Shattering Stereotypes: Celebrating Body Diversity and Inclusivity

If there’s one thing society is great at, it’s perpetuating impossibly narrow beauty standards about what constitutes the ‘ideal’ body. Everywhere we turn, we’re inundated with imagery and messaging reinforcing that the only acceptable body types are slim, toned, blemish-free and conventionally attractive according to very dated, exclusionary norms.

While logically we may know that these outdated ideals are a load of rubbish, they can still subliminally seep into our psyches and seed self-doubt. We start criticising our curves, bone structures or skin variations as ‘flaws’ that should be fixed or camouflaged rather than embraced. No wonder body image issues are so widespread! But what can we do to shatter these stereotypes and celebrate ourselves just as we are?

1 Redefine Perfection

The following might seem like a radical idea, but in reality it’s probably something we should have done long ago: instead of wasting energy on relentlessly trying to change ourselves, let’s redefine what ‘perfect’ is.

We don’t have to align ourselves with stiff societal expectations of beauty and achievable physiques. Think about it, perfection by its very nature is exclusionary and impossible to attain. As soon as certain features or body types are labelled perfect, it automatically demeans and alienates virtually everyone else who doesn’t fit that mould. We should probably be asking ourselves why we even buy into these misguided attitudes that are rooted in oppression.

True perfection is about celebrating yourself and others in all our breath-taking, natural variety. We can shatter stereotypes and disrupt conventions by:

 

Broadening definitions: reject rigid archetypes of ‘ideal’ body shapes, weights, skin tones and heights. Pay attention to your inner voice, and delete any limiting words or negative descriptions of bodies. 

 

Finding inspiration: look for diverse representations of different body types and styles on social media, in promotional marketing and within your friendship circles. Let these images inspire you to learn to love the breadth of beauty around you.

 

Developing self-acceptance: notice when you start sliding into that critical space of scrutinising any of your physical traits as ‘imperfections’. Use your affirmations or mantras to change the course of your thoughts. Remember, you have nothing to fix.

 

Valuing uniqueness: appreciate the infinite variations that make every person’s body a masterpiece. What makes you unmistakably you is something to cherish and celebrate.

 

2 Find True Beauty

When you start to free yourself from societal conditioning around the physical attributes that are celebrated, you open up a whole new plane for experiencing beauty in its boundless forms. True beauty has nothing to do with physical ideals. Instead, we are beautiful if we can live with self-love and embody the following qualities:

 

Authenticity: think about whether you show up daily as your honest, imperfect, quirky self.  That rawness, bravery and vulnerability is beautiful.

 

Confidence: if you are completely assured in who you are, and are fiercely self-accepting (without being arrogant), you will exude magnetic charisma.

 

Kindness: few things are lovelier than someone whose essence is compassion, empathy and care for others.

 

Resilience: if you have overcome obstacles and darkness yet still shine brightly, you demonstrate the beauty of incredible inner strength.

 

Passion: finding and pursuing your purpose is an admirable form of inner beauty.

 

These qualities are types of holistic beauty that radiate from within, expanding your possibilities and opening minds. This is the beauty that transcends shape, size, colour, physical ability and any other contrived physical attribute.

 

3 Expand Representations of Beauty

Disrupting pervasive bodily stereotypes and biases won’t happen overnight. It’s an endurance race of purposely exposing yourself to more diverse media representations that better reflect the beautiful variety across society.

Follow and support content creators and brands who intentionally showcase different bodies, skin tones, ages, abilities and gender expression without any inherent judgment or alterations. When looking for inspiration on health, fitness, nutrition, fashion or any other interest, prioritise those providing inclusive imagery.

 

Final Thoughts

Let’s broaden our minds as a collective to celebrate the myriad unique ways humans show up in this world through our physical forms. In doing so, we can liberate ourselves from being caged by the media who perpetuate dated, oppressive stereotypes. There’s room for all forms of beauty to be seen, appreciated and embraced as equal.