Let's Talk About Body Positivity
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Let's Talk About Body Positivity

In our eagerness to declare that all bodies are beautiful, we've forced women to choose one of two labels.

65
Let's Talk About Body Positivity
pinterest.com

Let's talk about the body positivity movement. When I say the body positivity movement, what I really mean is the body types that have been left behind. Those of us who do not fit into either "plus-sized" or "skinny" seem to find ourselves in a very strange place as this movement becomes more and more widespread.

We watch beautiful, bodacious babes pose proudly on the glossy covers of Sports Illustrated and other major publications known for their preference for extreme photoshopping and tiny models. We "share" and "like" posts on social media declaring that both large-bodied women and slim women are attractive and healthy in their own ways. Sure, we agree that health is not determined by a collection of numerals that pop up beneath our toes on a scale; certainly, we understand that our bodies should not be defined by the number of rolls (or lack thereof) we have neatly tucked between our waistbands and our bras.

However, there are little to no statements made to support those of us who do not fall into the two main body type categories. I mean, honestly, besides the whole "all sizes are beautiful" trope, no one really addresses all of the shapes and sizes that fall between curvaceous and slender. Polite euphemisms aside, we aren't discussing the girls who are neither "fat" nor "skinny." Moreover, those who do not fit into these categories very rarely fit into the current body trends.

Our society loves trends. We love to pick one and enforce it on ourselves and others. Fashion icons and designers have a penchant for choosing an "ideal body" and focusing all of their efforts on that single body type. As we all know by now, that body type has been incredibly thin and perfectly tan. I will say that there has been a significant shift, and it seems like now my newsfeed has done away with all of the thin models in favor of extremely fit young women. The emphasis has shifted from tiny torsos to ripped arms and huge, fit butts—but that's an another topic entirely.

The issue for many of us women is this: we want to take part in the body positivity movement, and we do. We attempt to support each other and promote self-love. However, there are few voices lobbying for the girls who are just flabby enough to not be labeled "skinny," but not quite curvy enough to fall under "plus-sized."

This issue occurred to me recently, when I was reading yet another article about a woman learning how to love herself for who she was. She, too, commented on the fact that her body is not one of the two common body types that we normally see people defending. She, too, felt left out. As I read her story, I realized that I, also do not seem to fall under a neat label. When I want to join in the conversation for body positivity, what can I say? "Yeah, and also the middle-sized women!"

So, I really investigated the issue. I read a lot of articles on the subject of body type acceptance and I searched through the comments. I rejoiced with women who were learning how to love themselves, and I felt deeply sorry for those who cannot seem to get to a place where they can celebrate their shapes.

My conclusion was this: in order to truly promote body love we need to stop labeling ourselves. In our desperation to support both ends of the spectrum, we've effectively labeled ourselves and set up camps: Camp Curvy versus Camp Lean. Unfortunately, all that we've managed is to promote self-love amidst an undercurrent of competition and comparison. Instead of simply supporting each other for the fact that we are alive and able to use our bodies to do what we love, we have created labels and slapped them on each other.

No matter what we do, there will always be those who will judge and disparage us for the way our bodies look. We will face people in our lives who disapprove of our eating habits, outfit choices, and appearances in general. The answer to that problem is not to develop our own labels and force everyone to try and fit into one group or another.

The answer is to completely stop trying to define our bodies using labels designed to describe our shapes.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

38
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

20417
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

1494
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

3194
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Love Lost

Being the girl that is falling for the boy is never easy.

3764
Love Lost
Pexels

You constantly text my phone telling me that you want to see me and hang out, even though we may not have sex we cuddle and that’s intimacy in its own. I’m tired of buying you food and being there for you like a girlfriend when you consistently tell me you aren't ready for a girlfriend. I am constantly feeling I’m getting slapped in the face because I’m doing all these things and getting nothing in return. Every day I feel myself liking you more which is just crazy because why would I even waste my time liking someone there isn’t a future with. I just want you to be honest with me and with yourself, tell me how you feel from your heart, stop just saying you aren’t ready. You are wasting time telling me you aren’t ready because while you are “getting ready” some guy somewhere else is telling me that he likes me and thinks I’m beautiful and wants to date me. I’m not asking for much, but I at least want exclusivity because you ask me for all these things but in return you give me nothing.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments