Don’t be.
Never be.
One of the most common discriminations many face on an almost regular basis are the ones based on physical appearance.
Have you gained weight?
You should watch your weight. Is it on the higher side?
Do you work out and watch your diet?
Those questions sound familiar, don’t they?
Research also suggests that obese women face more social pressure than obese men. Being overweight brings a lot of psychological pressure on both men and women.
There are many campaigns to tackle body shaming and to bring fat-acceptance. Some that have had far-reaching impact and some that became an object of ridicule. However, what inspires me most are personal stories of people who fought this shame or helped fight shaming by others, did outstanding things and encouraged many more.
Sharing one story today!
During early 2015, a man was shamed for dancing in public. Someone posted his picture with not very encouraging comments and then a group of women, 1700+ women got together to throw this man a party.
To #DancingMan.. @xorachelflies @TziporahMetler @HOPELEIGHMUSIC @isthisrita @lysee_love @FeliciaaBro @stephaniefilo pic.twitter.com/xYfpnPAM08
— Cassandra Fairbanks (@CassandraRules) March 6, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
They used the hashtag #FindDancingMan to find this man and invite him to a dance party in LA. Guess what? He was found, supported by many than we can imagine and danced with celebrities along with many new friends. This little story on how social media can give you hope and positivity by people you don’t even know made me smile.
The story tells us to love and accept ourselves the way we are. There will be days when you feel low and let down by comments and remarks but never lose hope. While there are people who will pull you down, there will be even more who will pull you up during those dark days.
And to those who shamed this guy for dancing, go get a life and stop pointing fingers.
Read the full story here on Huffington Post and smile!
I am blogging from A to Z during April and the theme I have chosen is set on women. I am also a minion on co-host Pam’s Unconventional Alliance along with Claire, Shalini and Rajlakshmi. Visit us, show us some love and don’t leave without sharing your thoughts.
happiness and food 
How did you know that I put on my bathing suit for the first time yesterday and was totally down on myself for not losing weight this year. 😦 Good post for O AtoZ!
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There is no reason why we women should feel that way about our bodies. Men rarely feel awkward about their own bodies.
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The story in this is so inspiring. Well told.
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Why should we be made to feel ashamed about our weight? Or about our looks? Or about our limitations? I agree with you about not letting people get us down.
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This is such an uplifting story Parul. The world needs to look beyond the physical beauty and focus on a person’s inner beauty. A lovely positive and sporting initiative on the social media! Cheers to more such ventures
@KalaRavi16 from
Relax-N-Rave
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That’s a wonderful example that social media isn’t all about exploiting and bullying as is so often pointed out to be.
The more we talk openly about the better it will be for people with low self esteem owing to their looks and weight. Be who you want to be and love yourself enough to never let anyone’s opinion about you cause a dent to your self-esteem.
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It’s so rude to ask those questions… One must be really narrow minded to let physical aspects overrule all other aspects of a person.
that’s such a beautiful story 🙂
A Whimsical Medley
Twinkle Eyed Traveller
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Unless the overweight comes from overeating there is nothing to be ashamed of. Also our lifestyle is more responsible for this issue. Thanks for sharing this perspective.
#atozchallenge
http://www.consumerpsyche.com/2016/04/opportunities-dont-let-them-go.html
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Honestly, when I look at someone or meet them for the first time, I hardly ever register facts about their physical appearance. And certainly, I don’t make any weird comments about their fatness or anything. It’s just plain dumb to label someone based on their physical appearance. People must really just stop it.
Sharing this post 🙂
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Their life their body their rules! I too have heard those stories of obese people being bullied or facing biases from the not so obese folks. Height is when someone who is obese say these awful things to someone who is a little more on healthier side than them…
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Wow! Wonderful! Can’t believe it’s this social media who’s power was channelized towards a positive cause. Otherwise, most of the people these days bully each other and start a feud right on social media.
Very happy to read this one Parul 🙂
Cheers
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Hats off to the 17ooo plus women for righting the wrongs of others 🙂 If only we all could think like those gorgeous ladies and help the underdogs. Great story…
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I love this story!!! Weight is such a loaded issue. I think it is just important to feel comfortable in our bodies – no matter the weight. And, remember to dance!
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There is more to a person than their physical appearance! The only thing that might worry me about someone being overweight would be medical issues that might arise. But no one should put anyone down for their weight!
Cheryl
Plucking Of My Heartstrings
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I really have such an issue with the trend to post pics of people without their knowledge on social media, especially when it is to make fun of someone. I love the positive turn the dancing man story took. I appreciate your positive message.
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Wow. This is such an apt post and beautifully penned.
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When I moved from a size XS to a size M people looked at me like I was a size XXXL now. But I was happy that I did not look anorexic anymore.
Loved the article.
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Oh yes, overweight people have to go through a lot of pressure and bullying. Even skinny people are targeted. Why are we so concerned and body obsessed? Seriously this madness should end.
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What a lovely thing to do, right 🙂
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