Body shaming is hurtful and discriminatory, and should have no place in modern day societies
ISLAMABAD: Body shaming is the practice of making critical and humiliating comments about a person’s body shape and size for being either “too skinny” or “too fat”. This type of bullying can lead to the severe psychological disorder and mental illness including depression, anxiety and emotional trauma, especially during adolescence.
Body shaming can be expressed in different ways. Many people are unaware of the different types of self-shaming practices where an individual is compelled to criticise their own appearance by comparing it with others. But where does this other idea of a “perfect” appearance emerge from? For the most part, the media has been majorly responsible for portraying a certain body-type that people should strive for. Many in the fashion industry call this “size zero”, an ideal body size. While both men and women have long been victims of body-shaming, this has been a particularly common problem for the majority of women whose image has been over-sexualised across various different media platforms. It is revolting to see that women have long been portrayed as sexual objects in order to attract men.
Body shaming is hurtful and discriminatory, and should have no place in modern day societies. We should surround ourselves with positive friends and motivate others to be themselves, regardless of their appearance. Don’t judge people based on their looks. Judge them by their character and virtues.
Maryam Safdar
Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2020.
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