I am a fat girl, almost always have been one. And as a result of my fatness I have often been a victim of body shaming. Naturally I'm against body shaming in general. Phrases like "Real men like curves, only dogs go for bones" sound like a really witty comeback to people who go around giving free unwanted advice on how to lose weight. However, I do not think such statements are cool because those are forms of body shaming too!
Fat-shaming is wrong but that doesn't mean that thin-shaming can rectify it. If you believe that every body type is beautiful, then it is extremely hypocritical if you start calling thin people "skinny" or compare them to bones! "Real women have curves" - I mean how ridiculous is that? A curvy woman has curves, period. A thin tall woman might not have curves but that doesn't make her any less of a woman, and definitely doesn't make her imaginary. She's just as real as every other woman. Her body is beautiful too. Please stop comparing your body to meat and bones meant for male consumption. Stop calling her "Anorexic" if you do not like being called "Obese". Neither anorexia nor obesity is something you should be proud of. Being healthy is what's important. But ridiculing or humiliating others' bodies to feel good about yourself is plain selfish and cowardly. Fat-shaming is just another form of bullying.
However I must say, thin-shaming and fat-shaming are a world apart and one isn't the exact opposite of the other. Skinny-shaming is more like a defense mechanism that works for the fat people. It's a mode for them to lash out at people who try to oppress them because of their body type. Who wouldn't love to give an appropriate comeback to bullies? Fat-shaming on the other hand is a crude mixture of sexism as well as fat-phobia. We live in a world that idolizes thin bodies while demonizing fat ones. A skinny woman wouldn't really have to give up her favorite food to match society's standards of beauty since she is the standard. A thin woman wouldn't have to enter a shop and leave empty handed because nothing fits her; clothes are made keeping her body type in mind. "You have put on some weight" isn't usually considered to be a compliment and seldom does a woman look too thin to wear certain clothes. Skinny-shaming is wrong but I personally do not think that it is oppressive because it's not possible to oppress people who have social power.
I have come towards the end of my blog post. Since this is a sensitive topic I would love to know what you think about this, irrespective of whether you agree or disagree. Leave a comment if you feel comfortable. If you liked it, you may give me a +1 or share it further. I'll be back next Friday. If you have suggestions for upcoming blog posts you may leave a comment.
