Body Shaming - A Social Menace

Toxic words can ruin an otherwise perfect life.

- Saranya

The last day before summer break is always fun and ends on a lighter note in my class. We discuss all and sundry right from books, movies, outdoor sports, lafamilia and every conversation is peppered with laughs and guffaws. This year, too, was no different until the conversation veered into something serious, though unexpected. It was not meant to be serious when I asked everyone what are they planning to do in their break?

An innocuous question! While everyone came up with slew of plans like meeting their grandparents, going to their native place or just watch good movies with friends; one girl was mulling over something which she clearly hid behind her radiant smile and luminous eyes.

But then she surprised me by letting the cat out of the bag. Fresh and raw, out it came and swept me in its swirling wave of unabashed truth.

Ma'am, there is a family event where all my cousins are going to come but I am not going.”

The effervescence in her smile melted into the grim reality. I did not interrupt her asking why and why not, as I wanted her to speak without anyone prodding her.

After a momentary pause, she continued in a plaintive tone, Everyone speaks about my body. It always happens. Every time we meet, my body becomes the subject of the discussion. So, I am going to be alone with myself this time.'

The silence followed and a gloom cast over the otherwise party mood. Before I could come up with a response, which will appropriate her in a comfortable place, rest of the kids found an opportunity and seized the silence to bark out their eventful plans out of their system. The class ended but that girl's voice haunted me.

A blooming teen should be bubbling with joy to meet her loved ones. But here is a girl, who is more than happy to be by herself because she thinks that will give her peace. Peace from the people who hound her for the way she looks.