Introduction
When someone’s physique or outward appearance is being caricatured, it is said that such a person is being body shamed. God made people in different wonderful and special forms, but some people feel they are more special than others in physical attributes. Fat or chubby/plump people are major targets and the very tall ones or short ones or ladies who are said to be ‘out of shape’ or without ‘heavy backside’ are also made fun of. Some men even go to the extent of body-shaming their wives after they have given birth, and this makes a woman feel worthless. The big questions are: ‘Should people reject themselves because of their physique?’ and ‘What do these body-shamers really want to achieve?’
Effects of Body-Shaming
There are many bad effects when it comes to body shaming, and here are a few of them. Low self-esteem: when a person’s self-esteem is ruined, he or she loses the ability to have confidence in themselves; body-shaming people goes a long to make them feel inferior and that is one of the ulterior motives of people who do it. Isolation: when people are made to feel that they are inadequate or incomplete in their physique, it makes them go into hiding as they wouldn’t want to be judged by others too. Depression/Suicide: people who are being body-shamed have tendencies of becoming depressed or committing suicide. Attempts for plastic surgery: in the bid to look better, many make attempts to enlarge their breasts, and the male gender may want to have a better nose, or what he feels is lacking. Hatred: people who are being body-shamed may develop serious animosity towards those that have made them feel less of themselves. Loss of quality relationships: hanging around people that cherish who you are without making you feel less of yourself is a priceless gift everyone should pray to have but when this is lacking, relationships will go sour.
Breaking Free from the Effects
Believe in your self-worth. Beyond your physique that people see, they cannot see the powerful person you are within. Believe in what you carry and be proud of who you are. Distance yourself from anyone that makes you feel less of yourself; anyone that talks down on your physique. Make them understand that you have limits to the nonsense you can tolerate. Be more productive; instead of wasting your time, energy and self-worth on people who have no regard for it, why not think of something to do that will make you stand out and make the world better? Take care of your health.
Conclusion
On a final thought, if the fight against body-shaming must be won, it has to start within. Win the battle over succumbing to their caricatures by seeing the greatness in you which they don’t see. Know this: you are beautiful, gorgeous, special and exactly whom God has made you to be. You are an ORIGINAL!
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