Megan Levick
#bodypositivity is often seen across social media platforms, with almost 12 million posts using the hashtag on Instagram.
The body positivity concept encourages people to create an empowering relationship with their bodies and self-image. The message ‘love the skin you’re in’ is closely associated with the movement. It challenges dominant beauty ideals that have been perpetuated by society for decades and scrutinises the industries that endorse the view that we must look a certain way in order to be successful or desirable. In reality, these expectations have always been near impossible for many of us to emulate.
The History of Body Positivity
Although there has been a heightened social presence of body positivity in the past decade or so, the roots of the movement began in the 1960s. The National Association to Aid Fat Americans (NAAFA) was established in response to the lack of adequate representation of fat bodies. This association aimed to destigmatise larger bodies.
Proponents of the movement fought against weight bias, diet culture, and fat shaming. This campaign has evolved into the body positivity movement, which continues to strive for inclusivity and diversity in a society that tends to base self-worth on external appearance. But has it gone too far?
The Fashion Industry
The fashion industry has a global reputation as an inherently toxic place. It can be exploitative, exclusionary, and elitist. There is a considerable lack of adequate diversity and inclusion on the catwalk.
Karl Lagerfeld, a highly revered figure within the fashion industry, has been known to make controversial remarks about fat bodies appearing on the catwalk.
“No one wants to see curvy women” was among many sentiments he made regarding the topic prior to his death in 2019.
Even though this damaging mindset has prevailed within the fashion industry, the body positivity movement has begun to spark vital change.
“Seeing somebody with a similar body type to you walking on the runway can be empowering.”
Many may feel that they can’t compete, or feel dissatisfaction with their own appearance in comparison to the standards that we see on the catwalk. By only having models that meet a homogeneous beauty ideal – thin, unblemished, and typically beautiful – the industry propagates standards that, for most, are not only unattainable but also dangerous. This sends a message that can lead to feelings of inferiority and inadequacy.
One cannot overstate the importance of representation and visibility. Seeing somebody with a similar body type to you walking on the runway can be empowering, and demonstrates the diversity of beauty whilst dismantling stereotypes and societal stigma surrounding weight.
In recent years, we have witnessed a progressive shift within the industry, and models that don’t subscribe to society’s beauty standards have appeared in campaigns for high fashion brands including Gucci, Victoria’s Secret, and Marc Jacobs. Although there is still a way to go on the journey to inclusivity, this marks a major milestone for the movement.
Social Media
With the rise of social media, the body positivity movement is becoming more and more relevant. Younger generations are socialised to be hyper-aware of their body image, and are more conscious of their physical appearance.
A study discovered that 71% of people used Facetune before uploading a photo to Instagram. Most people alter their bodies, complexions, and any perceived imperfections in images. The photoshop epidemic is partially responsible for creating distorted and misleading portrayals of beauty. Popular publications such as Vogue and Rolling Stone have also been guilty of digitally enhancing photos to create the illusion of ‘perfection’.
Furthermore, mainstream media plays a significant role in the way that these prevailing beauty ideals are presented. Advertisements and campaigns depict a homogenous beauty standard and the glorification of thin, white, non-disabled bodies. A campaign launched by Dove revealed that 70% of women don’t feel represented in media.
“positive social media influencers have helped me feel more confident about my body image”
However, social media is evolving and becoming more progressive. A wave of popular body-positive creators have dedicated their platform to spreading encouraging messages of self-love and acceptance. Influencers such as selfloveliv, Lottie Drynan, and Stephanie Yeboah work to eradicate negative discourse around certain body types and change social media’s culture of ‘perfection’.
Responses to a study on body image showed that such accounts have a positive impact on body image and overall well-being. Participants claimed that “positive social media influencers” have helped them “feel more confident” about body image.
We can also attribute this change to the emergence of body-positive trends. Many celebrities and influencers are taking part in the ‘Instagram vs reality’ trend, which exposes the refreshing truth behind a filtered and meticulously curated Instagram profile.
https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.barbosa/video/7072827236352576774?q=instagram%20vs%20reality%20body%20image&t=1696797405870
Has the movement become toxic?
Like any form of radical activism, the movement has garnered widespread criticism and has been susceptible to controversy. Many have claimed that the movement is harmful. They believe that it normalises being overweight whilst ignoring the associated health concerns. Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and other chronic diseases can manifest as a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Some even feel that the current movement pushes a form of ‘toxic positivity’. They believe that it perpetuates the expectation that we should maintain a completely positive mindset when it comes to our bodies. Total body confidence may be an unachievable goal for many, and those who are unable to succeed at this may feel like they’ve failed themselves.
“more people are embracing an ideology known as body neutrality”
According to psychologist Dr Albers, while the goals of the body positivity movement are commendable, the notion of unconditionally loving your body can seem unachievable for many. She advocates: “Body positivity wouldn’t even be needed if we appreciated and found all bodies inherently beautiful. Society is reflective of what our culture and environments teach us to believe — to dislike our bodies for so many reasons.”
Consequently, more people are embracing an ideology known as body neutrality, which focuses more on accepting your body and making peace with your appearance. Body neutrality advocates for eliminating physical appearance as a factor of someone’s self-worth. Instead, it encourages people to value qualities that aren’t appearance-based by looking at the functions and abilities of our bodies.
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Featured image courtesy of Leeloo Thefirst via Pexels. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.
