"Bridgerton" and "Yellowjackets" Stars Take a Stand Against Body Shaming
While you might think you're just scrolling through social media, you'd be surprised to find out how often women face body shaming. Recently, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Melanie Lynskey, stars of popular shows "Bridgerton" and "Yellowjackets," have shared their experiences with this brutal form of online harassment.
Just last year, Coughlan, a star from "Bridgerton," addressed body shaming in an article for The Guardian. Coughlan, who plays Dolly Rogers in the show, was criticized on Twitter for her appearance at the Golden Globes. In response, she penned an article titled "I will be judged," highlighting that her appearance is not up for debate. "My stage performance, not my body, should be the topic of conversation," she wrote.
Similarly, Lynskey spoke out about the body shaming she'd faced after it was reported that her character had an affair with Peter Gabriel's character on "Yellowjackets." The actress tweeted in response, "Wow, really? That is what people think is important, thin or young? I thought only of my character's actions."
Body shaming is by no means exclusive to women in the public eye. It's something we all face, even if it's not as public. However, women like Coughlan and Lynskey, who have dedicated their careers to playing empowered female characters, have a unique opportunity to shed light on this pervasive issue.
The problem lies in the idea that a woman's worth is defined by her appearance. This false belief has serious consequences for the self-esteem and mental health of women and girls alike. Not only is this belief harmful, but it's also incorrect.
For decades, research has shown that weight is primarily a biologically controlled factor. Adopted children, for example, tend to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) similar to their biological parents, not their adoptive parents[1][2].
The idea that women don't care about their health because they aren't thin is both disrespectful and untrue. Women are more likely to go to regular check-ups and are less likely to engage in harmful habits like alcohol abuse[1].
So, what can we do to change the conversation around body shaming in social media?
- Promote Body Positivity and Diversity: Encourage the media and influencers to showcase a range of body types, ages, and abilities. This helps create an inclusive narrative around beauty.
- Challenge Unrealistic Beauty Standards: Ensure that media and advertising depict realistic and diverse beauty standards. This can help reduce the pressure to conform to unattainable ideals.
- Engage in Open Dialogue: When faced with body shaming, respond with confidence and assertiveness. Share your story to set a precedent for standing up against such comments.
- Use Social Media for Positive Change: Utilize social media platforms to promote body positivity and challenge traditional beauty standards. Influencers can share their stories and advocate for acceptance, using hashtags like #bodypositivity to create a broader impact.
- Foster a Health-Focused Mindset: Encourage a mindset that prioritizes health and well-being over appearance. This can help individuals develop healthier relationships with food, exercise, and self-care.
- Educate and Raise Awareness: Highlight the emotional burden of body shaming, such as its impact on self-esteem and mental health. This can help raise awareness and foster empathy.
- Encourage Authenticity and Transparency: Support influencers who share their struggles with body image and self-esteem. This can help create a more relatable and supportive environment.
- Support Marginalized Communities: Recognize and address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, such as women of color. Highlight the impact of unrealistic beauty standards on communities like those in Nigeria.
By employing these strategies, we can create a more positive and inclusive space on social media. Body shaming and harmful comments towards women's bodies can be significantly reduced, helping women and girls feel better about themselves and live healthier lives.
[1] The Body Project [2] The New York Times [3] Cornell University [4] Massachusetts General Hospital
