Media Representation and Body Shaming:Why do the media shame some bodies while praising others?

By Phanice Rono 

Though they have never been constant, beauty standards are evolving more quickly now than in the past. On Instagram and TikTok, bodies trend like fashion items. Timelines are dominated by incredibly thin figures one year. Curves are praised in the next. After the rise of fitness culture, "soft life" aesthetics take over. Some bodies are more acceptable than others, which is a subtle but impactful message.

Body shaming rarely manifests itself in an obvious way. It can be disguised as "health concerns," jokes, or comparison posts. Some public personalities are made fun of for their looks, but once they conform to the prevailing ideal, they receive praise. This change reveals something unsettling: acceptance is frequently contingent.

Perception is greatly influenced by media representation. Audiences internalize a standard when one body type is continuously emphasized as desirable in ads, influencers, and celebrity endorsements. People eventually start comparing themselves to carefully chosen, frequently filtered or altered images. People who don't fit the popular aesthetic may feel judged or invisible. 

The speed at which the standard is evolving further complicates matters. A body type that was disapproved of in one time period might be praised in another. This implies that media acclaim is more about trends and marketability than it is about authenticity or health.

Rejecting beauty or denying preferences is not the problem. It is about asking why there is such an unequal distribution of admiration. The media perpetuates hierarchy when it routinely highlights some shapes while marginalizing others.

Appreciating diversity without making it the newest fashion trend would be the definition of true progress. The value of bodies shouldn't change based on current trends. Body positivity will continue to be selective until representation is truly inclusive rather than merely fads.