Let's be honest: summer has its pros and cons. And while I am usually optimistic about most things, this is something that is not considered common sense. Welcome, one and all, to shaming season.
There are many categories this could factor into, of course, two just happen to stand out: body and fashion shaming.
In the category of the body, shaming comes in a few forms. One is diet, and we need to get this straight: someone's body weight does not indicate their eating habits. There are plenty of individuals who have horrible diets and never get questioned, despite what many may think. And then others are trying to be healthy, but are ostracized because of how they look.
I'll dare to say this: BMI is not a good system to base health on. This system, unfortunately, does not factor in genetic predisposition or body type. Society also tends to ignore this. Oops? No, this is something we need to think about.
The other form is verbal, and how we treat people. This idea should be pretty straight forward. Have you heard the comments that can come out of someone's mouth? Street harassment is unacceptable. But there is a solution.
A good friend and I call this 'general respect' or 'human respect.' We treat others fairly and without discrimination unless they have disrespected and or hurt others with little regard for anyone else besides themselves. (I.E. rape, assault, abuse of any form, anything under harassment, murderer, etc.) It doesn't take too much to be a decent person.
Then, under fashion, is our most judgemental area. To begin, if someone is wearing shorts and it's hot, lay off. Fashion recycles itself every few decades, and the newest trend is rompers. Do I wear them? No. I value my ability to pee without taking everything off. But I won't judge anyone for wearing them. It's their bladder, not mine.
And how much we care about other people's skin is ridiculous. Summer for many of us means heat. I don't care if I see casual side boob. Why should I? They are natural anatomy for feeding babies. Boobs aren't sexual objects. If I am sweating pounds all day trying to go about my life, I will be comfortable.
Do I want to see someone's thong? Not necessarily, but I will keep my mouth shut. Those who can sit on patio chairs in shorts without a cushion are waffle warriors.
Maybe this summer we could be kinder to each other and less judgemental. We all have our differences. But respect is something we cannot forget.