Embrace confidence: Feel comfortable in your own skin

The damage caused by body shaming is profound. It affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds

- ADITYA MUKHERJEE

Body shaming is an insidious form of social cruelty that has permeated human society. Those who engage in it often act as though they have a divine right to demean, diminish, and deride anyone they judge as falling short in physical appearance, whether in skin tone or body dimensions. This pervasive problem continues to harm individuals' self-esteem and well-being.

Body shaming is a global phenomenon. A few years ago, American rapper and singer Lizzo and English singer Adele faced body shaming on social media, with comments focusing on their weight rather than their talents. This has sparked conversations about the impact of public scrutiny on mental health. Interestingly, when Adele lost weight, she faced both praise and criticism, with some commenters arguing she was "selling out" by conforming to societal beauty standards. This highlights how individuals can be shamed regardless of their body size.

The media and advertising industries play a huge role in perpetuating these stereotypes. Fashion magazines, movies, TV shows, and social media influencers bombard us with images of "ideal" bodies, often edited and airbrushed to perfection. These unrealistic portrayals create pressure, leading some people to feel dissatisfied with their own bodies.