Editorial
Let’s stand against body-shaming
Dear Editor,
Body-shaming is a phenomenon of criticising yourself or others because of some aspect of physical appearance.
Criticising another’s appearance in front of them, (i.e.: “With those thighs, you’re never going to find a date.”) Criticising another’s appearance without their knowledge. (i.e.:“Did you see what she’s wearing today? Not flattering.” “At least you don’t look like her!”)
Females are not the only ones who are body-shamed but males also, and it’s clear that ladies are the ones who are mostly criticized on their body sizes.
Body-shaming is not only talking bad about the physical appearance of both genders but also when someone receives insults such as “your head like car tyre” “your big eyes like eggs” “ your tiny legs like chopsticks” and a whole lot, are also body shaming.
People used to appreciate other forms of body stature and shapes but the story has changed. In this article I point out the problems and its various shades.
Whether you call someone “too fat” or “too slim,” one thing is clear: nobody should feel ashamed of their weight, clothing size, body-shape or have low self esteem on their beauty or looks.
The media is one of the main cause of body shaming. The media sometimes offer tips about how to lose weight “in days,” appear slimmer “instantly,” and hide our “imperfections.
Walden Behavioral Care however provides some tips on how to curb body- shaming. In order to challenge body shaming one most do the following:
Practise identifying why you are upset about a situation. Think of people who celebrate their body for what it can do, and people who refuse to comment on others’ physical appearances.
Spending time with these people can be especially helpful while you are struggling with your own internalised body-shaming, and help you view yourself – and others – more positively.
Find something (or things) you LIKE about your body. We spend so much time on advertisements about how to make our eyelashes millimetres longer and how to get whiter teeth that it’d be nice to counter some of that by celebrating what we.
Edward Nartey,
Student, Ghana Institute of Journalism
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to express my growing concern about the increasing display of adult content on some television stations in the country.
These programmes, often aired during hours when children are most likely to be watching, pose a serious threat to their moral development and general well-being.
Television remains one of the strongest influences on young people, and stations have a responsibility to ensure that their content reflects the values we seek to instil in our society.
Unfortunately, some channels appear to prioritise sensationalism and profit over public safety and decency.
Such content not only exposes children to material they are not prepared to process but also undermines parents’ efforts to guide their behaviour.
I call on the National Media Commission (NMC) and other regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring and enforce stricter guidelines to protect viewers, especially minors.
Broadcasters must be reminded of their duty to promote responsible and wholesome programming.
Our airwaves should uplift, educate, and inform — not endanger the moral fabric of the next generation.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra
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Dear Editor,
I AM writing to share my thoughts on the ongoing issue at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, which has attracted national attention after the Deputy Attorney General released a statement in court.
The matter is about whether Muslim students are being denied the right to freely practice their religion, and whether they are being compelled to follow practices that go against their faith.
To me, this is not just a legal issue but a question of fairness and respect in our schools.
While the Constitution guarantees every student the right to practice their faith, schools also have traditions and rules that must be respected. As the saying goes, “When you go to Rome, you do what Romans do.” If a teacher is teaching, it is not right for a student to suddenly leave for prayers. That disrupts learning.
Instead, schools should provide a clear time and place for worship, so that students can honour their faith without disturbing academic work. There is time for everything; time to learn, and time to pray.
Wesley Girls SHS can continue to uphold its Methodist heritage while also respecting the rights of Muslim students.
This compromise will protect unity and ensure that our schools remain places of both discipline and inclusion.
Princess Wonovi
Accra
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