Most people have a point in their life when they have been humiliated or mocked for the way a certain part of their body appears. This, in turn, usually leads to a huge infliction of damage to one’s self-esteem and confidence. Due to low body positivity and low self-esteem, many teenagers and young adults are suicidal or have committed suicide. It is important for people to realize, “Happiness isn’t size specific!”. An individual isn’t ugly or worthless because he or she is not skinny and smart or curvy with beautiful hair. Vveryone has his or her way of feeling good about the way he or she looks and has the right to feel happy.
I never realized that people feel differently if someone dislikes any of his or her features and comments on them. I have always been taught to realize my potentials and my flaws and accept them, so no matter what people say to me I usually don’t really pay any attention. But there have been many instances where people get so affected by an irrational person's comments that they get depressed and suicidal. I encourage people who know who they are to interact with people who have low self-esteem and try to develop the self-actualization that is much needed to build confidence.
Many movements have been started everywhere that highlight the importance of body positivity. Sports illustrated just released three different covers for its 2016 swimsuit edition highlighting beauty in different body types. Even the Barbie doll is undergoing changes that highlight the idea of beauty not being limited to size zero or any other stereotypical scale. There is also a body positive movement, fat acceptance movement, Thinspiration movement (for anorexics). Even Michelle Obama, the First Lady, has started a campaign that highlights healthy nutrition to improve self-image.
I am a firm believer of the idea that the world can change if good people can raise their children right. Most of the people who commit suicides have low self-esteem. It is parents’ job to help children in building that self-esteem and helping them realize their flaws and strengths. I also believe that people should try to accept everyone for who they are rather than try to point out the flaws in them. If people start accepting people instead of mocking or even tolerating them, the world will be a better place.