With the rise of skinnier and thinner body images people are doing everything to achieve unrealistic standards, but at what costs?
Body positivity has been gaining traction for the past few years. From the inclusion of plus-size models in runways and brands now having extensive and inclusive size ranges, embracing one’s curves allowed the movement to thrive. More plus-size and curvy individuals are thriving in their respective industries without judgment for how much they weigh or how they look.
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But in recent years, with the revival of the Y2k trend, it seems that the body positivity movement has been pushed back once again. The Fall/Winter 2023 fashion week paraded different Y2k-inspired silhouettes—mini skirts, low-rise jeans, and cropped tops were the main focus. The re-emergence of the trend needed more skinny models with flat stomachs and slender arms to pull off the outfits for the different collections.
The “skinny” portrayal of beauty is now back and stronger than ever. Celebrities known for having slender frames are treated as style guides, but in reality, they are just skinny. Skinny privilege opens up a plethora of opportunities to those who have it. It is not a bad thing per se but the connotation it sends alienates a lot of people.
What is skinny privilege?
“The newfound passion for low waists, crotch-high miniskirts, tops that expose the belly, and heroin chic à la Kate Moss has helped to reaffirm the thin privilege and the fetishization of being slim,” said Kettj Talon in an article.
Skinny privilege is best explained in situations that benefit those considered skinny. Moments like shopping in thrift stores where most second-hand clothes are in the smaller sizes or being called fashionable for just wearing even the barest minimum of basic clothing emphasize skinny privilege. The prolific image of the skinny fashionable body enforces an unhealthy obsession with achieving a thin frame.
Negative Domino Effect
The impact of continuously chasing body standards does not only destroy one’s self but also indirectly affects others. When Kim Kardashian lost 16 pounds for the MET Gala, people were dying to know her secret. A known celebrity who popularized the curvy image of losing so much weight in a short span of time signified an end of an era, the curvy and bodacious era that is.
People speculated that Kardashian used a Semuglutide drug called Ozempic to aid her weight-loss journey. Ozempic is a drug that is used to treat Type 2 diabetes and chronic obesity. The drug has risen to fame in TikTok because of personalities such as Elon Musk and Chelsea Handler openly talked about their experience with the weight-loss drug. The drug’s popularity created a global shortage; thus, endangering the lives of those who need it.
Finding peace within
Chasing negative body images is harmful to yourself and others. Embracing your body, no matter what shape or size, is the most beautiful self-love gift you can gift yourself. As Ariana Grande said in a TikTok video, “I think you’re beautiful no matter what you’re going through, no matter what weight, no matter how you like to do your makeup these days, no matter what cosmetic procedures you’ve had, or not,” the pop star exclaimed.
Embracing the body you are in is a tough journey to go through. There would be many hurdles and realizations along the way, but traversing a road to self-love is a road everyone should be willing to take. Everyone has the choice to do whatever they want with their bodies, altering your appearance is not bad, but change should come from a place of love and not pressure. Embrace your body from within.
Banner photo by Anna Shvets via Pexels.
