Body-shaming isn’t about gender-special issues. Women are often affected by this issue, but how many of us have noticed that criticising an individual’s appearance has been on the rise in MEN as well?
Yes, you heard me right?
While much has been talked about how society’s narrow-minded scrutiny objectifies and harms women, we are yet to venture into the growing reality of ‘less-talked’ social issues of male body shaming. In fact, men are also bearing insecurities regarding their body image.
Out of all people, even Simbu, Nivin Pauly, Prashanth, and many other actors have been body shamed mercilessly on social media platforms. It seems to be very easy for us to judge someone’s appearance but have any of us thought about what a man is or should be and found his special way of expressing himself?
Why don’t we talk about male body shaming?
The writer thinks the victims (MEN) are not comfortable talking about this issue because they don’t identify it as a matter of importance. But, most of the time (MEN) are not the ones to blame.
Frankly speaking, we have grown up in a society where the notions of ‘macho’ and (toxic) ‘masculinity’ are so deeply ingrained in the culture. Every outburst that happens will be seen as a form or weakness.
We don’t question ourselves on why we need to become huge and strong as ‘The Rock’ to change the shape of our bodies. We do it because it happens at times. Having said that, almost every time the effort to rectify the issue opens the door to the “sweeping” of man into others’ eyes. The prohibition against expressing a weakness, a vulnerability of our own body is born because it would be too childish. In the end, we have to hide the embarrassment and avoid any form of voicing out.
Body shaming manifest in different ways
- Tendency to judge others’ physical appearance and laugh without noticing that we are also body-shaming someone. For example, laughing at jokes of stand-up comedians targeting fat people. (At least I don’t have to shave my body hair)
- We may form a negative self-image without realising that we are body shaming ourselves. For example, (He looks more muscular than me)
Men or women, body-shaming is always wrong.
Regardless of how such issues manifests, this will eventually lead to comparison and shame, and perpetuates the idea that people should be judged mainly for their physical features. PERIOD!
How to deal with body shaming ?
- Learn to embrace our own imperfections as it will ultimately free us from placing unfair judgments on others.
- Share and talk about it to your loved one as there’ll be definitely a way for you to ease your worries.
- Do what makes you happy; at the end of the day you’re gonna live your life.
With the boom of social media, anyone can say whatever they want, without thinking about other people’s feelings. Body shaming will never be cool in the name of ‘it’s the latest trend’. So, instead of putting people down, celebrate their differences and be kind in this crazy world we’re all living in.
“Are you ready to stop colluding with a culture that makes so many of us feel physically inadequate? Say goodbye to your inner critic, and take this pledge to be kinder to yourself and others.” — Oprah Winfrey
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