BODY SHAMING

“Feeling beautiful has nothing to do with what you look like” - Emma Watson 

Let's face it, most of us have been asked at some point in our lives, "oh my god, you've gained weight?" Have you been overeating lately? You must drastically reduce your weight. All those who ask these questions or have these thoughts in their heads should be aware that body shaming is wrong, and it not only affects a person's mental health, but it can also lead to depression on a subconscious level.

Negative comments regarding someone's body size or shape can be immensely harmful to them, leading to decreased self-esteem, rage, self-harm, and even mental health illnesses, such as body dimorphic disorder. Unfortunately, men and women of all shapes and sizes are subjected to body shaming. Body shaming has included accusations of being "too large" or "too small," typically focusing on insignificant imperfections. Many magazines, social media platforms, and commercials encourage body shaming in ways that have begun to normalize these harmful habits. Many TV series and movies have followed this trend, with the "fat" character frequently being the victim of discrimination and comedy.

Like other types of bullying, body shaming is always present unless you stand up in a positive and healthy way. It is important to practice narcissism and not disturb negative comments. In addition, if you witness body shaming on social media, you can report it and mark it as inappropriate content. You have to understand that your body is perfect as it is. No one needs to teach you how to shape it. It's perfectly fine with and without curves. Don't let anyone sacrifice your sanity for the perfect figure of society. No one has the right to tell you to change your shape by telling you to hate it first.

I would like to conclude by saying, “When you judge someone by their appearance, it doesn’t define them IT DEFINES YOU!”

Ms. Mini. V. K 

Assistant Professor of Commerce, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna