The good old US of A was forged from diversity. Almost everyone is unique in some kind of way. So chances are you see many different body shapes on a day to day basis. Whether it be within your home, or when you venture out into the world. Everybody has a different body type and there is nothing wrong with this.
I repeat, nothing.
But for some reason, it's 2018 and body shaming is still a thing.
The media has always portrayed what a person should look like, and society has continued to hold them to that standard. Whether it be thin, muscular, or curvy, we have these unrealistic standards. So body shaming is still around because some think that others should look a certain kind of way, and then put that person down who does not.
The size of a person should not matter to you. Each person has their own genetics and their own past. Some are bigger than others, some are smaller than others. Do not tell somebody that they need to not eat, or eat more. This is promoting an unhealthy lifestyle, and it's also sticking your nose where it does not belong. You do not know if that person has struggled with an eating disorder, or if that person is actually really healthy with their food consumption, it does not matter to you.
If you put somebody down, they could start to spiral down, whether or not they have struggled with insecurities before. When you are told that you do not look right, you get affected. This goes both ways. When you call somebody too fat, or too skinny, it takes its toll. There are better ways to describe people, and it's something that I hope catches on, through the positive traits of an individual, and not by their size.
I must clarify as well the difference between commenting on somebody's size and their health. If you have a loved one, and are genuinely concerned about their health and well being for whatever reason, you bring it up to them in a kind way that shows you care. Saying "You're getting too big," or "You're like a stick," are not the ways to do bring up the issues you are seeing. "Hey, I noticed you've been down lately, or lacking of energy, what's going on?" would be a much better approach, and it will not necessarily make that person self-conscious.
Seriously, it is 2018. We really need to get our stuff together and start treating others with love and respect, embracing every kind of diversity.
Love yourself and others, always, and seriously stop all the hate and putting down other people, it's not cute.
