Social media makes it easier to shame someone without having to actually look them in the eye.

To decide who is too fat, too skinny, too different and then have at them.

Body shaming is another form of hurtful and dangerous bullying because, as with bullying, the victim often eventually believes the criticism.

Here’s a good defense:

• Point out the uniqueness, the beauty and the goodness of people instead of focusing on the physical.
• Even when paying compliments we can inadvertently tie perceived good looks to a value they do not deserve.  My best friend Jimmy Weinraub had it right when he improved on “Your hair is beautiful” replacing it with “Your hair is as beautiful as you are a person”.  Then he would share a quick, authentic example that backed it up — “It was very considerate of you to bring cupcakes for everyone”.
• I love this one – think about and share with others how people’s bodies change over a lifetime as they age.  Tight abs can become a beer belly.  And this applies to everyone including the bully who is hurling shame towards their victims.  Never tie beauty only to physical looks because beauty is an ever-changing thing.
• Everyone pointing a finger at another has three pointing back at them, which means often the things bullies direct at others in hurtful behavior are weaknesses they see in themselves.

Don’t tolerate body shaming — set an example to friends, co-workers and children that it’s what’s inside them that counts.

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