Body Shaming

 

Let me start by asking you this, “What do you think of yourself?”

The problem is not your body; the problem is what you think of it. Your weight, complexion, height, attire all these can never define your worth. Feeling beautiful has nothing to do what you look like in the eyes of others.

So let me repeat the question again now….”What do you think of yourself?” We are our own worst critic” is often a phrase we use to describe when we, as individuals, are too hard on ourselves. For most people, it is a natural tendency to always be better, faster and stronger however this craze for becoming better can result in severe mental health consequences, especially when it comes time to our physical appearances. And the media hype eulogizing size 0 and in tandem with the beauty industry has made the situation worst. When you step into a cosmetic shop, the first thing you hear is that your skin, hair and nails all need to be fixed. Your hair is frizzy, skin is chaffy and nails are pale, so you can be a improved version only if you buy the most exorbitant products in the line! And just like Holi and Diwali SALE offers very morning the phone is flooded with the messages from fitness centers. ..25% fat loss in 30 days, HURRY. And if you escape the messages you are sure not to escape the Gym leaflet featuring Deepika Padukone or Disha Patani and guaranteeing you to make a proto type of the actresses on their leaflets. Why will you give up BEING YOU FOR SOMEONE ELSE’S OPINION?

Now this some one attimes can be the parents, siblings, friends, enemies, and schoolmates. Body shaming manifests in many ways:

·        Criticizing your own appearance, through a judgment or comparison to another person.

·         Criticizing another’s appearance in front of them

·         Criticizing another’s appearance without their knowledge.

 

Sadly, body shaming occurs among both men and women of all different shapes and body sizes. Body shaming has included both criticisms of being “too fat”, or “too skinny”, often picking on flaws that completely irrelevant. Many magazines, social media platforms, and advertisements contribute to body shaming in ways that have started to normalize these damaging behaviors. Many TV shows and movies have fallen into this pattern as well, where the “fat” character is often the subject of criticism and comic relief. We must understand that negatively commenting about the size or shape of anyone’s body can be extremely damaging to them potentially leading to low-self esteem, anger, self-harm and even mental health disorders, specifically body dysmorphic disorder.

If the Almighty wanted us to be the same then the all men would have looked alike Justin Beiber and all women would photocopy of Katie Perry and we all would have the same name, social and economic status, probably the share the same birth date, same food habit and hobbies. 

Close your eyes for a moment and feel it, will you give up your individuality?  Now again let me reiterate the question  ”What do you think of yourself?”

SO PLEDGE TO STOP BODY SHAMING  RIGHT NOW. STOP IT BY LOVING YOURSELF FIRST THE WAY YOU ARE AND YOU WILL LOVE OTHERS THE WAY THEY ARE TOO, BECAUSE YOU CANNOT POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP – SO LOVE YOURSELF. There are seven billion people in this universe and you cannot satisfy all. Neither should you endeavour to do that. Period.

According to Oprah Winfrey, ‘I finally realized that being grateful to my body was key to giving more love to myself and others.’ And for the ace Tennis star Serena Williams, ‘Since I don’t look like every other girl, it takes a while to be okay with that. To be different. But to be different is good.’ 

Today take a walk in a garden, or stroll in a lawn or wherever you are look at the greeneries around. Every flower is different from the other and they bloom in different time and season as well. The tiny lantana is not striving to look big like lotus. The purple petunia is not comparing itself with the white rose. The ice plants are happy in winters and the zinnias and the sunflowers bask in the glory of the summers. 

Should we spend the lifetime impressing others, pleasing the society and social media in striving to be who you are not or enjoy the life which you have? Fear what others think of you is the biggest prison you or we live in. Break the shackles, and celebrate yourself, your body, your look, your words, your thoughts…..Be YOU.