Let’s start by acknowledging that all kinds of body shaming are unacceptable. Nobody should have to feel unhappy and discontent with their bodies. However, there is a type of body shaming that is less spoken about–skinny shaming.
A thin man or woman is not found particularly appealing according to the standards of the society. Thin bodies people are often teased and bullied with comments like, “hawa chal rahi hai, bahar mat jaa”; “khaana nahi khata kya”; and “tere upar kapde hanger jaise latak rahe hain”. Discriminating against someone for not possessing a certain body type historically associated with femininity or masculinity is traumatising. Lack of curves, muscles, or a round butt is considered unattractive. Food policing exists as much for thin people as it does for fat people–just in a different manner. They are taunted for choosing a salad, skipping a meal, and are even advised to eat “double cheeseburgers”, because “diet pe hai kya?”.
It is not uncommon for people to just say offensive and uninformed things when they encounter people who are thinner than usual. Assuming that they have an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia is an obvious logic for them. Celebrities are touted as “bad examples” for being slim because they are setting unrealistic standards of beauty. While it is not something which is entirely untrue, but just by being slim they do not promote the idea that thin is good. Mouni Roy and Kareena Kapoor Khan are often trolled for being “too skinny”.
It cannot be overlooked that even though thin shaming is a part of body shaming, being slim is still a privilege. The intensity and manner in which fat phobia and fat shaming have taken over the conscience of people, the phenomenon of slim shaming is also considered a compliment. However, verbal comments on a person’s physical appearance can be psychologically disturbing. It is as hard for skinny people as is for fat people to find clothes their size. When you do not find jeans that fit your waist, it is depressing–no matter if they are loose or tight. Basically, society wants to fit everyone into a certain body type. Boys should be muscular, but not fat; girls should be curvy sans the cellulite and flab.
Shaming someone for their body is a form of oppression that takes away their self-confidence and happiness. While some work out, diet and choose some or the other way to become slim–others are just born with it. All those who say things like, “you’re not fat, you’re beautiful!” should try a different method to compliment someone because bringing one type down to uplift the other is unhealthy. Naming people by their body type is another form of bullying. Names like “tilli” or “moti” are not acceptable. Body positivity should be for all bodies!
So dear society, please leave people alone. They may be slim or fat or unrealistic or disappointing, but they are definitely not your e-mail inbox–always open to spam.
