Body shaming is a constant thorn in our side as society continues putting conventional standards on beauty and impossible means to reach them. Celebrities frequently become a subject to these standards as they are forced to abide by these constructs and present an idealized view of beauty.
Indian and Pakistani stars alike are resisting against body-shaming. Recently, Indian celebrity Sonakshi Sinha spoke up in a video against those who ridicule her about her weight. The video is titled #BiggerThanThem, shot in promotion of her web show.
The video starts off with Sinha reading comments commonly used for her like “Cow on the catwalk,” “fatso,” “Motakshi Sinha,” among others. She goes on to say,
“Imagine being called all that and worse on social media. Only because you put up a post you thought was great? Trolls. That’s what they are called, na? Those people who just kill your vibe.”
The Dabangg actress proceeded to talk about why she doesn’t pay attention to these trolls saying,
“Even I heard a lot. But then I thought that even after shedding 30kg, they are still at it. That’s when I said to hell with them. Because Sonakshi Sinha is here for a reason. I made it as I was and I have nothing to hide. Not my curves, not my weight, not my image. I’m not a number on the scale. And that’s what makes me bigger than them, pun intended.”
Source: Instagram
Take that, haters.
Pakistani comedian Faiza Saleem also became a target by fat-shamers after her modelling at a clothing brand’s new collection campaign attracted negative attention and mockery.
The brand’s Instagram post received a sea of negative comments about her body size calling her words like “fat” and “giant.”
Some Instagram users loved the design and complimented the comedian.
The lawyer-turned standup comic is known popularly around the country for her endearing courage in raising issues about gender, sexism and body-shaming. Satirical comedy is her weapon.
In an interview, when asked about her blog, ‘Fatties With Love‘ which centers on the pressure women face for being fat, she says,
“I know numerous people are great in many ways but suffer from insecurities due to their bodies being scrutinized all the time. In my blog, I spoke for myself but I also spoke for them.”
Source: Times of India
The two celebrities demonstrate unwavering zeal on one of the many pressing issues facing women today. Thanks to them, a much-needed conversation has opened up about how we should aim to tackle standards of beauty and live and let live.
Pakistani fashion industry has also participated in promoting conventional standards of beauty. However, the brand’s marketing campaign showed that fashion brands are now attempting to take a different approach that reinforces a better and healthier attitude towards beauty and body image.
It is essential that these issues on body-image are brought to the forefront and dealt with. Society cannot keep sticking to these constructions which is why beauty should be celebrated in all its uniqueness and individuality. After all, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
