Jargon Free Forum

Body Shaming

According to the Oxford English Dictionary; body shaming is the act or practice of humiliating a person based on their body type by making critical and/or mocking statements about their body shape and size.

Body shaming, is an act in which individuals are judged negatively based on their physical appearance. Generally, men and women are body-shamed if they appear “overweight” or don’t fit the idyllic image of “thin and beautiful.” However, researchers note that thin-shaming is also a negative and form of judgment and bullying as well, although not as prevalent.

Body shaming is one of the biggest problems in today’s generation. Society doesn't just find humor in degrading a woman's body; they also find humor in degrading a man's body. Body shaming has become a problem for both genders. Body shaming, while common in both genders, is especially harmful to women.

While body shaming has been in society for quite some time, the internet and social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, have brought it to an all-time high. With millions of users signing-on each day, social media platforms open the door for individuals and companies to share unrealistic expectations of an ideal body. Technology has made the focus on appearance easier and given way to a platform that invites body shaming and bullying more frequently.

Body-shaming statistics indicate that 94 percent of teenage girls have been body shamed. However, the practice isn’t exclusive to the female gender. Teen boys and men are subjected to thoughtless opinions and hurtful comments made as well. Nearly 65 percent of teen’s boys reported having been body shamed.

Pre-session assessment

Basic questions for all students:

What are your heights? Girls responded that their heights are around 5.1 inches to 5.3 inches, and boys responded that their heights are around 5.4 inches to 5.9 inches. What are your current weights? Girls responded that their weights are around 40 to 55 kg, and boys responded that their weights are around 45 to 60 kg. What should be the ideal height of a boy? Boys responded that the ideal height of a boy should be around 6ft, and girls responded that a boy's height should be around 5.5 inches to 6ft. What should be the ideal height of a girl? Boys answered that a girl's height should be around 5.3 inches to 5.6 inches, and girls answered that a girl's height should be around 5.4 inches to 5.7 inches. Are you conscious about facial hair? Some boys replied that yes, they are conscious about facial hair as they have no growth of hair on their faces, so their friends make fun of them. Some boys replied that their facial hair doesn't make them conscious. All girls replied that their facial hair doesn't make them conscious. What are three things you like about how you look? All girls responded that they like their hair, voice, eyes, face, lips, eyebrows, ears, and nails. Boys responded that they like their height, hair, eyes, face cut, body, tattoo, smile, hands, and body color. How do you take care of your body and keep it healthy? Most of the girls replied that they don't do anything about their health; they feel that they are already healthy, and some girls replied that they do exercise to keep themselves healthy. Most of the boys replied that they do exercise, running, yoga, and take good diet.

When do you feel so proud of yourself? Some boys replied that they feel proud of themselves when their parents appreciate them. One student mentioned that when something happens well because of him in someone's life. Some boys mentioned that when they stand with their brother and hear the compliments for their brothers and when they get appreciation by teachers. Some girls replied that they feel proud when they do something for others, receive compliments, and when they respect others. Some girls replied that when their parents appreciate them for their studies and when they do something good. What is the best comment you get on your body? Some girls mentioned that they receive compliments on their eyes, nails, voice, etc. One student replied that she gets compliments for her figure and eyebrows. One girl replied that she received a good comment that she is so beautiful. Boys mentioned that they receive comments on their hair, face cut, height, eyes, and beard. What is the worst comment you get on your body? Some girls and boys replied that they don't receive any bad comments on their body. Some girls replied that they receive worst comments on their short heights and heavy weight. Almost every boy responded that they receive worst comments on their facial hair as they have no growth of beard on their face, short height, lean body, and the way of talking. What is the one thing you want to change in your body? Most of the girls responded that they don't want to change anything in their body. Some girls mentioned that they want long hair, big height, and gain weight. Only one boy said that he doesn't want to change anything in his body. Most of the boys replied that they want to be fit and want a fine body. Some students replied that they want good height and good hair. One boy replied that he just wants a healthy body, neither fat nor thin.

Activity conducted during the session

Photo analysis activity:

Photo No.1 and its analysis by students: The students replied that the girl is looking very nice. She is pretty, beautiful and has good, silky hair. Her eyes are so beautiful, like the waves of the ocean, and her eyebrow shape is also good. She has a fair complexion, no pimples on her face, and a soft face. She is fit and has a good smile. She looks like a model and it seems that she takes care of her health and body. Photo No.2 and its analysis by students: The students responded that the girl is chubby and healthy. Her hair is short and rough, but her hairstyle is good. Her lip shape is good, but they are black. She has oily skin and no pimples on her face. She is not good-looking, her eyes are too small, and her body is not good. Her clothes are not suitable for her body and color; she should wear light-colored clothes. Her health is not upright, her nose is also heavy, and she seems to be short. Photo No.3 and its analysis by students: The students responded that this girl looks older, and her height is too small. She is beautiful and good-looking and she looks like a small girl. Photo No.4 and its analysis by students: The students responded that the girl’s height is too small and the boy's height is bigger than hers. The girl is beautiful, but the boy is thin and tall. Photo No.5 and its analysis by students: The boy has black hair, and he is looking angry. His body is so fit and good. He is wearing a net t-shirt. His looks are awesome, his face cut is also good, and his nose is sharp. Photo No.6 and its analysis by students: The students responded that the boy is too thin. The boy has good height, but his face cut is not good. His hairstyle is not good, and he does not look good. Photo No.7 and its analysis by students: The girl is fat, her smile is awesome, and her hair is short and cool. She is posing for a photoshoot and giving a smile so she can get a good picture. The girl is fair, her eyes are lovely, she has a good face cut, good height, and she is so cute. Photo No.8 and its analysis by students: The students mentioned that the boy’s personality is so good. His looks are also good, he has a good face cut, his hairstyle is also good, and it looks good on his face.

Movie screening

Lesser man - https://youtu.be/-g_CuyTeLac This movie is by must bol, most of the films made in the campaign are based on real experiences of young people dealing with body shaming and stereotypes on body and how they face it on their daily routine. Let’s talk about body shaming- https://youtu.be/rOunvdHHNYU Most of us are potential victims of ‘body shaming’ – the widespread phenomenon of receiving cruel feedback when our bodies don’t meet the unrealistic beauty standards of our time. Here's VidyaBalan's take on Body Shaming. Mirror - https://youtu.be/veOFewKHO44 Mirror is a short film about insecurity and confidence seen through our minds and how people judge us according to our beauty. Let’s talk about body shaming - https://youtu.be/24k64HRdGo8 AYE MOTI, AYE MACHIS KI TILI, WOH DEKH KADDU..BAHOT HUA BE,        Chalobaatkarein, Aurchupkarein with our inbuilt confidence. Share a beautiful story by RJ Vashishth

Post assessment session

The facilitator gives some opinions and views on how to deal with body shaming:

• Practice being kind to your body.
• Remind yourself of your worth.
• Understand where you come from geographically.
• You don't need to change yourself based on what other people say to you.
• Focus on your health, not your looks.
• Be aware of what is healthy for your body.
• Also, don't give negative comments to others. Accept people for who they are, because every person is special in their own way.