clothes to fit is a real problem for many women. And they get judged, no matter their shape.

So body positivity is good if it means being inclusive of the full range of natural body shapes and sizes.

The opposite of body positivity is, for example, perfectly normal-looking girls who obsess about their looks to the point of body dysphoria. They go to lengths, including plastic surgery, to obtain "perfection", whatever that is.

The body positivity movement "works to challenge some of the more systemic issues at play, including the unrealistic beauty standards regularly promoted by traditional media and the obsession with dieting and weight loss tips fueled by diet culture."

I think unrealistic beauty standards actually are a problem. They contribute to eating disorders, low self esteem, depression, and body dysphoria. They have convinced people that being average is sub-par and unacceptable. Look at guys these days who are obsessed with being shallow, materialistic "alpha males".

An absurd side of the body positivity movement is the attempt to normalize obesity. "Curvy" is now the euphemism for obese. Face it, being obese is a result of bad habits and is unhealthy.

"The body positivity movement grew out of the fat acceptance movement of the 1960s. The fat acceptance movement was created by Black and queer women to fight the discrimination and shame they faced due to their weight. Body positivity emerged from these roots."

I think body positivity is fine. But that doesn't mean that people can't strive to achieve their ideal, healthy, natural form. Look at Kelly Clarkson then and now:

And it doesn't mean that others have to celebrate obesity any more than they have an obligation to celebrate or accept trans-sexuality.

It's not shallow to have personal preferences. Shaming people's preferences is as bad as body shaming.

[Lliam]

Thanks for the MHO, OtterMan.

[gabe10]

I think it’s good to have a healthy view of the average body, and to acknowledge the fact that most people don’t have a model’s body. However, obese is not healthy and shouldn’t be glorified. Body positivity for these people should be about giving them the confidence to become healthier.

[KrakenAttackin]

It's hilarious when you ask a girl to rate Lizzo on a scale of 1 to 10 and they say 10. Than you tell the girl she looks like Lizzo and she loses her shit 😂😂😂

[D_Bone_Steak]

@KrakenAttackin Perfect example. Reminds me of that 'Man or Bear' example of feminist ideology.

[KrakenAttackin]

@D_Bone_Steak Yeah, and just general female self delusion.

[Chazmatazz269]

It has some merit. It’s wildly sexist. And it’s gone too far.

[Anonymous]

it's a movement where there's no actual movement

[DrPepper12]

Pride vs health are two totally different things. I'm glad they are comfy but they are likely WELL aware it's not healthy.

[JacobJordan]

It is disgusting and willful ignorance

[NathanDavis]

not sure what that implies

[SuperSecretSquirrel]

It's full of a bunch of hypocrits.

[Drewtate]

It's immoral