Women's imperfections, particularly being overweight, are constantly scrutinized in today's society. Instead of pointing out the positives in a person, we choose to dehumanize them and crush whatever self-esteem they had. Why body shame when you can promote equality and support others? Just because someone isn't up to par with your body standards doesn't mean you have a right to judge. Both men and women get body shamed, but the majority shows that women suffer more. Look at all of the commercials on television that advertise makeup and clothing. Society has implanted an idea of what the perfect woman should look like and people obsess over being just that.
Throughout my life, I have been body shamed by more males than females. Personally, it hurt more coming from men, especially the ones I were attracted to. I struggled to be perfect for them, when I should have just focused on me and how I wanted to look. If you have ever felt body shamed by a male, don’t give him the satisfaction of crying. Instead, walk with your head held high and shake whatcha' mama gave you! I’m the first to admit that I am nowhere close to having the “perfect body.” I am a victim of the freshman 15, my one breasts is slightly larger than the other, and I have love handles.
I won't sit here and act as if I was never one of those ignorant people who poked fun at others for their weight or fashion sense. I remember the feeling of bashing others with my cruel words and how at the time it made me feel empowered because that was how I coped with my insecurities. Ever since I experienced being body shamed, I have stopped my bullying and realized that everyone is unique and entitled to how they want to look, because who am I to say otherwise?
Once someone’s words are in your head, they can stick with you for days. The usual reaction is to want to crawl up in a ball and hide and let their words eat you alive. But let me ask you this, why should their opinion matter? People should love you for you and you will not get everyone's approval throughout life and that is okay! Just think of it as their loss for losing someone as amazing as you! The best way to stand up for yourself is to proudly love yourself and block out those who want to bring you down. Nobody is perfect and that's what makes us human. Girls, we need to boost each other’s self-esteem and embrace who we are! Celebrities and models go through unhealthy and challenging diets and workouts and even after all of that, they still have their picture edited with Photoshop to give them the sexy curves they most desire. So don't compare yourself to Kim Kardashian or Beyonce because you are gorgeous.
If you aren't happy about your appearance, there are ways to make healthy changes to your lifestyle because you don't have to remain stagnant. Words of encouragement and support can go a long way when somebody tries to overcome a battle with themselves. So with that being said, if you want to eat Taco Bell, do it if it makes you happy! And if you want to work out and change your diet, then "You Go Glen Coco!" Do what makes you happy and be proud of who you are.
