There has recently been a big re-evaluation within the body positivity movement about smaller, white bodies taking up too much space. There has been confusion, not just on my part but for many. And that’s okay! I’m here to clear that up. Raffela_mancuso (WE LOVE HER!) sparked a debate that has made every slim white ‘body positivity’ activist take a step back and take time to recognise the privilege they have and the space that they are taking up.
Firstly, it is important to recognise the movements roots. ‘Body Positivity’ Is a product of the fat liberation movement. Created by Queer, Black women in the US, It was made for marginalized bodies to have a safe space to share, love and talk about their experiences with their bodies. Since the movement developed from Fat Activism to Body Positivity, more topics such as racial justice, trans and queer inclusivity and the rights of less abled bodies have also been discussed.
The goal of the ‘ Body Positivity’ movement is to address unrealistic beauty standards and to build the confidence of oneself and others, and to give a safe space for marginalized bodies. Whereas, being body positive, is striving to have a positive outlook on your body and to accept it as it is without trying to change it to fit societies ideals no matter who you are. This is where the mistake is occuring, the confusion between being body positive, learning to have self love and The ‘Body Positivity’ movement.
As this movement has grown, and more women have taken comfort from it. The confusion between being body positive and the ‘Body Positivity’ movement, has resulted in the women who created the movement, to have been pushed aside and forgotten. Their voices are not heard, because their space has been overcrowded by smaller white women promoting self-love in a space that was not made for them.
This is unfair, and it is mainly down to a lack of understanding about what the movement is, and an absence of admitting to privilege. I am guilty of this. It is my mistake to have put myself out under the body positive title when I am in fact preaching body acceptance and self-love. They are different.
‘Body positivity’ is a space specifically for marginialised bodies. Although, yes, there are so many strong and beautiful women sharing their experiences with gender and size equality, with image distortion and discovering their worth. There is so much amazing work being done from many women regarding bringing attention to things like disordered eating, stretch marks, cellulite and loving your bikini body as it is. But there is a massive lack of representation for women of colour, who have had these experiences as well as battling race equality and colourism. There is an extreme absence of fat women who do not convey to the conventional standards of beauty. ( Just type in body positivity into instagram and see for yourself.)
As a white slim women, I find myself in a privileged body. I am able to share my photos and stories with other women and am less likely to be judged. I am more likely to have my posts shared. I already have this privilege, and I do not need to take up space which was created for women whose voices struggle to be heard.
I have never been unable to purchase clothes from a store or have had to ask for an extender seatbelt. I have not been to the doctor with a cold and been told to lose weight. This is because, although it may not feel like it to me, I am a slim self-love activist. I have never experienced racism or been excluded from something because of the colour of my skin, this because I am white and that comes with privilege. I am a straight, cis women and I do not have to face the judgement or prejudice that a queer or transgender person might face. I am an abled bodied woman who does not get the judgement that a less abled bodied person might face. That is my privilege.
It is because of this, that I no longer feel comfortable calling myself a Body Positive activist. Although I am just a little account, and do not take up a space on a global scale, I am not one who needs to take up any space within the movement and deprive marginalised bodies the platform that they deserve.
This does not mean that my own difficulties with Self- Love and Body Acceptance are not valid. This does not mean I will not talk about body image or distorted eating, because that is something, I am passionate about and will share. This does not mean I will no longer post about the trials I face. This also does not mean that your own trials are not relevant, your voice deserves to be heard. You have a right to share your feelings and trials and please reach out to anyone who is helpful to you. Learning to love and accept your body is for everybody, and everybody has relevant struggles that someone somewhere can relate too.
This just means that it is impertinent that we are more considerate about where we share our stories, and where our place is within the Self-Love / Body Positivity movement.
If there is at least one person that can relate to what I promote or believe in and that I can help feel less alone, then what I do is worth it. It just belongs under Self-love instead.
I hope this clears up, and please feel free to message me on instagram with any questions. Stay safe, love to you all.
Thepositivemindsbody 