An In-depth truth about body shaming.

Hello guys and welcome to my blog. Today I’d like to talk about a very delicate and sensitive topic. BODY SHAMING.

It’s so sad that many of us have suffered from its claws.

I for one have had my own fair share and I want to talk about the dangers it causes.

What exactly is body shaming??

There are two words included which are Body and shame... 

So in essence it is the act of mocking and negatively judging someone based on their physical appearance.

 

It’s puzzling how from being carefree as children and shameless about our bodies all of a sudden we become very conscious about our appearance, in the process strive to look a certain way.

I remember growing up and people would tease me about my forehead. I heard statements like “Rihanna and you dey compete for forehead competition” Lol and it used to get to me a lot. So consciously I stopped making certain hairstyles. This went on for a year or two and one day as my Mom began to part my hair into the usual style(like she didn't even need to ask me what style I wanted to make anymore) I told her to stop and I said I wanted something else. This was in my ss3. I made a mental decision to stop listening to all those who  said negative words about me and it stopped to bother me. 

 

No matter how we try to paint it, body shaming is just so wrong and should be stopped. 

Here are some in-depth truth about body shaming.

 

1. It destroys your self confidence. 

Body shaming shatters it. I know someone who deleted all her social media accounts and stayed off social media for while. The only thing that confused me was that she appeared so confident online, had lots of pictures and one would think she wasn't suffering from low self esteem, whereas she was. This is one thing social media does The worse thing a person can ever do to him/her self is to criticize their own body.

 

2. Most persons who body shame other people aren’t confident of their own body. 

It’s like a defense mechanism they use to enshroud their insecurities. So it would be unwise for you to allow another man’s words and perspective define you.

 

3. Majority of the people who body shame us are family and friends. 

The sad path is most times they only intend to joke about it but as humans our subconscious pick both negative and positive words and we are fond of believing things close ones say to us. Like I wouldn't really care if a stranger or acquaintance tells me I’m ugly but I would if my Mom or best friend says so matter of fact.

 

5. It causes serious depression/anxiety.

Depression is one of the effects of body shaming which is most times accompanied by eating disorders and social isolation. A person who has been told countless time how disgusting their body is will automatically want to stay away from people from the fear of being judged.

 

We live in a world where most people don’t really care about other people’s feelings. Where the idea of a perfect body is the utmost goal. What exactly is the perfect body? I ask. 

Is it the one void of scars, fat, spots or does it include slender legs, arms, a heart shaped face, muscles, 6ft height, fair skin tone, full hairlines, protruded buttocks, flat tummy, abs, hairy legs, hourglass shape, thin lips, beards, hard chiseled jaw line, perfect set of teeth, pointed nose? What exactly is THE perfect body?

Isn’t it better to have people love you for your personality, charisma, sense of humor, intelligence instead of your body? 

The truth is body shaming will always be there but what do we do to avoid its impact on us?

 

1. Avoid criticizing your own appearance (Get comfortable in your skin.)

2. Stick up for yourself in a healthy way.

3. Don’t focus on the negative aspect. 

4. Be grateful.

5. Don’t compare yourself to others.

6. Work on what needs to be worked on if there’s a need. 

7. Avoid keeping company with people who make you insecure.

8. Live healthy.

Perhaps you have been body shaming people intentionally or unintentionally, here’s a side note;

Please stop body shaming people. What's the joy you derive from inflicting so much pain on others by your words? Think about it for a second.

Now here's what you should practice doing instead;

Practice the art of giving genuine compliments. And by the way, that's totally different from flattering which is downright   crazy.Always remember that your words matter.

Imagine a world filled with love and happiness, yea. that too can become true.

Please don’t forget to share and comment. As always;

 

Aj loves you💕