I recently recorded a podcast on the topic of weight stigma, health at every size, body image & binge eating disorder. While I am ecstatic with how the conversation turned out, I was a little bummed that an important segment piece was cut out of the final edits. This is because it is a much needed - and DIFFICULT - conversation to have; and it happens to be around 'Why body positivity isn't accessible to everyone.'
This topic is something that I’ve been humbled by & have been reflecting on a lot lately, because of course we’d like to think that body positivity is just that – all positive – and it’s just not the case. In fact, there has been a lot of criticism that this movement is being co-opted by the dieting industry, and coining the term "wellness" as the newest fad diet…….or companies will use #bodypositvity on an ad for a new dieting technique. There’s also been criticism that body positivity is clouding its precursor movement, (Fat activism), whose mission is to promote equality for those in larger bodies. And plain and simple: as someone who lives in society’s standard of a "thin," white, and privileged body (even though I experience 'bad body image' days), of course it's easy for me to embrace the culture of body positivity - because I don't have society telling me I shouldn't.
A lot of readers are probably having the exact same reaction I did when this idea first dawned on me: WOW. How did I not realize this before? A simple and easy answer to this is: because we're human, and we're selfish. It's true. I'm not trying to invalidate anyone's experience or vilify us as a whole, but it really is a hard pill to swallow and recognize if you don't personally experience the consequences of someone else's struggles, it's going to be extremely difficult to empathize with them on a day-to-day basis. You can use this example when discussing anyone you would consider 'other' than yourself. Because I am white, I do NOT know what it's like to grow up as a brown or black female, a white male does NOT know what it's like to be female in corporate America, most Americans do NOT know what it's like to live in a third world country, or be judged by their race or religious beliefs...
Now, there can be a lot of guilt that comes with learning and dissecting our own privileges. Through my own work, I’ve learned that the best way to be an advocate in this area is instead of solely using my voice to promote these messages on a basic/surface level, I in turn can choose to lift OTHERS up who don’t feel they have a platform to share their voice or their story, because of stigma or biases they face. Another way to think about is is: I shouldn’t just be "body positive" in what I retweet or share on social media, but I also need to be living that message as well, which I do my best every single day at work & personal life.
So yes, I can write about positive body image and health at every size all day long, but what I really need to continue working on is unpacking my unconscious biases (I.e.: de-constructing the entire dietetics curriculum to fit my values & and beliefs on the non-diet approach). Another big one is honestly just OWNING UP when I make a mistake. While I try my best to not comment on someone's physical appearance as a compliment, sometimes I slip up...That's okay. The fact that I'm willing to continue to grow and learn in this area is a great step. And lastly, as a white female, I need to give the mic to (and spread the messages of) other minority figures or marginalized peoples vs. just discussing my view point (LOL - the irony of this blog post). :)
And if this topic is so far reaching and you don't know where to start, I'll leave you with a quote/advice straight from one of my coworkers:
This topic is something that I’ve been humbled by & have been reflecting on a lot lately, because of course we’d like to think that body positivity is just that – all positive – and it’s just not the case. In fact, there has been a lot of criticism that this movement is being co-opted by the dieting industry, and coining the term "wellness" as the newest fad diet…….or companies will use #bodypositvity on an ad for a new dieting technique. There’s also been criticism that body positivity is clouding its precursor movement, (Fat activism), whose mission is to promote equality for those in larger bodies. And plain and simple: as someone who lives in society’s standard of a "thin," white, and privileged body (even though I experience 'bad body image' days), of course it's easy for me to embrace the culture of body positivity - because I don't have society telling me I shouldn't.
I know that people who society identifies as thin can get hung up on the term thin privilege, but let me explain: I am NOT saying that it's a privilege to be thin; what this term truly means is that as a thin person, I'm able to move and speak and live around this world easier than someone in a larger body. I don't have to worry about where I'm seated at a restaurant, or if I'll fit on a rollercoaster or airplane (or pay extra for tickets).....I don't get trolled on the internet or have derogatory terms yelled at me walking down the street....I'm not stigmatized at the doctor's office because of my BMI, or blamed because of the rising cost of healthcare...I can buy clothes off the rack at a mall, instead of special ordering my size online....my size is not called an 'epidemic'.....I could go on and on, but if you do want more examples, they can be found here.
A lot of readers are probably having the exact same reaction I did when this idea first dawned on me: WOW. How did I not realize this before? A simple and easy answer to this is: because we're human, and we're selfish. It's true. I'm not trying to invalidate anyone's experience or vilify us as a whole, but it really is a hard pill to swallow and recognize if you don't personally experience the consequences of someone else's struggles, it's going to be extremely difficult to empathize with them on a day-to-day basis. You can use this example when discussing anyone you would consider 'other' than yourself. Because I am white, I do NOT know what it's like to grow up as a brown or black female, a white male does NOT know what it's like to be female in corporate America, most Americans do NOT know what it's like to live in a third world country, or be judged by their race or religious beliefs...
Now, there can be a lot of guilt that comes with learning and dissecting our own privileges. Through my own work, I’ve learned that the best way to be an advocate in this area is instead of solely using my voice to promote these messages on a basic/surface level, I in turn can choose to lift OTHERS up who don’t feel they have a platform to share their voice or their story, because of stigma or biases they face. Another way to think about is is: I shouldn’t just be "body positive" in what I retweet or share on social media, but I also need to be living that message as well, which I do my best every single day at work & personal life.
So yes, I can write about positive body image and health at every size all day long, but what I really need to continue working on is unpacking my unconscious biases (I.e.: de-constructing the entire dietetics curriculum to fit my values & and beliefs on the non-diet approach). Another big one is honestly just OWNING UP when I make a mistake. While I try my best to not comment on someone's physical appearance as a compliment, sometimes I slip up...That's okay. The fact that I'm willing to continue to grow and learn in this area is a great step. And lastly, as a white female, I need to give the mic to (and spread the messages of) other minority figures or marginalized peoples vs. just discussing my view point (LOL - the irony of this blog post). :)
And if this topic is so far reaching and you don't know where to start, I'll leave you with a quote/advice straight from one of my coworkers:
MIND YOUR OWN BODY.
It's that simple.
My body is nobody else's business.
And your body is none of my business.
And if you need a recap of WHY other people's bodies are not yours to police, please read my previous posts on Health At Every Size, Eating Disorders 101, and What is a Beach Body?
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