Why Body Acceptance Is a Racial Issue ๐๐๐
Let's talk about body acceptance, shall we? It's a concept that has been trying to make its way into mainstream culture for years now. But, despite the efforts of body acceptance coaches, trainers, influences, activists *insert any other title*, we still have a long way to go. However, what some people fail to realize is that body acceptance is not just a matter of self-love and aesthetics. It's a racial issue.
For far too long, white bodies have been used as the standard of beauty in our society. We see it in advertising campaigns, TV shows, movies, and magazines. The message is clear - if you want to be beautiful, you need to look like a white person. This narrative has been so ingrained in our culture that even POC internalize it. Seeing themselves as *less than* because their bodies don't match the ideal beauty standard.
Furthermore, the idea of body positivity seems to only extend to certain types of bodies. When we look at the body positive movement, Iโve noticed that the people who get the most visibility and praise tend to be white, cisgender, able-bodied, and conventionally attractive. Meanwhile, people of color, trans folks, those with disabilities, and individuals who don't fit society's traditional beauty standards are often erased from the conversation.
Those who do not fit into the societal beauty standard face a lot of systemic discrimination. Take, for example, the issue of fatphobia. We are conditioned to believe that being fat is inherently bad, and that people who are overweight are lazy, unhealthy, and undesirable. The reality is that fat bodies can be just as healthy and beautiful as thin bodies. But the beauty industry has not recognized that and has, at times, tried to make people feel like they should change their bodies to fit into a certain mold. This sets people up for self-doubt, anxiety, and even eating disorders.
We also cannot ignore the fact that body acceptance is different for people of different races. It should come as no surprise that beauty standards vary by race, ethnicity, and culture. For example, in some Asian countries, people who have lighter skin are viewed as more beautiful. This can lead to skin whitening products being marketed in those regions. Similarly, black women with natural hair have reported time and time again, being discriminated against in workplaces and schools. This is because their hair does not fit into the European beauty standards that have been perpetuated in western cultures.
Body acceptance is a crucial issue in today's society my babes. It's important that we understand that this is not just about feeling good about ourselves. It's about recognizing that the beauty standards we have been fed are not universal, and that they often come at the expense of marginalized groups. This is extended into the nuances of beauty trends. When white women try to enhance their feature off the backs of what is inherently perceived as โunattractiveโ in minorities. Think big lips, big hips and thick bums.
We must work towards challenging the current beauty standards and creating a culture where all bodies are not only accepted but also celebrated. We must also actively work to make sure that we don't perpetuate the biases that have been instilled within us. This is a complex issue, but by acknowledging it, we can start making progress towards a more inclusive and supportive society.
One of the ways I am doing this is by diversifying my social media feeds to include women who do not look like me and ensuring I recognise my privilege in these spaces. Yes, I am a plus size woman, but I am also white and have privilege in these spaces where conversations about body acceptance are taken up by women who look like me. Itโs a fact.
Here are some dope women to put in your feed:
@iamivyfelicia
@thisisjessicatorres
@iamlshauntay
@your_body_is_good
@meganjaycrabbe
@thefatsextherapist
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