Shutting Down Body Shaming.

Angelina25

Body Shaming, is a corrosive trend that has become one of the most damaging forces in today’s world. It Needs To Stop.

Shutting Down Body Shaming.

Last week, I saw my friend of 5 years. She has a brother who is 10 years younger to her. He is so cute, but she just doesn't like him.

"Personal Reasons." That's what she says whenever I ask her about her dislike towards her brother. She has been horribly rude to him.

When I saw her the other day, she was with her brother and they were at a mall buying clothes, for what I reckon as a wedding preparation of her cousin. The brother went to the change room and came back saying, "This doesn't fit me." Her immediate response was, "You need to lose some weight. You're horribly fat and ugly. And since you're fat, you won't even get a girl ever in the future. Fat people like you don't even deserve to live with us in this world. Unhealthy brat."

I was shocked beyond any expression. And at the same time, livid. I told her how horrible and inappropriate is was of her to be fat-shaming her own brother. He's 9 years old for God's sake. Her only response was "He is my brother, not yours so stay out of it. Also, he's unhealthy so as a sister, I need to tell him that." It was so heart-wrenching to see him break down and cry over the awful things his sister had said.

I'm gonna be frank here, for almost an eternity, body shaming was equal to fat shaming, for me. I'm overweight myself and it almost felt as if the only people being body-shamed were the overweight ones. But, no. There are people who are skinny-shamed. I learnt that when the same friend looked at the picture of Gigi Hadid and said, " She's so thin. She definitely doesn't eat anything. It's so unhealthy and horrible. Who knows, she might as well be sick. She anyway doesn't look like a healthy model. These people will do anything to make money!"

So, I thought I'd share my opinions on body shaming which isn't equal to fat shaming.

Shutting Down Body Shaming.

These days, people do not seem to find anything wrong in making fun of someone else’s body.

We live in a society that is obsessed with everything. Fat is bad, dark is ugly, thin is sick, scars are horrible. These "Too much" and "Not Enough" and "Wish I had" attitudes are something that we cultivate about our bodies each and every day. Most of us are potential victims of "body shaming" especially via social media.

I've had someone comment on a person's picture here, saying she was too fat and how the "tires" on her stomach needs to be replaced by a flat like sheet stomach. And when I condemned him for this, all he said was, "It's the truth. I'm expressing my opinions and that's what the site is all about, she needs to hear the truth."

When we fail to meet the supposed beauty standards, it takes a toll on our perception of our self and make us love ourselves less.

Most of us, today do not see anything wrong in “expressing their opinions,” regardless of the fact that these very opinions can actually hurt someone. Those who clearly intend to hurt, will never stop targeting the body image with unsavory comments.

If someone is unhealthy, tell them how to change that, show them how they can become fit, and encourage them to take that road, rather than just criticizing them, or even making fun of them. Discrimination, singling out, and shaming only causes stress and makes any person feel bad. If someone is already overweight, this stress can actually make them eat more and more, and consequently, gain even more weight.

Shutting Down Body Shaming.

So, what is this idea of a “perfect body”?

It is unrealistic, to say the least. Yes, society and social media have contributed in creating this myth of the “perfect body” as epitomized by that hunk who has a six-pack abs, or the woman with the ‘enviable’ size-zero figure. But the real question to ask is, are these ‘role models’ for perfect physiques actually ‘fit’ in the true sense of the term?

What do I do?!!!

Next time when someone condemns your looks, or mocks you, don’t just withdraw into a shell. Speak out against it. Express what is going on inside your mind. Stand up against bullying. Remember, your motive isn’t to humiliate them, but to make them aware of the negativity of their attitude and the implications of their ‘shaming’ on those affected.

Shutting Down Body Shaming.

Body shaming is an deplorable practice that must be avoided at all costs. No one is perfect, and if we remember our own imperfections, we will learn motivate, support, and encourage each other. Body shaming is an issue that will not be solved unless everyone learns to accept their own bodies, and until the myth of the ‘perfect body’ ceases to be.

Stay Loved People.

And Love Yourself!

All love,

Angelina25 <3

Shutting Down Body Shaming.
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