Bullying is Unacceptable and Hurtful

Recently, bullying has become more of a wide-spread problem than ever before.  While some would argue that recent generations are more sensitive than past generations, I would argue that it is not sensitivity but advances in technology that have contributed to this phenomenon.  It’s so easy for someone to just get on a computer and write hurtful things about people they don’t know, or people they do know, because computers allow for anonymity.

Take a look at this video and let me know what you think:

After watching the above video where this news anchor confronts a critical email from a viewer regarding her weight, I absolutely applaud her approach.  The viewer tried to say that as a public figure, being overweight is a bad example to set for young girls.  His exact choice of words was, “Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain.”  I can’t even begin to describe what an awful statement that is.  Body shaming isn’t taken anywhere near as seriously as it should be.  The news anchor’s response was so obvious, and yet powerful:  “Do you think I don’t know that [I am overweight]?”  The viewer represents a view that I have seen often in my experience on the internet.  It’s obvious from his email that he didn’t think he was being a bully, he thought he was doing a public service.  If anything though, the news anchor is a great example for young girls because she stood up for herself against someone who was trying to bring her down.

Body image is everything for many young girls and even some adult women as well.  All around us are advertisements trying to tell us what is considered beautiful, and the image is usually not the everyday woman.  It becomes ingrained in us that if we don’t look a certain way we aren’t beautiful.  It’s then easy for someone to tell themselves they must be ugly because they aren’t often represented positively in media.  And on the flip side, it’s just as harmful to criticize someone for being thin.  Someone who is overweight hurts just as much to be called fat, as someone who may be underweight and is called anorexic as a derogatory term.  Women and girls come in all shapes and sizes, with all different features, and I think everyone has had some sort of issue with their physical appearance at one point or another.  We need to teach our girls to love themselves for who they are from an early age, to love every little thing about themselves, to know that they are beautiful, because that will become their armor for a long life full of people who will want to take away their positive spirits.  October is Anti-Bullying Awareness Month, so maybe take the time to compliment a woman you admire, or even reaffirm your own self-worth.  The little things can often make a big difference.

Have you encountered some type of bullying recently? Please share in the comments section below.

Until next time, wear your heels well!

Thanks!
Katie
Diva in Training (Intern)