Shaming is an unacceptable occurrence in modern day society. It is something that should not be accepted by people or something we should just get used to dealing with. Precisely, body shaming and victim blaming are sensitive topics discussed often. While body shaming and victim shaming are different, their consequences can be substantial for both; it creates a lack of compassion for those being bullied or judged when these incidents happen. Too often we see people blamed for the horrible events they face in life. Oh, this person got robbed because they were too flashy, or this person got raped because of how they dressed, or even that someone gets killed because they were somewhere they knew was dangerous. Rather than focusing on the sick individuals who commit these crimes are horrible, many would victim blame and place the responsibility in the hands of the one suffering. The internet has become a disgusting thing to be a part of in these situations. With the protection of anonymity, many are overly critical over body types and suffering. I feel sick to my stomach whenever I read how horrible people can treat others.
Similarly, with body shaming, people feel like they have a say in how someone should look or about which looks should be valued. Different body shapes are accepted by various people, so treating people harshly because they don’t match your image is unacceptable. Now let's take a moment to appreciate how openly people are accepting plus-size women. More plus size models are being accepted, and while others still body shame them, it's still not something that the media focuses on today. However, people still go on to comment below others pictures and ridicule them. Some even make memes of them purely out of spite and hate. The worst part is how they claim it is for the victim’s benefit that such claims are made. They hide their hate behind “good intentions.”
Everyone seems to feel safe because they’re sitting right behind a computer. I'm only grateful that I grew up in a time where the internet was in its early stages of development. It is only in recent times where I find myself feeling like I could say just about anything on the web, but now people seem not to care in the slightest about the consequences of their words. They are proud to spread their hurtful views. It is beyond disgusting, and it is sad that people praise these bullies or even bother acknowledging them. At this moment, I feel mad at myself for recognizing these people.
Victim blaming is NOT what people should do. Recently Kim Kardashian has found herself to be victim blamed. While in Paris, she was robbed of 11 million dollars in Jewelry. Instantly, my entire social media was covered with Kim Kardashian, media covering how and when she was robbed. Even the graphic details of how she was tied, gagged and put into the tub. However, people did not care. Many were quick to blame her for having so much jewelry on her or not having her bodyguard there. The real issue is that robbers decided to rob someone, and people are blaming her for enjoying her vacation. The Kardashians are notorious for being hated by millions, but wishing death upon anyone is beyond me. Many voiced such desires openly over twitter, and none seem to think about the consequences. This woman is married with two small children. Saying that she was robbed for “flaunting” what she is capable of affording is ridiculous. However, no one says that any other celebrity should be robbed of their possessions just for posting pictures.
So many people sincerely hold so much hate for strangers; it is outstanding. Body shaming is never right as it can affect individuals completely differently, and sometimes it may drive people to hurt themselves, gain more weight, or spiral into depression. The same goes along with victim blaming. No amount of blaming is going to resolve anything. We should fix what's wrong with the world instead of blaming people for enjoying their lives. Many won’t learn how dangerous shaming can be until someone close to them suffers from such accusations.
