Is body positivity real?

By Jiya Bharti

So recently, I had an interesting and insightful discussion with a well-educated friend of mine. I wanted to mention that this friend that I do reference, is a really open-minded individual which I encourage, opinions and debates are not criticised but instead encouraged because only then do we educate ourselves to a proper and convincing extent. We spoke about a more controversial aspect of body positivity, which was based upon the idea that ‘does body positivity promote an unhealthy mindset’? This is being used in not just obesity but in terms of anorexia and other issues.

You see, as much as my natural feminist defence came in, I did see reflections of facts in this statement.

However, this made me jump to the actual problem within this question and within the actual perspective definition of ‘body positivity’. The real problem isn't that body positivity would promote unhealthy behaviour, it's that society has redefined body positivity into more of a trendy symbol, and use it to a benefit, although it still is not true to itself. An example to make this more clear is that a lot of larger females are praised and adored for their appearance on social media like Tiktok, however, skinnier girls are actually given a lot more negative feedback. Even though it is evident that skinnier girls are the beauty standard, this is still a relevant issue, because the very notion of body positivity fades, which is that all bodies should be treated with RESPECT.

The very idea of body positivity is that all bodies should be treated with respect, no matter how attractive anyone thinks they are. It does not mean someone needs to constantly praise and compliment others, it just means not to look down on them. Additionally, body positivity means to actually normalise NORMAL bodies, understanding that the female body has naturally more fat around the stomach and that everyone has a bikini body because not everyone is an influencer who spends everyday exercising for hours and controlling their calorie intake! It is understanding, that photo-shop exists and social media feeds us these ideas. It is also educating everyone that ‘flaws’ are natural, stretchmarks, acne and other considered flaws.

The idea of body positivity does NOT mean the adoration of particular body types or looking down on others. It should not mean promoting unhealthy behaviour or mindset, we should all understand what is good for our health and what is not, therefore, body positivity objective is allowing everyone to be able to respect themselves and others! (also more stuff ofc )

Being skinny is OK

Being overweight is OK

Being Curvy is OK

Body shaming and not treating others bodies with respect is NOT OK