You know that feeling you get when you think you're forgetting something? The mental checklist you go through before leaving the house? That's how it feels right now in a world that has so many cries of outrage — it's hard to keep track. Racism, sexism, ageism, feminism, lgbtq+, nature conservation, and freedom of religion, just to name a few. These are all so important and deserve equal attention, but I can't help but feel that we are forgetting one last crucial dynamic: body diversity.

The funny thing about body diversity is that it might just be the easiest fix, but the most unnoticed. Open a magazine or turn on the TV and notice who it is you're looking at. Women are mostly white, tall and thin with long flowing hair and faces that fit the stereotype of accepted beauty. They are usually between the ages of 16 and 36 and identify as straight. So let's break down that description into the topics of fighting we currently understand: race, gender, age discrimination, and sexual orientation. Therefor, if body diversity accounts for so many of the topics we are so passionate about, why is it so forgotten?

We are not doing our part in destroying physical stereotypes. Why are models and mannequins a size two when the national average is a 16? This is not by accident. This is because someone somewhere wants you to think that you aren't small enough, pretty enough, white enough, or smart enough. If you could just squeeze into a smaller size of jeans, your life would be so much better. If your boobs were bigger, but not too big, you would be happier. And if your skin could just be a few shades lighter, we would greatly appreciate it.

Body diversity is the forgotten fight because it is so easy to feel powerless against society's portrayal of women (and men but I can't speak from experience). Be bold and question this widely accepted norm. Support companies who create a positive message for people of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Embrace what makes you unique, whether it's curly hair or wide thighs. Don't give up on this fight because the more we diversify beauty, the more beauty we will find in this life.