Sassy & Classy

Fitspo is a trend online that will show pictures of models, often with quotes. Here is a example of fitspo:

In our pop culture climate we tend to see two extremes: muscular guys, super skinny girls and the stereotypical lazy plus size people. It’s a very ignorant attitude to consider weight as the only determinant of health. Oxygen levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels are just some of the signs of poor or good health. Also, many medical conditions and medications can cause weight gain. These conditions can range from Cushing syndrome to a under-active thyroid. Many medications can also cause weight gain , such as antidepressants and birth control pills.

Another reason is the impact on mental health. I know someone who was so upset that she put on weight from her antidepressants that considered stopping them. Depression is also a common cause of weight gain, and pressure to lose weight can cause a person already struggling with self esteem even further down. Fitspo can discourage people who struggle with motivation and energy, both of which exercise requires.

When we look at the majority of sexualized content in the media and online, most of it is catered towards straight men. Rarely do see men sexualized the same way women are, and transgender and intersex bodies are almost nonexistent. Just go look at most beer advisements. They always show a usually white , skinny woman in a bikini. Rarely are black women and other women of color shown in a way that is empowering instead of objectifying.

Lesbian and bisexual women are rarely seen, and when they are, they are fetishized. Just look at porn and you will see that a large number of lesbian professional porn is actually meant for straight men. There are categories where one can search up “ebony “ girls ; or dark skinned black women.

Transgender people and their bodies are rarely shown in a positive light in the media and online. Trans women have their own special categories of porn, where they are degraded by being called “trannies.” This is a transphobic slur. Transgender women in porn are seen are often put into degrading positions and are oftentimes the only transgender representations cisgender men get. A large number of transgender women globally live with HIV; around 19% of transgender women have it around the world. More than 15 transgender women were killed in 2019.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tranny

https://www.wussymag.com/all/2019/8/29/how-porn-affects-the-trans-image

https://www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-social-issues/key-affected-populations/transgender