Body Shaming is Bullying: How to be Confident with Appearance

‘Want to know why body shaming is bullying and how you can be confident regardless of how you look? Here is all the information that you need to know about.

body shaming is bullying

Body shaming can have devastating effects on the mental health of it’s victims, causing eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and other outcomes.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn that body shaming is bullying, why it is, and the negative effects it can have on your self-esteem. You will also learn how to respond to it and how to look at it so that you can buffer your self-esteem against it.

Once you learn all about this very important information, you will be a force that stands against it when it happens to you. Also, you will be able to call it out when you see it happening to others.

This post is all about the reasons that body shaming is bullying so that you can see it as just that, another form of bullying.

Body shaming is bullying

People, especially males, are visual creatures. A part of human nature is that appearances do matter. We choose dates based on the other person’s physical appearance.

Although how you look isn’t the entire package and things like personality and disposition are what counts in the long run, looks are what gets your foot in the door. It’s just the unfair world we live in.

It’s no secret that many females pride themselves on how they look. Hey, I do it too! Beauty is power. There’s also a phenomenon known as the “halo effect.”

The halo effect is “a cognitive bias that occurs when an initial positive judgment about a person colors the individual as a whole.”

In other words, beauty often makes a person appealing, making it difficult to change the minds of others when they receive new and negative information about the person. It makes the person appear more trusting and friendly.

Therefore, people who possess a certain positive quality or strength are assumed to have positive qualities in all other areas as well.

For example, teacher might be so impressed with a student’s looks or charming personality that they may give that student an A when, in reality, they may deserve a C. Sadly, clothes, hairstyles, and makeup are presumed to be of more value than, say, a person’s good heart or generosity.

Bullies instinctively know this, which is why they bend over backward to keep up the best appearance. Moreover, it’s the reason they shame someone else, particularly females, if they don’t look as good as they do.

Bullies will also tear down anyone whose looks rival theirs.

Body Shaming is Bullying:

Weight Shaming

Weight-shaming is all too common these days. Many people ridicule heavier females (and some males) because “they’re not thin enough.”

Moreover, bullies may also taunt tiny people and tell them they “need to put some meat on their bones.”

Because the person is too heavy or not heavy enough, those around them take pleasure in tormenting them. They intentionally make them feel as if they aren’t good enough and that they should not love and accept themselves.

This is wrong!

I want you to understand that weight doesn’t mean that you’re unattractive. I know many heavier and thin people who are beautiful. They have impeccable hygiene, they dress nice, and they have fantastic personalities and positive outlooks on life.

These people are happy, regardless! And they feel good about themselves!

Realize that bullies will often pick out what they perceive to be flaws in your physical appearance. Moreover, they’ll do this when they have nothing else to judge you on.

Bullies have a real flair for picking out something about you that you’re highly insecure about and using it simply because they know it triggers you.

But know that it takes a shallow and superficial person to resort to this kind of behavior.

No matter how you look, you still have value, and you matter! You are loved regardless! Therefore, stop looking at yourself through your bullies’ eyes.

Here are a few ways you can feel better about yourself if your classmates or coworkers are body-shaming you.

Body Shaming is Bullying:

Face Shaming

Bullies also love to face shame others. They may target someone who has a bad case of acne or those with freckles. Moreover, bullies may also face-shame those with totally clear complexions.

No one is too “perfect” to escape bullying. I’ve know people who were drop-dead gorgeous that bullies seemed to eat alive!

Therefore, bullies can target you for anything, good or bad.

During school, I watched bullies face-shame a girl who was a knock out, calling her, “horse-face,” “bulldog-face”… you name it. Therefore, understand that bullies don’t need a reason to bully you. They just do.

Realize that bullies must search, and search hard for something to target you over. Therefore, if you suffer bullying, there’s one thing I want you to remember right now!

It’s not about you.

In other words, there’s nothing wrong with you. You are enough. You’re perfect just the way you are.

It’s your bullies who have the issues. Therefore, it’s all about them, never you!

If Bullies attack your appearance, here’s what you can do to help yourself feel better.

  • Dress your best. Because if you look good, you feel good.
  • Apply a little makeup. Don’t apply it so thick that it looks like you put it on with a paint sprayer. But just a little because a little goes a long way. Again, this will do wonders for your self-esteem.
  • Maybe get a new hairstyle. Something new will often make you feel better about yourself. It will give you that burst of excitement that you’ve probably needed for a while now.
  • Eat right and exercise. Because, when you’re healthy, you’re happier. This is not about trying to lose weight, though it would be healthier for you. This is about releasing those endorphins to make you feel good.

Body Shaming is Bullying:

If there’s something you Want to change, then change it. But don’t do it because others say you must.

However, if you’re striving for weight loss, do it because it’s better for your health. The looks part is only an added benefit.

Why? Because we should take steps to take care of our bodies so that we can ward off any illnesses in the future. Also, exercise is a great stress-buster!

This is about practicing self-care. And you should always practice that!

And don’t do it thinking that the bullies will stop harassing you because chances are, they won’t. They’ll only find something else to disparage you about. It’s what bullies do best!

However, do the above for YOU, because YOU want to do it and because you want to change things about yourself that YOU don’t like. Not because others say you should.

If there’s something you cannot change, don’t beat yourself up. Find ways to embrace it. And if others don’t like the way you look, tell them to hit the road!

Change the things you can and accept the things you can’t change.

Understand that good looks isn’t what makes you as a person. A beautiful outer appearance counts for nothing if you’re ugly on the inside. Moreover, beauty is fleeting, but a good personality lasts a lifetime!

Look your best not to impress others, but to make yourself feel good.

And lastly, know that you’re beautiful and that you’re loved! You have a purpose for being here! Never forget that!

Body Shaming is Bullying:

Bullies often attack your appearance out of jealousy

Think about all the celebrities that bullies attack online. These are beautiful people. However, cyberbullies attack them every day, based on their looks. Understand that bullies just may be attacking your appearance out of pure jealousy.

Really think about it. Bullies know they can’t take away your good looks. So, they attack your looks to take away your confidence and trash your self-esteem. Don’t let them do that to you! Ever!

If nothing else, know this!

Beauty is subjective! Different people like different looks and different shapes. So, again, when people attack your looks, they just might be a little jealous!

Self-Acceptance and confidence are Key!

The best weapon against this kind of bullying is self-acceptance and confidence. Therefore, take steps to build your confidence and raise your self-esteem. And respond intelligently to these shallow people.

Remember that confidence is your first line of defense against any form of bullying. Stop caring what people think of you.

Tell them to take a long walk off a short pier! Pay them no mind because they don’t matter.

You’re worth it. Know that you’re worth it and you deserve the best!

This post was all about body shaming, why it’s a form of bullying and how you should respond to it.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. When You Start Seeing Your Worth, 17 Amazing Changes Happen.

2. Never Chase People Who Don’t See Your Worth

3. What Constitutes Bullying and What Doesn’t

4. Your First Line of Defense Against Bullying

5. Why People Bully: 11 Benefits Bullies Reap at Your Expense