Tips for Fostering Body Positivity in Our Communities
Body positivity is the idea that all bodies are beautiful and worthy of respect. This seems simple enough, but the existence of body-based discrimination, the lack of diversity of bodies in the media and the prevalence of poor body image all indicate that our society has considerable progress to make before it can be called body positive.
The broad scope and complexity of these issues can make them seem insurmountable. How can one person hope to create a more body positive society when the problems at hand are so large-scale? What can any one individual who cares about body positivity do to make a difference?
As with any social movement, significant change requires the cumulative actions of many individuals over time. A single violinist could never hope to perform an entire symphony on their own, but that doesnāt make their contribution any less valuable.
You donāt need to embark on a large project to be an advocate for body positivity. Itās just as powerful to model self-love and respect for diversity in your daily life, and to encourage your friends and family to be more body positive. With that in mind, here are five simple but meaningful ways to promote body positivity in your community.
1.Be a body positive role model
Inspire others to become more confident in their own bodies by being unabashed in the celebration of yours. Wear the clothes you love, do away with negative self-talk, and never apologize for any aspect of your body.
2.Donāt be critical of othersā bodies.
Body positivity is about acceptance of all body types. Celebrate diversity rather than passing judgment and others will follow suit.
3.Start body positive dialogues.
When you notice obvious photoshopping in an advertisement, lack of diversity in a movie, or body-shaming in a magazine, point it out and start a conversation about it. You may get people thinking about these issues in a way they never have before.
4.Share positive messages on social media
If you see a body positive quote, article or piece of artwork that inspires you, share it on Facebook, Tumblr, or whatever social media sites you use. This is a great way to help body positive ideas reach new audiences.
5.Donāt tolerate body negativity from others
This is both the most challenging and direct method Iāve suggested, simply because most people donāt like to be made aware that what they are saying is harmful or offensive. However, if youāre brave enough to call someone out for being body negative, it can be great opportunity to educate. Try to avoid being confrontational; you want to explain your perspective while being understanding of their own. Itās often most effective to have these conversations one-on-one rather than in a group.
To create a more body positive society, itās crucial that messages of self-love and acceptance reach broad audiences, and not just those individuals who are already aware of body positivity and all that it entails. Communicating with your friends and family is a great way to start spreading the word; hopefully these five approaches can help you do that!
About this blogger: Devyn is completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology at the University of Victoria this summer and will be entering her first year of medical school at the University of British Columbia in the fall. After struggling with body image and witnessing the similar struggles of many friends, Devyn realized the need for change in how bodies are represented in society and set out to address this issue through her blog, Hourglass and Class. She also likes cats and classic rock.
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