BODY Shaming

A matter of concern.

- Asha Tripathi

Body shaming is the act of passing insensitive, humiliating comments on someone for their body features. There are various types of body shaming, not just limited to fat shaming, but the list of shaming is wider and huge.

It is prevalent in today’s time, and unfortunately, beauty standards are set and designed to make us feel awkward about our own bodies rather than comfortable with the bodies we possess.

It is a highly toxic behaviour that leads to the onset of chaotic and turbulent emotions within an individual being subjected to shame, fuelling insecurity, lowering self-confidence, and reinforcing the idea that self-worth is tied to appearance.

Category Of Body Shaming

Weight-based: One of the most common areas of shaming. Individuals being ridiculed for being fat is called fat shaming. Similarly, ridicule for being thin is called skinny shaming.

Appearance-based: Specific physical features are targeted, such as height, skin colour and texture, hair colour and texture, etc., over which individuals have no control.

Beauty-based: This is known as beauty shaming. It happens very often, where people deemed unattractive are looked down upon and mocked.

Age-based: Ridiculing older people for showing signs of aging, which is not perceived as a natural process, is often spiced up with derogatory remarks.

Forms Of Shaming

Verbal: Directly or indirectly passing appalling comments on someone's appearance or personality.

Nonverbal: Expressing judgments through gestures, facial expressions, or body language.

Digital: Engaging in shaming through social media platforms by posting or sending memes or videos ridiculing someone's appearance.