Part 1: What is Body Shaming?
Body shaming has
become a new trend! Wherever you go, whoever you meet, you will find someone,
somewhere complaining about the way their body looks. Chances are, you might
find yourself doing the same thing, criticizing your body in front of others.
Ever wondered why you feel the need to do that? Have you tried to stop and think
where these thoughts come from? Mostly not!
Body shaming has
ingrained in our society so deep that it is almost impossible to even pinpoint
the roots, leave alone uprooting them.
Each and every one of
us is guilty of judging others (or ourselves) based on the way they look. It
has become natural instinct because that is what we have heard and that is what
we have learnt while we grew up in our society. I'm not saying we are bad people,
I'm saying it's high time we say no to body shaming.
This subject has been
on my mind for some time, and the more I read about it, more I feel the need to
address this raging issue. Thus, I have decided to write it as a series. This
topic will be separated in 4 parts.
1.
What is Body Shaming?
4.
Sassy comebacks for body shaming!
In part 1, I am trying
to draw some attention to the concept of body shaming and other facts revolving
around it, because a correct introduction is so important.
So here it goes!
What is body shaming?
“Body Shaming is
the action or practice of humiliating someone by making mocking or critical
comments about their body shape or size.” -Oxford English Dictionary.
In simple words,
calling someone fat, thin, ugly, dark, tall or short is body shaming. Body
shaming has been prevalent since years, only the difference is that now people
are more aware and exposed to it. It is possible that you have been body shamed
when you were younger, or you are currently in that phase of being shamed for
your body, but, you don't realize. The simple reason is that shaming has become
a natural characteristic for an X person. Shaming has become an ice-breaker at
social meetings, and being shamed is thought to be a ‘caring’ behavior.
For example: “Hey,
looks like you have put on a few pounds!!”
This is the most
common way of body shaming. (...also called fat shaming)
The person who is
saying this statement is assuming that this is a good conversation starter when
two people have met after certain duration in time. The recipient of this
statement thinks (of course with some resentment), friends can be honest with
each other, and s/he is only caring for me. I hate to break this to you, but
both these thoughts are wrong at so many levels. This comment is only going to
offend someone, and chances are they already know that they have put on a
little weight, but why would you rub it in their face?
Body shaming is often
associated with fat shaming; however, it goes beyond that. There are many
categories for which one’s body is shamed. We will discuss more about these in
part 2 of this series.
Now, let me present
you with some facts about body shaming:
1. Body Shaming
happens regardless of the Gender
Yes, my friends; girls
are not the only target. Men are shamed too. However, some studies show that
females have higher percentage of being criticized than male, but it does not
waiver the fact that men go through this too. It is not fair to side line men
from this issue altogether. Shaming needs to stop for everyone.
Women are shamed for
being a tad bit overweight and men on the contrary are shamed for being way too
thin, or for not having a chiseled body.
2. It starts from Home
This one is so
shocking. Probably all of you have experienced this one for sure! I know I
have.
Body criticism starts
from home, by the family and since a child is little. Studies show that
mothers, fathers, grandmothers, partners, siblings and even friends take part
in the shaming shenanigans.
Do you resonate to
these scenarios?
Ö
Your mother often told you to control your food intake so that you
wouldn't become fat. (Teenage years)
Ö
Your grandmother feeding you lots of food so that you would be chubby
and cute (childhood years)
Ö
You sibling teased you with nicknames like “fatty” or “buffalo” or
“football”, just for fun.
Ö
Someone suggests a de-tan for your face because your skin has become so
dark (especially if you are brown (not being racist, just making a point).
Ö
“You should go cycling, you will get taller!”
These are only a few
examples, there are so many more, and you know you have faced these somewhere
in the past. You might have not realized then but, these comments were slowly
making space in your mind, and creating an expected body image. With the help
of a few more comments like these, you officially start thinking that your body
is not good enough. Then there is no going back from there.
3. Body Shaming is
a Vicious Circle
Most people, who have
been victims of body shaming, feel the need to shame someone else for something
else. Studies show that this allows the shamer a sense of superiority, and they
feel better about themselves. Since, the victim has already gone through this experience;
they think it is OK to do the same to others. Then it goes round and round in
circles.
4. The Biggest Culprit
Media!!
The media (print and
AV) is portraying fantasy based models, images and lifestyles. They are the
only reason why all men want to have abs and wax their body, and all women want
to be thin and fair. The media influences regular people so much that they want
to be like them, but what people don't realize is that these are models and
actors, they get paid to look the way they look, leave alone all the money,
pain and effort they have to put into it. It is their job to look appealing,
but regular people like you and me have a real job and a real life. It is often
not straight out of a magazine or a movie.
5. Body Shaming =
Low Self Image
Body shaming is
directly related to low self image. Studies prove that body shaming leaves a
long term impact on the mind or the victim. Body shaming if done to younger
children, they grow up with a negative self image and it can lead to eating
disorders (anorexia, bulimia), depression and sometimes even physiological
issues.
So guys….this was a
lot of information, but this isn't it! There is so much more to write about. It
is all coming up soon. If you like this article; like it, share it, rate it and
please leave a comment. Share your stories, if you have been body shamed
before. I am always waiting.
Stay tuned for
#Stopbodyshaming
If you haven't already, follow me @quriouswriter on FB/ Twitter/ Intagram
Until part 2; remember:
“There is no wrong way
to have a body”
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