We live in a society where people are judged by their appearance, skin color, weight, height, or physical build. Calling someone fat, short, dark, or skinny has become a normal thing in our society.
This behavior is called body shaming. It is not just a common comment, but it is a terrible tool to deeply hurt a person’s self-esteem and confidence.
Body shaming is making negative comments or criticism about someone’s physical build, or appearance.
It can be said directly to their face, behind their back, or on social media. Many times, people make these comments under the pretext of joking or saying “for the good”, but their impact is profound.
“You’ve gotten so fat”, “Why are you so skinny? Don’t you eat rice?”, “You’d look better if you were so dark, a little fairer”, “You don’t look good on tall girls” – we often hear such words. Especially girls! Even family members often say these things.
Our society has a certain standard of beauty. Media, advertising, movies, social media – everywhere a certain type of body and appearance is shown as “ideal”. Fair skin, perfect figure, tall height – these are all promoted as beautiful.
Those who do not fit this standard become victims of criticism.
The impact of body shaming is very deep and long-lasting. A simple comment can change a person’s entire life. It affects mental health.
Repeatedly hearing negative comments about their body makes people feel depressed.
Confidence decreases, they feel unworthy. Many people suffer from depression or anxiety.
The tendency to commit suicide can also increase. Body weight shaming makes many people suffer from eating disorders.
Body shaming is a serious social problem that is ruining the lives of millions of people. Every person is unique and has the right to make their own decisions about their body.
We have no right to judge someone’s appearance or body. We must remember that beauty is not only in the outer appearance, but in the person inside.
The true identity of a person is in their kindness, compassion, honesty, and work. Appearance is temporary, but character is permanent.
(Tamanna Islam, Student, Institute of education and research, Jagannath University Email:[email protected])
