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-assessment session

Basics question for all students

What are your heights? Girls responded that their heights are around 4.9 inches to 5.6 inches and boys responded that their heights are around 5.1 inches to 5.9 inches. What are your current weights? Girls responded that their current weights are around 35 Kg to 60 Kg, and boys responded that their current weights are around 39 Kg to 75 Kg. What should be the ideal height for a boy? Boys responded that the ideal height for a boy should be 5.5 inches to 6.5 inches. Girls responded that the ideal height should be more than 5 inches to 6 inches. What should be the ideal height for a girl?Most of the boys responded that the ideal height for a girl should be 5.5 inches and 5.4 inches. Some boys replied that a girl's height should be 6 feet. Most of the girls responded that a girl's height should be 5 inches to 5.2 inches. Some girls responded that a girl's height should be more than 5.6 inches. What are three things you like about yourself? Most of the girls replied that they like their smile, eyes, dimples on their face, hair, nails, hands, and height. Some girls replied that they like their hair cut, eyebrows, nose pin on their face, and dressing sense. Most of the boys responded that they like their hair, smile, hands, fitness, hairstyle, height, and body. Some students responded that they like being simple and their clothes. How do you take care of your body and keep it healthy? Most of the students replied that they take care of their body by eating good food, doing yoga, running, playing different sports, and exercising. What is the best comment you get on your body? Most of the girls responded that they receive good comments on their bodies such as their dressing style, eyebrows, dimples on their face, good health, height, nails, and lips. Boys responded that they receive good comments on their bodies such as their hands, body, height, hairstyle, fitness, eyes, clothes, and simplicity. What is the worst comment you get on your body? Girls responded that they receive bad comments on their bodies such as pimples on their face, thin body, nose, short height, wearing glasses, teeth, health, and being overweight. Boys responded that they receive bad comments on their faces, pimples, thin body, poor hair, height, walking style, being overweight, ugly, and health. What is the one thing you want to change in your body? Girls answered that they want to change their height, lose weight, health, lips, nose, diet, thin body, and pimples. Boys responded that they want to change their height, personality, body, looks, face, and hair.

Activity/Games/Documentary screening

Picture analysis by students 

Analysis of Photo No. 1 by Students: The students commented that the girl has a nice smile, beautiful hair, and cute and attractive appearance. However, they also noted that her eyes are nasty. Analysis of Photo No. 2 by Students: The students stated that the girl is both ugly and beautiful. They noted that her figure is not ideal, but her eyes are nice and her lifestyle is stylish. They also appreciated her necklace. Analysis of Photo No. 3 by Students: The students noted that the girl is considered the smallest in India. They mentioned that she has a good smile, nice eyes, and irregular teeth. They also observed that her hands and legs are small, her watch looks good on her hand, and her hair is long, making her appear like a small child. Analysis of Photo No. 4 by Students: The students remarked that the boy is tall, while the girl is shorter. They also noted that the boy is fairer than the girl and has brown hair, while the girl has black hair. They appreciated the girl's good-looking eyes and cute appearance. They also noted that the boy is thin and has a good-looking nose, while the girl has good-looking lips. Analysis of Photo No. 5 by Students: The students commented that the boy is black, has large and black lips, small hair, and a not-so-good photo. They noted that he has thin cheeks, is not very good-looking, but is healthy and has a nice body shape. They also appreciated his good height and eyes. Analysis of Photo No. 6 by Students: The students described the boy as looking weak, but with a good height. They noted that his face is small and that he is wearing a red pant, black t-shirt, watch, and black shoes. They concluded that he looks awesome. Analysis of Photo No. 7 by Students: The students noted that the lady is fit, good-looking, and has hair resembling a man's hair. They suggested that she may want to lose weight or improve her appearance. They appreciated her good hair style and the t-shirt she is wearing, and concluded that she is beautiful. Analysis of Photo No. 8 by Students: The students noted that the girl is from a foreign country, fair but weak in health. They appreciated her awesome hair style and her appearance as a model. Analysis of Photo No. 9 by Students: The students described the boy as smart, with beautiful eyes, an awesome hair style and beard, good looks, a good body shape, small eyes, a long face, a good nose, and a fair complexion. Analysis of Photo No. 10 by Students: The students described the boy as handsome, fit due to daily workout, having a classic body, and a good hair style. They also noted that he has eagle-like eyes, awesome muscles, an impressive stand-up style, and is very attractive.

Movie screening

"Lesser Man" - https://youtu.be/-g_CuyTeLac - This film by Must Bol is based on real-life experiences of young people who deal with body shaming and stereotypes related to body image. "Let's Talk About Body Shaming" - https://youtu.be/rOunvidHHNYU - Many of us are likely to experience body shaming, where we receive harsh criticism for not meeting unrealistic beauty standards. In this video, Vidya Balan speaks about body shaming. "Let's Talk About Body Shaming" - https://youtu.be/24k64HRdGo8 - "Aye Moti, Aye Machis Ki Tili, Woh Dekh Kaddo." Let's talk about it and put a stop to it with our inner confidence. "A Beautiful Story by RJ Vashishth" - Share a heartwarming story told by RJ Vashishth.

Post-assessment session

Facilitator's Suggestions for Dealing with Body Shaming:

• Practice self-kindness towards your body. 
• Remind yourself of your inherent value and worth. 
• Acknowledge your cultural background and heritage. 
• Don't change yourself based on others' opinions or comments. • Prioritize your body's health over physical appearance.
• Know what is healthy for your body. 
• Refrain from body shaming others and respect their unique qualities and individuality.