Perfection is a desirable characteristic. It’s been drilled into us since childhood: if it isn’t perfect, you might as well not do it. Everything, from academics to appearance, must be immaculate. This deeply ingrained mind set produces perfectionist people who suffer from a variety of mental disorders, including body image concerns.
Body image issues is predominant in our society due to various factors including, but not limited to, unreal beauty standards and societal expectations. Media, including magazines and social media has fostered an image of beauty that is exceedingly unattainable by the majority of common population. Individuals who are constantly exposed to unrealistic standards develop feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphic disorder.
This concern of body issues is not limited to women, but men too are the victims. At one side, the society expects a woman to have ‘a child bearing hip’ and at the same time she should be thin. For men, they are expected to have a ‘gym bod’ and be groomed, and at the same time he must not be bothered about self-care, for it is perceived to be feminine.
We are constantly expected to live in a paradox. And if an individual is not able to fulfill these criteria, then they are shamed and bullied.
In today’s ‘all inclusive’ digital environment, a lot of effort has been put into creating a safe, body positive space. This body positive movement aims at challenging these harmful beauty standards and endorse acceptance of all body types. It emphasises that all body types are deserving of love and respect and it also encourages people to love themselves and most importantly accept and celebrate themselves the way they are.
Body positivity is not a one person effort, but we as a society have to foster it through educational institutions, as schools are the place where kids spend majority of their time at. Parents and care givers must educate children on different body types and importance of self-love in life. Additionally, one must not forget the subject of representation. In this instance, the media is quite important. Right portrayal of varied bodies must be fostered so that young minds can see the truth of human diversity.
While saying this, one must not forget that every coin has two faces, even this movement has its own drawback – toxic body positivity. And that is when body positivity is promoted while undermining the health issues – physical and mental. Ignoring health concerns or promoting unhealthy behaviours in the name of body positivity can be injurious to one’s life.
Indian movies like ‘Dum Laga ke Haisha’ ‘Size Zero’, ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’, ‘Mahi Way’, and ‘Fanny Khan’ have portrayed the art of self-love, self-confidence and self-esteem. But we have a long way ahead before achieving the desired result.