So, a few days ago I was on Twitter and someone posted a screenshot of a post a certain lady had put on her Facebook page. In the post, she shared a nude picture of herself and her caption was about how she loves herself and things along that line. Now, this lady is obese. We know it and I'm pretty sure she does too. Some people lovingly pointed out that she should think about getting some help while some proceeded to insult and laugh at her. When these people were criticised by others, they immediately defended themselves stating that they were just concerned about her health.That really made me mad.
So, a few days ago I was on Twitter and someone posted a screenshot of a post a certain lady had put on her Facebook page. In the post, she shared a nude picture of herself and her caption was about how she loves herself and things along that line. Now, this lady is obese. We know it and I'm pretty sure she does too. Some people lovingly pointed out that she should think about getting some help while some proceeded to insult and laugh at her. When these people were criticised by others, they immediately defended themselves stating that they were just concerned about her health.That really made me mad.
If they were truly concerned about her health, they could have reached out to her. After all, her Facebook name was there for everyone to see. No doubt, being obese or underweight isn't healthy at all for anyone. But is laughing at someone on social media really going to help that person get the help they need? Some might say that it's just banter and it's not that deep. But you can't be doing banter with someone else's life abeg. You don't know the mental state of the person. What if that one 'joke' is what pushes a person over the edge? Imagine that lady going on Twitter and reading some of the mean comments. All she wanted to do was love herself.
It's really appalling that even children are body shamed. I remember being in grade 3 and going to the school nurse as I had a tummy ache. There was another lady in the school clinic who decided that it was okay to be mean to me and kept on calling me fat. I don't remember the woman's face anymore but I do remember her words. And even though it was over ten years ago, it still hurts. I would hate to have that sort of effect on another human being.
Another thing is how some women (and men) are mocked about their body parts. Things that are really beyond their control. And when these people decide to get plastic surgery then everyone says they're fake and don't love themselves. It's so messed up.
We've probably all body shamed someone else in the past even if it was unintentional. This is just another reminder that we need to make a conscious effort to stop doing this. Fat shaming, skinny shaming and all that should not be tolerated at all. We need to do better as a society. xx
If they were truly concerned about her health, they could have reached out to her. After all, her Facebook name was there for everyone to see. No doubt, being obese or underweight isn't healthy at all for anyone. But is laughing at someone on social media really going to help that person get the help they need? Some might say that it's just banter and it's not that deep. But you can't be doing banter with someone else's life abeg. You don't know the mental state of the person. What if that one 'joke' is what pushes a person over the edge? Imagine that lady going on Twitter and reading some of the mean comments. All she wanted to do was love herself.
It's really appalling that even children are body shamed. I remember being in grade 3 and going to the school nurse as I had a tummy ache. There was another lady in the school clinic who decided that it was okay to be mean to me and kept on calling me fat. I don't remember the woman's face anymore but I do remember her words. And even though it was over ten years ago, it still hurts. I would hate to have that sort of effect on another human being.
Another thing is how some women (and men) are mocked about their body parts. Things that are really beyond their control. And when these people decide to get plastic surgery then everyone says they're fake and don't love themselves. It's so messed up.
We've probably all body shamed someone else in the past even if it was unintentional. This is just another reminder that we need to make a conscious effort to stop doing this. Fat shaming, skinny shaming and all that should not be tolerated at all. We need to do better as a society. xx
People often retweet photos of someone who may be obese for e.g. and make out that they're unhappy they're unhealthy, but at the end of the day, we know they are really not concerned with this person's health. No doubt it's not healthy (neither is being too underweihgt as you pointed out) and I know the photo you are referring to, but sometimes people should keep their opinions to themselves, body shaming for a few retweets here and there is for sure not resepectable.
ReplyDeletehttp://skylish.co.uk
This is what made me mad Kemi! It was obvious that they didn't really care about her health. You're right, people need to keep their opinions to themselves. Thanks for reading! xx
DeleteGreat post, girl! Self-love is so important, kudos to that lady! Body shaming is never okay!
ReplyDeletexo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Yup Siffat, it's never okay! Thanks for reading :)
DeleteBody shaming definitely isn't okay. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteCaitlin, Beauty & Colour
Thank you for reading Caitlin! xx
DeleteAnother thing that makes it difficult is that sometimes you are body shamed by people who really do love you. The first time I became aware of gaining weight was because of a comment my mom made. I became really self-conscious about my legs in middle school and would never wear shorts. I'm no longer so self-conscious about my body, but I'm still not 100% comfortable with it yet! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, I forgot that this is a thing! Sometimes it's from people who really love us. Thanks for reading and for pointing that out Audrey! xx
DeleteThank you for saying this!!! 'Fat' does not equal unhealthy!!! There are so many other factors that come into play! In fact I would argue that the people writing those comments are ill in the head for thinking that's ok to say!
ReplyDeleteSinĂ©ad ♥ Fabuleuse Du Jour
Haha I agree completely. Thanks for reading Sinead! xx
DeleteI totally agree with you! People always tend to be judgmental and rude.
ReplyDeleteBlessing
http://highwaytofashionbi.blogspot.it/
Yup and it's not cool at all. Thanks for reading Bi :)
DeleteI love this post Demi!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, people don't realise how their words affect other people, and sometimes, obese or underweight, people already know their condition and are probably doing something about it and body shaming them just brings their spirits down.
Love,
From the person who sits next to you in class ;)
(Imaginary blog post link)
Exactly! Why bring someone else's spirit down?
DeleteThanks for the comment babes and I'm glad you love the post, love you plenty <3
Haha @ imaginary blog post link
loved reading this and the truth is that we humans sometimes do't know what we want. This person is too skinny, the next is too fat, the next has a big head, the other, it's a big leg.
ReplyDeleteNice post. And i like that Achebe and Anne Frank quote by the side.
<3
Asin, it's basically a case of damned if you do or damned if you don't! Thanks for stopping by and for noticing my quotes Favour! xx
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