It is a moment we can all remember, but would rather forget. It is that moment we stand in front of the mirror, scrutinizing every inch of our bodies and faces. Overwhelmed with frustration at being unable to lose the last five pounds, or confused as to where we even should begin with working out, we become consumed with our body image. But whose ideal body type are we trying to conform to? Girls do not just decide to hate their bodies. Unfortunately, society teaches them to.
The twisted world we live in has created an unfair image of what a woman, or even a man, should look like. Fueled by decades of gender stereotypes and picture-perfect ideals, body shaming has become the norm. Sadly, it has become much more than just calling a woman "fat." Women are now harshly criticized for being too skinny, too muscular, too curvy, too fat—the list never ends. Women who are naturally thin or lose weight must have an eating disorder, and women who enjoy going to the gym or eating healthy are far too obsessive. Women who do not fit someone else's definition of beautiful find themselves as the target of social media trolls. Pop-stars Kelly Clarkson and P!nk made headlines lately for silencing their body-shaming haters by sharing what is actually important in life, namely their families and personal contentment.
Men are often labeled as the perpetrators of body shaming, but women are just as much, if not more, at fault. What ever happened to girl code? Weight shaming has become synonymous with women shaming. Regardless of who is spitting out the nasty comments, the truth is, words hurt. Those posted in a public forum have even more bite. Imagine seeing abhorrent, anonymous remarks about your weight on Yik Yak, for all of your college campus to see. Picture yourself scrolling through judgmental and flat-out mean comments on your Instagram or profile picture. However, the only person who should have anything to be ashamed of is the coward hiding behind their shield. I mean, screen.
Ladies and gentlemen, your self worth is so much more than a number on a scale or a dress or suit size. Your worth is measured by the many qualities you possess such as your wit, kindness, compassion, talent, generosity, humor and selflessness.
Embrace your #stretchies (thanks, Chrissy Teigen). Embrace your strong core. Embrace your cellulite. Embrace your muscle definition. Embrace your thigh gap. Love yourself for who you actually are and not who society wants you to be.
