Have you ever considered how much we are advised to alter our appearance? Magazines are constantly offering advice on how to lose weight “in days,” look slimmer “instantly,” and hide our “imperfections”... without knowing anything about us, let alone our appearance. This is just one example of body shaming, which happens all the time. Overweight characters' bodies are often used as the basis of many of the show's jokes in sitcoms. It's become the practice to criticize parts of our bodies as a way to bond with friends – even though we all despise our bodies, it helps us feel linked and unified.
What is Body Shaming?
Bullying, whether in person or online, is the same as body shaming and fat shaming. It is the act or practice of passing negative judgment on someone based on their appearance. People are typically body shamed when they appear overweight or underweight, or when they don't match society's definition of "thin and attractive." Seeing someone who doesn't fit the mold isn't considered acceptable to those in our culture, whether it's in print, movies, television, or on the internet.
Although body shaming has existed in society for a long time, it has reached new heights thanks to the internet and social media sites like Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. With millions of people logging in every day, social media sites provide a forum for individuals and businesses to post unrealistic body image ideals. Technology has made focusing on beauty simpler and created a forum that encourages more body shaming and bullying.
When it comes to making hurtful and negative remarks about others online, “keyboard courage” is crucial. When you're behind a computer, it's easy to shame others and make them feel inept. Individuals who post body-shaming messages to people they meet and strangers feel as though their actions have no consequences.
What are the effects of Body Shaming?
Body shaming is a painful experience that leaves deep scars. Consider the consequences:
Unfortunately, a history of being teased or mocked for one's height or weight can lead to eating disorders.
Furthermore, body shaming undermines another person's self-esteem and trust.
In addition, women who have a lot of body shame have more illnesses, have worse physical health, and have more stomach problems and headaches.
A feeling of rejection about weight or physical attributes is a common source of social anxiety.
Body shamed women, predictably, are often ashamed of their normal bodily functions. Menstruation, sweating, and feeding, for example, were taboo topics. As a result, they are more likely to deprive themselves of quality treatment, resulting in increased sickness and disease.
How to Stop Body Shaming
Begin to promote recognition of shape diversity.
Why don't we take a different look at our bodies? Why don't we embrace size discrepancies the same way we accept other characteristics of our friends? Children do this naturally, and we should be able to benefit from them.
Through not getting wrapped up in compliments or debates about beauty, we can also support and focus on body acceptance. Remember that the more you do this, the more you show those around you that our world does not have to be this way.
Concentrate on your fitness rather than your height or weight.
We also conclude that body shaming is acceptable because it motivates people to lose weight and improve their health and quality of life. These conclusions, however, have a number of flaws. To begin with, the connection between weight and health is much more complicated than the mainstream media and even many well-intentioned health practitioners would have us believe. In reality, research shows that weight gain does not harm one's health unless it is severe and the individual becomes'morbidly obese.' Second, studies show that body shame does not inspire people to improve, but rather makes them feel worse and more alone. Third, the idea that losing weight would change one's life is totally flawed, and it is based solely on misconceptions and assumptions that were generated in the first place as a result of body shaming.
So, when we have family or friends who are experiencing health issues, can we not immediately presume that weight loss is the answer and keep an open mind on what other options may be available to help them?
Appreciate the human body and what it can do.
We like to spend a lot of time analyzing and evaluating people's appearances but a lot less time appreciating their skills. I can't help but imagine what a different world we'd have if we replaced all the appearance-based words like overweight, slim, disgusting, gross, and pretty with ability-based words like big, quick, high, gentle, and precise. Maybe we'd have a culture that values our incredible bodies for what they help us to accomplish.
Final Thoughts
Body shaming is some form of Bullying. It will have a great effect on the mental health of the person who is body shamed.
Body shaming can be stop. It takes courage to make the decision to stop participating in body shaming, and by doing so forge a better future for us all. My final question to you is: do you have the courage?
I actually had an experience on body shaming. My classmates were all calling me fat. At first I was too ashamed that I wanted to transfer to other schools. But after thinking a lot, I decided to make all those tease as a fuel to lose weight. And proudly to say that I have succeed