Keyword: Body shaming is punishable

Body shaming is a persistent phenomenon that discriminates against people through critical and derogatory comments about their physical appearance. In German, body shaming corresponds to the term “body shame” or “body criticism”.  

What is body shaming?

The term body shaming encompasses a variety of actions that aim to shame and marginalize people based on their physical appearance. Body shaming manifests itself in negative comments about a person's body type, be it in terms of weight, body measurements, skin texture or other aesthetic aspects. Both explicit insults and more subtle forms, such as inappropriate advice or stereotyping, fall under body shaming.

Body shaming can be considered a form of bullying. Bullying refers to behavior in which a person or group of people repeatedly and over a long period of time bullies, harasses or humiliates another person. Body shaming falls under this definition because it aims to systematically humiliate and discredit a person based on their physical appearance.

Here are five classic examples of sayings that – depending on the context – can be perceived as body shaming:

1. “Are you sure you should eat that?” – This line implies that the person should watch their weight and can make them feel ashamed of their eating habits.
2. “Real men have muscles, not bellies.” – Statements like these propagate a certain body ideal for men and put pressure on those who do not conform to this ideal.
3. “You look good for your height!” – Although this sentence might be meant as a compliment, it creates a connection between attractiveness and height, which can be perceived as derogatory.
4. “You would look much prettier if you lost weight.” – Here, a person’s value or attractiveness is directly linked to their weight.
5. “Men don’t like skin and bones.” – This saying is often directed against very slim people and suggests that their physique is less desirable.

Such comments can be very hurtful and have a strong impact on the self-esteem of the person concerned.

Slimness as an ideal of beauty?

The common beauty ideal of slimness has developed over centuries. In Western culture, the origin can be traced back to the Victorian era, when a slender waist became desirable. Over time, slim silhouettes established themselves in fashion and cultural circles as an expression of eloquence, discipline and success. This ideal was perpetuated and intensified by various institutions such as the fashion industry, film industry and advertising.

Ideas about body aesthetics vary considerably across cultures and eras. For example, while the ideal of thinness is dominant in the contemporary Western context, many cultures throughout history valued more ample body shapes, which were seen as signs of wealth and fertility. In many non-Western cultures, a wider range of accepted and valued body images can be found, and fullness is often recognized as a marker of attractiveness.

Influence of social media on body shaming

With the rise of social media, the prevalence of body shaming has reached a new dimension. Platforms such as Instagram or Facebook consciously or unconsciously promote a certain image of beauty that is often unattainable and edited. Such ideals increase the pressure on individuals to conform to these standards and can foster an environment in which body shaming thrives.

Individuals engage in body shaming for a variety of reasons, including insecurity, a desire to belong, and the intent to reinforce or establish social hierarchies. Individuals who engage in body shaming come from all walks of life and from a variety of backgrounds. There is no specific demographic that is predisposed to this behavior. Rather, body shaming reflects the depth of societal prejudices and norms.

Advertising plays a significant role in the context of body shaming, as it often presents unrealistic and edited body images as the ideal. Measures against this type of advertising can include, for example, demanding diversity of body types in advertising campaigns or legal requirements to label edited images.

Body shaming of women and men

Body shaming affects people of all genders. However, women are often more influenced by media beauty ideals and are therefore more frequently exposed to public body shaming.

But men also suffer from body criticism and the pressure to conform to certain masculine ideals. In men, body shaming often focuses on the development and definition of muscles and body shape in general. It is important to recognize that body shaming is a universal problem that must be combated regardless of gender.

And what can be done about it?

Measures against body shaming:

1. Education and awareness raising: It is important to raise awareness about what body shaming is and how damaging it can be. Educational programs in schools and workplaces can help understand the effects of body shaming and promote empathy.
2. Advocate for positive body images: Commit to diversity and inclusion in body image across all media. This may include supporting campaigns or brands that celebrate different body types.
3. Strengthening community support: Creating support groups and online communities that promote positive body image and provide a platform for sharing and support can help individuals better cope with body shaming.
4. Legal regulations: Some countries have taken legal measures to combat body shaming, for example by banning overly extreme slimness ideals in advertising.
5. Personal strategies: Individuals can learn techniques to increase self-esteem, such as positive self-talk, self-acceptance, and setting personal boundaries against negative comments.

Increasing the self-esteem of affected persons:

1. Positive self-talk and affirmations: By directing your inner dialogue about your body in a more positive direction, you can increase your self-esteem.
2. Physical activity: Physical activity is not only healthy, but can also help you feel more comfortable in your body.
3. self care: Good nutrition, sufficient sleep and stress-reducing activities can contribute to a better body feeling.
4. Psychological counseling: Professional help can be effective in addressing negative body image and associated self-esteem issues.

Preventing body shaming:

1. Direct approach: If someone witnesses body shaming, it can be helpful to address the behavior directly and make it clear that such comments are inappropriate.
2. Education: Parents and educators should educate children and young people about the importance of respecting all bodies and that kind behavior toward others is essential.

Body shaming is a complex phenomenon that changes culturally and historically. The establishment of the ideal of slimness as a beauty norm is a result of social developments and is further reinforced by the presence of social media. Individuals who participate in body shaming are often themselves victims of unattainable beauty standards and reproduce those norms that are harmful to themselves and others. The social consequences are extensive and affect the well-being of many people. It is to be hoped that increasing education and awareness will lead to a social move away from dementing practices and that diversity and body acceptance will be strengthened.