Empower, Don't Sour: Say No to Body Shaming

Body shaming is a complex issue deeply ingrained in many societies, often perpetuated by cultural norms, media representations, and societal expectations of beauty. It can manifest in numerous ways and can have serious impacts on individuals' mental and physical health.

Types of Body Shaming:

• Weight and Size Shaming: This is the most recognized form of body shaming, where individuals are shamed for being either overweight or underweight.
• Age Shaming: Criticizing someone's appearance based on their age, such as pointing out wrinkles or sagging skin.
• Height Shaming: Making fun of someone for being too tall or too short.
• Skin Shaming: Discriminating against someone based on their skin color, acne, scars, or other skin conditions.

Here are some additional details about body shame:

• It's estimated that as many as 80% of women experience some level of body shame. But it affects people of all genders.
• Body shame is linked to lower self-esteem, eating disorders, depression, social anxiety, and avoidance of health screenings.
• The types of body shaming comments that trigger it most commonly involve weight, shape, skin imperfections, physical proportions, sexual or gender characteristics.
• Sociocultural ideals of attractiveness promoted in media set unrealistic standards that are nearly impossible for most people to achieve, fueling body dissatisfaction.
• Other factors like trauma history, bullying, lack of parental support during puberty can exacerbate body shame tendencies.
• Even subtle, "helpful" comments about weight or appearance from friends/family with best intentions can backfire and breed shame.
• Body neutrality and appreciation movements aim to counter narrow beauty ideals by embracing diversity and focusing on health, abilities over just aesthetics.
• Mindfulness, compassionate self-talk, surrounding oneself with body-positive influences, and disconnecting worth from looks can help manage body shame over time.
• Collectively dismantling weightism and shifting focus from "perfection" to "human" is important to reduce impact of body shame on populations. 

Body shame is a complex issue rooted in sociocultural and psychological factors, not personal failure, and deserves understanding and support to overcome.

We must act now.

Prompts

1. “No amount of self-improvement can make up for any lack of self-acceptance.” – Robert Holden. How do you understand this quote?

2. Examine how the 'ideal' body has changed throughout history and the role of societal pressures in body shaming.

3. Analyze the role media plays in perpetuating body shaming and how it can be used to promote body positivity instead.

4. Share a personal story or experience with body shaming and how it affected you or someone you know.

All candidates must answer one of these questions via writing, speech or artwork.

Entry Requirements

Entry is open to students from any country and any school. Candidates must be 20 years old, or younger, on the date of the submission deadline.

Key Dates​​

EST 11:59 PM on 1st October 2023: Submission deadline

15th October: Short-listed candidates notified

Winners will be announced in 26th October 2023.

Awards
Each major category will award one Grand Prize, First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, and Honorable Mention(Shortlisted). The Grand Prize winner will receive a cash prize of $150 or 1000 RMB.

Embracing Every Body          

Throughout history, different body types and features have been idealized in various cultures, perpet-uating unrealistic standards that contribute to body shaming. The act of mocking someone’s physical appearance, including size, shape, skin color, or other perceived flaws, is a harmful and pervasive cultural phenomenon that can have serious emotional and psychological consequences for individuals targeted by it.
     

As middle school students, your voices are powerful agents of change. Through your writing, explorethe concept of body shaming, its effects on individuals and society, and ways we can promote body
positivity and inclusivity.
          

Prompts 

1. Understanding Body Shaming. Define what body shaming is and provide examples of how it can manifest in everyday life. You can share personal experiences, observations, or stories you’ve heard.

2. Discuss how body shaming can impact individuals’ self-esteem, mental health, and overall well-being. Use real-life examples to highlight the emotional toll it can take on people.

3. Share ideas for promoting body positivity and self-love among your peers, family, and community. How can we create a more supportive environment that celebrates diversity in appearances?

All candidates must answer one of these questions via writing.

Entry Requirements

Entry is open to students from any country and any school. Candidates must be 15 years old, or younger, on the date of the submission deadline.

Key Dates​​

EST 11:59 PM on 1st October 2023: Submission deadline

15th October: Short-listed candidates notified

Winners will be announced in 26th October 2023.

Awards
This competition will award one Grand Prize, First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, and Honorable Mention(Shortlisted). The Grand Prize winner will receive a cash prize of $150 or 1000 RMB.