The body positivity movement is sweeping through social media platforms. Whether it’s ways to be healthy or promoting self-acceptance, the movement is remarkable; however, some aspects of the movement and its interpretations come with faults.
It first comes down to the audience, especially when social media can have negative effects on body image and mental health. Remember, everyone deserves to love how they look while knowing how to be healthy. People often assume that because someone is thin, they can’t be a part of this movement; however, this idea only furthers stigmas around bigger bodies to think they are the only people who need to be “taught” to love their bodies. With this in mind, it is important to remember that “smaller” or “thinner” bodies have been represented as the norm and more plus-size bodies deserve greater representation.
There are numerous stigmas around bigger bodies, one being that they always have to feel happy or confident. Influencer and plus-size model, Sixtineexplained on TikTok what she calls the “fat and happy phenomenon.” She explained she was criticized for not posting body positivity content on Instagram, where instead she shares posts of her life and different photoshoots. People expect plus-sized influencers and others to “prove” they are actually happy. Sixtine demonstrates a way to change the stereotypes around the movement and the standard plus-size people are held to.
People also have certain standards when it comes to weight fluctuations. Barbie Ferreira was and still is a huge inspiration to plus-size women as a plus-size actress. When she lost weight and showed her now smaller body, people were very shocked by the change which led to conversations around Ozempic as well. This publicized weight loss shows how people feel free to criticize, make assumptions and share their opinions on other’s weight loss journey. It is important to remember that all people, even those who advocate for confidence, experience weight fluctuations or might want to make some changes in their appearance too.
This leads to one final thought on the body positivity movement’s issues and that is to stop assuming things. People need to stop assuming that certain people look a certain way for certain reasons. Everyone is born into a different body, so stop thinking that others are more worthy of respect because they “look it.” Just because someone displays the food they eat, doesn’t mean someone else will look similar if they eat the same way. The movement is meant to be for everyone, yet everyone is somehow judged no matter what they do, even if they do nothing.
Overall, the body positivity movement, like anything, has its faults and some views need to change, but it is a good movement. The basis of it is to teach everyone how to love their bodies in healthy ways. It should include everyone and everyone should be free of judgement. The faults only come down to how people interpret the body positivity movement and the people who are a part of it.
Kyra Dapore is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kyra know by emailing her at kd364521@ohio.edu.
