Shame and dishonour are words being tossed around every day as even the smallest things are scrutinised by friends, peers, and family members. Clothing choices, weight, physical appearance, career path, and everything else are under their radar.
Youth is a critical phase of life where major physical, physiological, psychological, and behavioural changes occur. It is what sets the stage for healthy and productive adulthood. However, there has been a growing trend of criticism and shaming amongst the youth population, from the younger to the older generations. Guilt, fear, and shame are strong feelings that compel people to act in ways they might not even want to, and these might be used as tools to modify the behaviour of individuals.
There are several platforms on which shaming of many kinds, like body shaming, trolling, etc., is seen. (1)
The Impact of Social Media
Life as we know it has changed drastically with the advent of social media. Today, it’s nearly impossible to stay off social media. According to the Statista global consumer survey 2017, India has 196 million active social media users and this number is expected to double by the year 2022 as India has the fastest growing social media users in the world. The most prominent platform is Facebook, followed by YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. 290 million people use Facebook, of which 66% are young users.
The widespread use of social media platforms poses a severe threat, particularly from users who post negative comments, bully and troll people, which can cause significant distress to them. Also, the content on social media can be heavily edited, which is a feature that celebrities and fashion influencers often exploit by posting pictures that are edited and have filters attached to them, with virtually no flaws, which drives people towards the search for unattainable beauty standards. Individuals who exhibit characteristics that differ from those set by the influencers are frequently made targets for intense scrutiny and trolling.
When it comes to body shaming, it refers to criticising a person for their shape, size, or appearance. It is a common phenomenon in India, especially at family gatherings and other social events. It is common in both men and women and includes criticism for being too fat, too thin, too tall or short, having physical marks, and having personality traits such as being too feminine, too masculine, or lacking feminine or masculine characteristics. Subtle remarks such as "You're too tall for a girl," "Should you be eating that cake?" and "That outfit doesn't fit you well "Body shaming can also be expressed as "You need to join the gym soon," or "Honey, you need to eat some more. "People are called hurtful names, commented on their choice of food or clothing, given unsolicited advice, and their qualities are overlooked. This can lead to eating disorders, esteem issues, body dysmorphia, and other related issues amongst teens.
Shaming and belittling in the school environment (3)
Schools are a place to acquire knowledge and education in various fields and develop a personality. It is the first avenue of socialising for a child. A teacher’s primary role is to motivate, inspire, encourage, and educate learners. They are supposed to be impartial and treat all students equally without judgment. However, it is also a place where students are often judged by their teachers and peers. It can be in the form of bullying, harsh comments, or just critical looks. Students call each other by names and even attach labels. The worst part is when someone targets specific students and humiliates them by making comments on their appearance, telling girls to wear different clothes, or looking down upon those fraternising with students of the opposite gender. Many times, preferential treatment is also given to specific students while neglecting others. This can have drastic effects on young minds and lead to disinterest in academics, lower self-esteem, and, in some cases, even anxiety and depression.
There are many ways to deal with people who try to bring down those around them. Some of them are: (2)
One is calling out people for derogatory remarks and bad behaviour, making them realise what they are doing wrong, and educating them on how to behave properly.
2) Seeking help from trusted friends and family, as well as establishing a cohesive community
3) Fighting back with facts: people may or may not understand the facts, but stating the facts gives them a more holistic view of the situation.
Ignore unsolicited advice and focus on yourself. No matter how difficult it might be, simply ignoring them could prove to be the best tactic, because when they don’t get a response, they’ll most likely go away. Additionally, focus on yourself and practise self-love. Whatever anyone says doesn’t matter, but what you say or think about yourself does. Self-love is the most important factor in overcoming any kind of shaming. Loving your body, loving your personality, loving yourself, and becoming secure in yourself makes you the strongest individual.
It's time we understand the gravity of the issue and work together to improve today's situation for a brighter tomorrow.
The rigid and outdated views should be disposed of, and instead of criticizing, there is a need to move towards embracing, praising, and inspiring. This transition will pave the way towards a better society.
References:
1) https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/riyable/lets-say-no-to-shaming-5637/
Let's say no to shaming (blog by Riya Mishra)
2) https://kentuckycounselingcenter.com/how-to-deal-with-body-shaming-lets-end-this/
3) https://www.google.com/amp/s/feminisminindia.com/2021/02/15/convent-school-teaches-body-shaming/%3famp
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