Body positivity is something that is constantly being encouraged and advocated. It is the idea that women should take pride in their bodies and love themselves regardless of the standards that society has placed on them. Body positivity is acknowledging the body’s flaws and imperfections, but choosing to accept and embrace them. The belief that all women are beautiful regardless of race, shape, age, size or skin color. It is taking away the expectation for women to fit a certain mold, but instead allowing them to be who they want.
My body shape has been naturally thin all my life. My pediatrician would constantly tell me that I would grow up to be “tall and thin” (wish she would have been right about the tall part.) I was often made fun of in school for being too skinny. I remember looking at the other girls in my class and wishing I had their bodies. I struggled with my self-esteem all through my elementary and middle school years.
Thin girls are often criticized or judged for being thin. There are many assumptions that are made about girls who are thin. Here are a few things that most of us are tired of hearing or being told:
1. “Do you even eat? You should eat more.”
No, I do not eat. As a matter of fact, I am the only human being who is able to survive without sustenance or nourishment to my body. I apologize for the sarcasm, but this is probably the most irritating phrase I hear on a daily basis. I obviously eat, I can actually eat a lot at times. I just find it slightly ridiculous when I have to explain to someone that I do in fact eat, and then proceed to tell them what I ate that day so they believe me.
2. “You are probably anorexic or bulimic.”
This is one the most hurtful phrases I have had said to me. I used to hear this a lot in middle school. Is vomiting or starving really the only two reasons that could explain why someone is thin? I know that sadly, society has placed being thin as the standard for women, and that standard definitely needs to change. However, this does not mean that girls who are thin are not fun made of, or ever hurt by the words that are said to them.
3. “You are so thin; I hate you…ha-ha, just kidding.
To any girl who has a friend or friends who are thin and have said this to them, please stop. The “ha-ha and just kidding” do not make it any better. A girl should not have to feel like she has to apologize for the way her body looks.
4. “I thought you were conceited or stuck up.”
You thought I was conceited because I was thin? Or did I give you any other actual concrete reasons to think I was arrogant? If not, I think basing my character on the shape of my body is a little absurd.
5. “Guys like girls who have curves; real women have curves."
Well then I sure am glad that I do not find my validation in what guys’ opinions or attitudes are about my body. Also, since when is a woman less feminine because of her body shape or size? This last phrase is one that I hear and see on a daily basis. If as women we feel the need to tear other women down in order to lift ourselves up, then we have not truly learned to love ourselves.
All women are beautiful. Love yourself, and love the women around you.
