Only five percent of women in the world naturally have a body type like that of Victoria's Secret models. Why are the rest of us women punished for being in the 95 percent? Body shaming is a real and flaming issue in our culture. It drives women and young ladies to have eating disorders, confidence issues, and some psychological problems. Our mass media culture creates an environment that makes women feel like they have to be a size zero to fit in. Men look at a woman and don't see the body shape they saw in the fashion show and jump to think that person has no self-control. She must eat all the time!
The truth is, women can't help their body shape -- to a certain extent. Everyone is born and will grow up to be different beautiful human beings. Some will have a strong love of fitness while others are healthy but focus on other things. In reality, even some who hit the gym every day will never be the shape of a model. Maybe they're too short and will always have a stocky appearance. Still, why should she be shamed for this?
The issue stretches to men as well. Channing Tatum is the epitome of what a man should look like (to a lot of women) and men everywhere feel like they should fit that tall, lean, ripped ab look. The same as women, some men do not have the body type like that, and no matter the amount of work, genetics will not allow them to look that way. It's not fair that in our culture of "inclusion" we shame so many people for not conforming when they simply can't. If #alllivesmatter why aren't we embracing everyone, no matter what size they wear?
The issue has attracted the attention of many companies. Dove recently released a campaign using models of all sizes. It celebrates the diversity of the human body and embraces all body types and shapes. Why are they alone? Clothing companies use models, in-store models, and images to show the body shape that 'look best' in their clothes. Usually, this is a woman over 5-foot-7-inches tall and about 100 pounds. Well, lucky for them, five percent of people can strut in their clothes knowing they fit them well. For the other 95 percent of us? We can feel shamed for having to buy a size six, 10, or 14. No matter how you perceive yourself, clothes shopping will make you think at least once that you need to diet.
I think for the 21 years I've been alive, I've been on a diet. I try to be conscious of what I eat, count calories, and exercise. The problem is I have a 5-foot-tall frame. I have always been muscular, and add on a couple extra pounds and I am the opposite of what those models look. Watching the Victoria's Secret fashion show, I can't enjoy what I'm watching because I know that none of those clothes will fit me quite like that. Those models eat only about an apple a day and I know that will never be me. I look forward to the day society as a whole can embrace the curvy body shape and not let women experience the shame for not being in the five percent.
Ordering food is always a struggle. There is usually that one person in line with you that gives you the nastiest look. Sorry, I don't drink no-fat, low-calorie, reduced-carb lattes. As soon as you say you want yours with whole milk, they immediately attribute it to your size. Yeah, she's not thin like me, I would expect her to drink that -- just look at her. As sad as it is, I have experienced this type of shaming. That person may be really nice usually, but one slip and a condescending look later and I feel conscious about my body for weeks to come.
Summer is a nightmare. Of course, I love being at the beach and wearing a bathing suit all day, but as soon as I come in, I put a shirt on. After sitting beside someone with a full six-pack (on their stomach, not in their cooler), how can I still walk around feeling good? Everyone on the beach could be seen comparing us, and obviously, I lost. Why do we keep on believing there is one body shape? Celebrate the body you have, and learn to be happy in your skin -- you have it forever. As for society, be careful with looks you give to others. They are not easily forgotten. You never know what someone is going through or what journey they have had. A rewarding treat should never have to feel like a shameful experience.
